Upcoming Seminar Schedule

Rioja produces some of the finest wines in Spain -- or the world for that matter. Build around the beautifully structured Tempranillo grape, Rioja wines are governed by some of the most strictly controlled regulations anywhere in the world. These production rules classify the wines of Rioja into one of four categories of escalating pre-release aging requirements. But the fun only starts there as the top producers often exceed the minimum standards of the region by extending the aging not only years but sometimes decades. Join official Rioja Wine Region Ambassador & Educator, Sam Schmitt for a Taste-and-Learn exploration of the wines and classification styles of Rioja

The first installment of our Italian Wine Foundations Series will feature the wines of Tuscany. Known for the Sangiovese based wines of Chianti and the Bordeaux influenced Super Tuscans, Tuscany is among the most diverse and finest wine growing regions in the world. In this in-depth exploration of Tuscan wines, we'll explore the history of the region and its grapes and the broad range of exceptional red and white wines that make Tuscany a favorite of wine enthusiasts and gastronomes!

The sixth installment of our French Wine Foundations series will explore the outstanding wines of Alsace. Tucked up against the French border across the Rhine river from Baden Germany, Alsace features many of the same grape varieties as its Bavarian neighbor but with an entirely different personality. Much warmer than its northerly latitude would suggest, the wines of Alsace are fragrant, intensely flavored, full bodied and are produced in a fully dry style in contrast to many German wines from the same variety. Join us for this Taste-and-Learn seminar and treat your palate to the noble grapes and wines of Alsace.

Syrah is one of the most terroir expressive wine grapes in the world, producing wines ranging from intensely deep colored and powerful to delicately aromatic with exquisitely nuanced flavors. This native variety of the France's Rhône region has also found new world homes in Australia and the U.S.A. featured prominently in many wines right here in Paso Robles. Join us for a taste-and-learn exploration of Syrah's origins, its myths and truths, and discover its many personalities driven by its chameleon-like ability to adapt to each region and vineyard it is grown in.

The second installment of our Italian Wine Foundations Series features the wines of Piedmont. This highly esteemed region in the foothills of the Alps Mountains (where it gets its name) is home to a broad spectrum of red, white, and sparkling wines from an equally diverse spectrum of wine grapes. In this taste-and-learn seminar, we'll explore the history of this diverse region and taste through its cornerstone wines based on Nebbiolo and Barberra along with several other wines and styles that only the "insiders" are familiar with!

Pinot noir produces some of the most coveted wines in the world, but do you know its history and family tree? It is every bit as captivating, complex, and surprising as the wines it produces. Join us for an exploration of Pinot noir's history and lineage, including an uncomplicated explanation of wine grape clones and crosses, while we taste and discuss great examples of Pinot noir and its closest relatives.

The seventh and final installment of our French Wine Foundations series takes us to the French Rivera and the region of Provence. Known as the Rosé wine capitol of the world, Provencal wines are dry, with intricately layered aromas and flavors and a fresh, vibrant acidity that is not only refreshing but amazingly food friendly. Spring wouldn't be the same without Rosé so we're wrapping up this cycle of our French Wine Foundation series just in time for Spring weather with the wines of Provence.

The anchor grape of Tuscany (or really Italy at large for that matter), Sangiovese is behind some of the most famous and sought after wines in the world. Join us for a fascinating taste-and-learn deep dive into Sangiovese's past, present and future while we explore some of its greatest hits and uncover sommelier secrets about lesser known Sangiovese wines that are just as amazing but extremely budget friendly.

In the third installment of our Italian Wine Foundations Series will explore the volcanic influenced regions of Campania, Sicily and Sardinia. These warm climate regions marked by some of the worlds most famous volcanos (Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. Etna) are home to many of the more exotic grape varieties indigenous to Italy that most people overlook in favor of the more recognizable wines of Tuscany and Piedmont. But these are serious wines with exceptional histories and eye-popping flavors and aromas. Join us for a taste-and-learn session on the incredible wines of these three exciting regions.

The fourth installment of our Italian Wine Foundations Series takes us to Veneto and the surrounding regions of Friuli Venzia-Guilia and Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy's northeast corner. This diverse group of wine regions has so much more to offer than the ubiquitous Pinot Grigios and Proseccos (although they are both refreshing and delicious). The Italian Alps and Dolomite mountains provide a dramatic back drop and amazing vineyard sites for electric white wines and finessed red wines with broadly diverse micro climates that deliver an equally broad spectrum of wine styles. Discover the local grapes and wines that are rarely found outside of this exclusive neighborhood that will amaze your palate and dazzle your wine-loving friends!

The fifth and final installment of this cycle of our Italian Wine Foundations Series will travel down Italy's Adriatic Coast exploring the wines and regions of Marche, Umbria (well, not exactly on the coast, in fact it's land-locked, but it is next door to Marche...), Abruzzo and Puglia. The more rustic wines of these regions offer perhaps the most authentic expressions of Italian wine culture. Somewhat bolder in presentation yet, exceptionally food friendly shaped over centuries to complement the cuisine of the Adriatic coastal states, these wines are hidden gems that match equally well with the backyard barbecue staples we share with our friends right here in Paso Robles. From grilled steaks, wood fired pizza, and baby back ribs to spicy pasta and crunchy bruschetta, discover wines that will bring Italian Dolce Vita spirit to your 2025 summer gatherings!