Wine is a marvelous, though sometimes bewildering thing. It can be so easy to enjoy, yet also, so intimidating. There is much to know: grape varieties, vintages, regions, white, red, pink and now, orange(!), organic, biodynamic, ‘natural.’ And, God-forbid you choose the wrong wine with dinner!
Fortunately, a bit of lively information, along with a few sips (or more), can make the whole world of wine both comprehensible and exciting.

Palate Savvy wine seminars and dinners are fun, engaging ways to increase wine knowledge. Not only will you learn about fundamentals like grape varieties, regions, and wine styles but you’ll also hear some of the histories and cultures that underline them. And you’ll discover strategies for pairing wines with multiple dishes, as well as tips for selecting wines for any occasion, whether in a shop or in a restaurant.

Most seminars feature an interactive talk about wines and their history, plus a tasting of between 5 to 10 different wines that illustrate the focus.

They offer terrific opportunities for team building, professional development, increasing social currency (who doesn’t want to be the person who can choose a great wine for dinner?), and personal enjoyment.

Events can be tailored to meet client needs, but here are some popular themes:

The Great Challenge: France versus the New World, a comparative tasting of wines from classic French wine regions matched against New World acolytes. For example: Bordeaux versus Napa Cabernet, Red Burgundy versus Oregon Pinot Noir, Sancerre versus New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Hermitage versus Australian Shiraz.

Mediterranean Savvy: A tasting of wines made around the Mediterranean, for example: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Lebanon, North Africa.

California Dreaming: A vinous tour through the state’s diverse wines. Not just Cab, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel!

Wines of Summer: Not only white and rosés.

It’s Only Natural : An engaged understanding of ‘natural’ wines.

Bubble, Bubble: The world of sparkling wine from Champagne to Cava to Prosecco to Sparkling Shiraz.

Region focused: Experiencing the diversity to be found within a single, classic wine region, like Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Champagne, the Loire, Rioja, Tuscany, Piedmont, etc.

Country focused: Highlights that reflect a country’s viticultural heritage. Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, etc.

Cost: Pricing is based on a few factors, including the theme selected (wines from some regions simply cost more than others), the number of people in attendance, venue, and selection of glassware, etc. Generally, though, seminars run for between $50-120 per person. Personalized dinners with guests at your home or in a restaurant can also be arranged. Palate Savvy is happy to discuss multiple possibilities to offer an enjoyable, informative event that meets your budget.