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Schedule:
April 27, 2026: 6-8pm PT - An Introduction to Rioja
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, with centuries of history and tradition. Fantastic old-school Rioja is still wonderfully expressive of the region’s history, but there are currently many dynamic trends: village and single-vineyard wines, a greater appreciation of terroir, white wines from old and newly-discovered varieties, different vessels for ageing, and a willingness to experiment while remaining true to the essence of Rioja. Join us for a tasting of six wines from Rioja to explore the diversity of such an important, ever-changing region.
May 4, 2026: 6-8pm PT - Spain Beyond Rioja
Since the 1970s, Spanish wine has changed completely. Once obscure regions are now central to the country’s culture, ambitious winemakers have revived abandoned regions, and local varieties have re-emerged - making Spain’s history contemporary. Join us for a tasting of six wines to help understand—and of course enjoy—the regions and grape varieties across Spain.
May 11, 2026: 6-8pm PT - The Sparkling Wines of Spain - and Beyond
Spanish sparkling wine is most famous for Cava, and in this tasting we’ll show just how good Cava can be. The two big Cava producers are well known for a certain style , but there are so many great small producers making distinctive wine that reflects the glorious Mediterranean climate of Catalunya. To make things interesting, we’ll taste the wines blind to compare without prejudice the wines of Cava with Champagne, Prosecco, and California. There is no pressure here, just a chance to taste and appreciate some great bubbles!
May 18, 2026: 6-8pm PT - International Spain
Spain has influenced and been influenced by many other countries. El Camino de Santiago, which passes through Rioja, brought many French pilgrims across northern Spain. When phylloxera hit Bordeaux, winemakers turned to Rioja for help and transformed the region’s wines. Three famous international grape varieties—Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre—are Spanish. In turn, sherry wouldn’t exist as we know it if weren’t for the English traders and consumers. In this class, we taste Rioja and Bordeaux together to explore their historical connections, along with a Spanish Garnacha and a French Grenache, and two very different styles of sherry. The journey across Spain concludes with a journey beyond Spain.