The Hidden California 2

It’s time for round 2 of our ‘Hidden California’ series, brought to you by NYC wine co. and the Bottle Barn.  We have four cases of each wine, enough for 48 people to sign up, so do not hesitate!  We hope you will join us, and not to worry if you missed the first 'Hidden California', this is a whole new series.  

Like we did in February, we will explore the hidden bounty of the Golden State.  We have an Aglianico from El Dorado County, a sparkling Albariño from the San Joaquin River Delta, and an elegant Italian blend from Mendocino.  But we will also explore three bottles from here in Sonoma County, wines that fly under the radar because the people making them are more about the vineyard than they are about the marketing. 

Since moving to Sonoma County last year, I’ve tasted through countless wines, and the six-pack on offer is the cream of the crop.  And while a couple of the wines can be found in the NY/NJ area, most rarely leave the state.  But rarity aside, these wines are all produced in small lots, made by hand, and crafted with care.  And that’s what matters most.

We’ll meet three times, tasting a pair of whites in the first class, followed by red wines in the second and third classes. And while one or two will be big and bold (California’s forte), others will be delicate and pretty, lithe and supple. In other words, something for everyone, but far from ordinary. 

Zoom Details

• We will meet for three sessions, with each session covering two wines, and lasting for around one hour.  The $45 registration fee covers ALL three sessions.
• All sessions are recorded, allowing you to view them again later, or to watch any sessions you might miss.
• One week 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 

Please contact [email protected] for inquiry.

The Upside Of Zoom

Fortunately, Covid seems to be in the rearview mirror, but it dragged on long enough that we were unable to hold onto our venue space.  We hope to find an alternate space later this year, but in the interim, 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. 
• Some classes meet multiple sessions.  This allows more time to absorb information, let it sink in, think of questions, then ask those questions.  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.