Upcoming Seminars & Events
What makes my seminars unique? I present them from a Winemaker's perspective!
*Currently, there is nothing planned, but watch this page for upcoming events!*
Past Seminars/Events
Focus on Terroir --- A Taste of Rioja & The Spanish Basque Country
Hola! Kaixo! I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Central and Northern Spain, where I was studying the local wines and food of the region. Now, I'd like to share what I discovered with you!
Although my husband and I visited Barcelona, Madrid, Rioja, and the Basque Country, our favorite areas for wine and food were Rioja and San Sebastian (otherwise known as Donostia by the local Basque people), so those are the regions I'd like to focus on in this seminar. You will get to enjoy several delicious wines, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha-focused reds, Viura and Tempranillo Blanco-based whites, and the iconic txakolis ("cha-ko-lees") from the Basque region, to name a few. You will also have the opportunity to pair these wines with a flight of pintxos ("peen-chos"), a sort of tapas enjoyed in the Basque region, to heighten the experience. I will also be showing some photos from my trip, which will probably make you want to check out the areas yourself.
Hola! Kaixo! I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Central and Northern Spain, where I was studying the local wines and food of the region. Now, I'd like to share what I discovered with you!
Although my husband and I visited Barcelona, Madrid, Rioja, and the Basque Country, our favorite areas for wine and food were Rioja and San Sebastian (otherwise known as Donostia by the local Basque people), so those are the regions I'd like to focus on in this seminar. You will get to enjoy several delicious wines, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha-focused reds, Viura and Tempranillo Blanco-based whites, and the iconic txakolis ("cha-ko-lees") from the Basque region, to name a few. You will also have the opportunity to pair these wines with a flight of pintxos ("peen-chos"), a sort of tapas enjoyed in the Basque region, to heighten the experience. I will also be showing some photos from my trip, which will probably make you want to check out the areas yourself.
A Celebration of Sparkling Wine
That most polarizing of all holidays is almost upon us: Valentine's Day (or Galentine's Day, as some prefer to celebrate it with their best girlfriends). For those who love to celebrate the holiday, though, it wouldn't be complete without bubbly! Most wine-drinkers love this unique style of wine, but how much do you know about it? Did you know that there is more than one way to make it? Did you know that there are sweet versions, bone-dry versions, and everything in between? Did you know that France makes not only Champagne but also Cremant; Italy makes not only Prosecco, but also Franciacorta; that Spain makes not only Cava, but also Corpinnat? Come join me and find out what these wines are all about, and better yet, how they taste! We will taste several examples of some of the most delicious sparkling wines, carefully curated by yours truly.
As sparkling wine is one of the most versatile food-pairing wines in the world, they make fantastic gifts or additions to your Valentine's Day dinner. Come get some great suggestions at various price points --- you might just find your new favorite sparkler!
That most polarizing of all holidays is almost upon us: Valentine's Day (or Galentine's Day, as some prefer to celebrate it with their best girlfriends). For those who love to celebrate the holiday, though, it wouldn't be complete without bubbly! Most wine-drinkers love this unique style of wine, but how much do you know about it? Did you know that there is more than one way to make it? Did you know that there are sweet versions, bone-dry versions, and everything in between? Did you know that France makes not only Champagne but also Cremant; Italy makes not only Prosecco, but also Franciacorta; that Spain makes not only Cava, but also Corpinnat? Come join me and find out what these wines are all about, and better yet, how they taste! We will taste several examples of some of the most delicious sparkling wines, carefully curated by yours truly.
As sparkling wine is one of the most versatile food-pairing wines in the world, they make fantastic gifts or additions to your Valentine's Day dinner. Come get some great suggestions at various price points --- you might just find your new favorite sparkler!
All About Oak
The mighty oak---we all know and love it for its strength, durability, and beauty. We use it for shade, for enhancing our landscapes; for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and (once upon a time) even as a food source by local tribes of indigenous people. However, we also discovered that it can be a durable alternative to redwood for storing wine, and one that adds a depth of texture and flavor enhancement, as well.
In this class, we will go through a brief history of using oak in winemaking, the regions and forests where it grows the best and the straightest for use in coopering (barrel-making), and contrast and compare the different aromas, textures, and flavors that it can impart in wine. We will taste and smell some wines made without oak, as well as with different types of oak. If the demand is there, I will offer a follow-up class on coopering (and maybe even a field trip to a cooperage!).
The mighty oak---we all know and love it for its strength, durability, and beauty. We use it for shade, for enhancing our landscapes; for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and (once upon a time) even as a food source by local tribes of indigenous people. However, we also discovered that it can be a durable alternative to redwood for storing wine, and one that adds a depth of texture and flavor enhancement, as well.
In this class, we will go through a brief history of using oak in winemaking, the regions and forests where it grows the best and the straightest for use in coopering (barrel-making), and contrast and compare the different aromas, textures, and flavors that it can impart in wine. We will taste and smell some wines made without oak, as well as with different types of oak. If the demand is there, I will offer a follow-up class on coopering (and maybe even a field trip to a cooperage!).
Fantasy Wine Brand Creation
Ever wanted to play winemaker for the day? Have a fantasy of starting your own wine brand? Learn how and why a Winemaker creates blends, then, using the same tools used in a winery, try your hand at creating your own! Play around with marketing your brand by giving your blend its own fanciful name and draw up a label design and slogan for your brand.
This event is great for groups and pairs, working as a team to put together a winning product and decide how to pitch it to the market (or, at least, the other event attendees!). This crowd-pleasing event is always popular and a fun way to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to create a successful wine brand!
Ever wanted to play winemaker for the day? Have a fantasy of starting your own wine brand? Learn how and why a Winemaker creates blends, then, using the same tools used in a winery, try your hand at creating your own! Play around with marketing your brand by giving your blend its own fanciful name and draw up a label design and slogan for your brand.
This event is great for groups and pairs, working as a team to put together a winning product and decide how to pitch it to the market (or, at least, the other event attendees!). This crowd-pleasing event is always popular and a fun way to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to create a successful wine brand!
Focus on Terroir --- The Wines of Baja
The Guadalupe Valley in Baja, Mexico may be one of the last places you would think of when you think of great wine. However, this region has been making wine for many years, and is currently having explosive growth in world-class wineries, restaurants, and resorts. Come and explore some of the fantastic wines coming out of that region!
The Guadalupe Valley in Baja, Mexico may be one of the last places you would think of when you think of great wine. However, this region has been making wine for many years, and is currently having explosive growth in world-class wineries, restaurants, and resorts. Come and explore some of the fantastic wines coming out of that region!
All photos on this site are either stock or by Barrel Down Wine Services
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