Join us for a another lively introductory wine class with Lauren Gonzalez and Sarah Mansourian de Ayala of Animate Wine Collective. Lauren and Sarah are the founders of Animate Wine Collective, a Seattle-based wine company specializing in educational and entertaining wine tastings. Their goal is to bring wine to life by telling its story within a historical, geographical & culinary context. They champion small producers who are creating wines in a sustainable and regenerative fashion.
This isn't your typical stuffy wine course; it's a fun plunge into the world of wine knowledge. We’ll begin the evening with some nibbles and bubbles, and a little time to mingle before beginning our wine journey.
Mastering the art of tasting:
Swirl, sniff, sip, and savor like a pro as we guide you through tasting a range of wines. Learn the secret language of wine legs, bouquets, and finishes – all in plain English, no snobbery allowed!
Crack the code of wine lists and labels. Ever felt baffled by a restaurant's wine selection? We'll turn you into a menu master, decoding terms from Chablis to cuvée. And at the wine shop? You'll be spotting top picks like a treasure hunter, armed with insider tips on labels and smart buys.
In just one evening, you'll taste six wines and go from wine newbie to the one who knows their Merlot from their Malbec. Come join us for a sip and a laugh, and let's raise a glass to learning more together!
Topics will include:
Wine tasting like a pro – What to look/smell/taste for in a wine and why?
How to assess a wine – What makes a wine good? What makes a wine age-worthy?
How to choose a wine
Making sense of a wine list
What to look for in a grocery store or wine shop
How to decode a wine label
How to sound intelligent about wine – When do you send a wine back? What do you like and how do you describe it? We’ll decode common wine terminology and help suggest some new wines to try.
Workshop limited to 16 attendees (*must be 21 years old to attend). Event includes tasting six wines (one sparkly aperitif, two whites, two reds and one surprise wine). This workshop will take place on Mercer Island.