Tasting Blindly...in Atascadero...

The Goddess of Wine had the opportunity to lead a group of students through a blind tasting at the Fossil Wine Bar in Atascadero. This is what I told them as we tasted through the 6 wines pre-poured for them.

The world of wine tasting often seems magical and esoteric. It’s not really. And it’s easier than you think to taste wine blind. In fact, you may be already using many of the techniques that so-called experts use. There are four basic steps to tasting wine – and these can be used whether or not you’re tasting blind:

Tasting Blind! March edition...

The Goddess of Wine had her way with another intrepid group of tasters as she led them through the wild world of blind wine tasting. As always, students were provided with tasting grids and aroma wheels to help them with their discoveries.

I provided few clues for the class: None of the wines were from California. A student asked if there was any Zinfandel or Pinot Noir. Nope. I encouraged them to think outside of their comfort zone, to trust what they were smelling and tasting.

The wines - mostly from my own cellar - were all from different regions of Italy. Because I like Italian wines, and I had enough to share. And I enjoy torturing my classes with wines they probably have not encountered. That may sound evil, but my aim is to have the group focus on what they are actually smelling and tasting, and not worry about whether or not they're right or wrong. It's all about trusting your senses and building from there.

The Goddess of Wine started a new program at the Morro Bay Wine Seller! Going forward, the last Wednesday of the month will be #WineWednesday #TastingBlind!

For our first blind tasting session on January 30th, we had an enthusiastic group of tasters. As in prior blind tasting classes, I provided aroma and tasting guidelines and grids. And as always, discoveries were made, 'aha' moments occurred, and many laughs were had.

Recovering from the Holidays - Tasting Blind...

Setting up

The Goddess of Wine had a rambunctious crowd of tasters at the Morro Bay Wine Seller, all eager to test their sensory perceptions about wine. The initial 8 wines were bagged for security reasons, and #FirstAcolyte, JD, pre-poured all the wines before the class took their seats.

Everyone received tasting grids on which to write their notes, as well as aroma charts to help them with descriptors and vocabulary. The results were, as always, fun and interesting. Several individuals were delighted to discover their strengths; others realized they needed more practice.

Wining while "Tasting Blind!"

One of the things I love most about teaching about wine is the 'aha' moment that occurs when students suddenly realize something that had never occurred to them before. Several of those moments happened Wednesday night when I led an intent group of acolytes through a blind tasting.

I brought in 8 wines from all over the world, and provided the group with a tasting grid that included sample descriptors to help them find the appropriate words for what they were smelling and tasting.

I gave them a few hints to start:
All the wines were visibly red.
All the wines were between 2 and 5 years old.
And the most important clue of all: There were multiple instances of the same grape varietal.

Tasting Blind...with the Goddess of Wine!

We sure had some fun tasting those "little-known" wines from Spain and Portugal, but now we're going to put your palate to the test!

Have you always wanted to taste wine like the pros? Here's your chance!

Join the Goddess of Wine, Denise Lowe, for an evening of "blind" wine tasting to test your senses of sight, smell, and taste! We'll taste through several wines as you learn tips and tricks to WOW your friends!

Light munchies will be provided by #JDBakes.

Must be 21 years or more to attend.

Limited seating, so reservations are required. 
$35 per person

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018, at the Morro Bay Wine Seller
601 Embarcadero #5, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Click HERE to purchase your tickets!

Oh, and don't worry...we won't actually blindfold you!

Cheers!

Name That Wine! A Blind Tasting Experience!

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, 

WE HAVE TO CANCEL THIS CLASS. 

STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE EVENTS!

Have you always wanted to taste wine like the pros? Here's your chance!


Join the Goddess of Wine, Denise Lowe, for an evening of "blind" wine tasting to test your senses of sight, smell, and taste! We'll taste through several wines as you learn tips and tricks to WOW your friends!

Light munchies will be provided by #JDBakes.




Must be 21 years or more to attend.

Don't wait to reserve your glass!  
$45/Public or $35/MBWS Member or Wine Trade

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, at the Morro Bay Wine Seller
601 Embarcadero #5, Morro Bay, CA 93442
805-772-8388