I love everything about wine! I am fascinated by the differences made in the taste of a specific varietal – Pinot Noirs from Oregon are vastly different than those from California, Why? Different climates, soils, rainfall, sunshine – those are just some of the natural elements that determine taste, and the success (or failure) of some wines from year to year.
To taste some of those differences for yourselves, consider purchasing a bottle of Invino, Sarah Jessica Parker’s wine, made in New Zealand. Purchase a bottle of St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc from Napa. Pour a bit into each of two glasses and compare the flavors. You’ll find they are quite distinct and different. It has much to do with the terroir, as well as the decisions made by the winemaker.
I’ve included some of my favorites below:
Several years ago, someone gifted us with a bottle of the Caymus Cabernet. I had tasted it when we visited their winery – and loved it. The bottle pictured above was the vineyard’s 40th Anniversary bottle and I knew it would be special. We opened it one night, ready to share it with good friends, and the smell was just awful! We decanted it, debated whether or not to drink it, and finally decided to give it a try. It was – hands down – the most amazing bottle of wine I ever tasted!
After receiving my Level 2 certification as a Sommelier, I continued to sample some amazing – and some not so amazing – wines. I would imagine that’s a practice I will continue!
Throughout the last 5 years or so, I’ve conducted a number of wine tastings, pairing them with the foods that will enable both to shine! I usually plan on 4 wines paired with 4 foods.
You can structure the wines to fit your personal preference. I often start with a sparkling wine and end with a great red, such as a Zinfandel which pairs beautifully with chocolate.
If you prefer only whites or only reds, I can tailor the tasting to that.
It’s your tasting and it should be what you want!
Pricing:
Up to 6 people:
$100 service fee – selecting/purchasing wines, shopping for groceries, preparing food
$100 service fee – day of tasting, serve wine and food, discuss pairings
7-12 people
$150 service fee – selecting/purchasing wines, shopping for groceries, preparing food
$150 service fee – day of tasting, serve wine and food, discuss pairings
Costs for wine and food are based on your selections and market value.
The cost of food and wine is additional and is added to the service fee. There is no markup on the food or wine; it is simply what I spend at the store.
To talk more about a tasting, email me at becky@noblepairings.com, or call me at 402-290-1797.