Islands & Volcanoes

By far, one of my favorite class of the year. We’ll pour six wines. Some from islands. Some from volcanoes. Some from volcanoes on islands. We’ll talk about why these wines are unique, what sets them apart, and how to track them down.

Islands are a special habitat for growing grapes. When the vineyards hug the coast, the grapes soak up the sun by day, and enjoy cool breezes by night, courtesy of the cooling effects of the ocean. The sun allows complex flavors to develop, while the evening chill helps retain acidity, imparting freshness to the wines, and balance.

Volcanoes offer the same benefits, but here, it’s the high altitude that sends the thermometer south at night. Volcanoes also contain soils poor in nutrients, but high in mineral content. Such nutrient-deficient soils are actually wine’s best friend, as they force the vines to struggle, to dig, to hunt for what they need. In turn, they produce fewer grapes, but with more intense flavors, more stuffing, more of the good stuff.

We will sample bottles from many of the following: Canary Islands, Mount Etna, Monte Vulture, Santorini, Corsica, New Zealand, and more. A mix of whites and reds, all compelling, and perfect for year-round drinking. We hope you will join us. Thank you for your consideration.

 Zoom Details

• We will meet two times, with each session covering three wines, and lasting for around 75 minutes. The $45 registration fee covers both sessions.
• All classes are recorded, and links are emailed after class, allowing you to view them again later, or to watch any sessions you might miss.
• A few weeks before the first class, we will email you the Zoom links, as well as detailed notes with cheese pairing suggestions, recommendations on when to open the wines, and much more.
• Class reservations can always be rescheduled up until the start of the first class.

Wine Details

• We will taste a total of six wines (three per session). There are several ways to source the wines, as listed below. 
• The designated 6-pack for this class can be ordered from our retail partner, Flatiron Wines & Spirits, and costs $175 (plus tax & shipping). The wines will be shipped approximately two weeks before the start of class.
• If you prefer to source the wines yourself, just let us know! We’re happy to send you the wine list, along with suggestions on where to find them locally.
  
• If $175+ is pushing the budget too much, we’re happy to send you a list of alternative bottles you can source. They won’t be the exact same, of course, but certainly close enough to make the points being taught in class.

The Upside Of Zoom

Fortunately, Covid seems to be in the rearview mirror, but until fifteen people can cram together in a small space, the show must go on (via Zoom). Happily, there are many upsides to virtual classes. These include, but are not limited to:

• If you miss class, you can always watch the recording.
• Rather than meeting once, we’ll meet thrice. This allows more time to absorb information, let it sink in, then ask questions the next time we meet. You’ll be a pro in no time!
• Teaching wine requires the use of words, but pictures are equally important. With Zoom, you can expect graphs, maps, and lots of pretty pictures.
• We welcome questions and input during class, but if you’re shy, or have questions you’re afraid to ask, simply type into the chat bar and we’ll get you some answers.
• You can see us, and we’d like to see you, but if you’d rather be incognito, or do your best learning in your pajamas, you can always turn your camera off.
• When I teach in person, I often poll students for their preferences and opinions, and will ask for a show of hands. But sometimes, people are tepid to respond, or they vote after watching how other people vote. It’s human nature, of course, but with polling on Zoom, no reason to hold back.  If you love the wine, flash the heart emojis. Or, if it was worst wine you’ve ever had, we want to know!
• You’ll have tons of leftover wine to drink. In class, you’ll taste a couple ounces of each wine, but each bottle has 25.4 ounces. That leaves a lot of ounces for after hours consumption.