Comments on: Free wine tastings, a tonic for the times

By: MrTaz

MrTaz — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:19:56 +0000

Mrs. Taz and I have a standing Friday night date that starts with a tasting at a local wine shop. Always fun, and, as you said, a great way to try different wines. But not usually as stellar a selection as you had in in Pound Ridge.

By: Jane Kettlewell

Jane Kettlewell — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:17:33 +0000

Great suggestions as to stores with interesting line-ups and tastings. Also recommend adding to the list The Wine Room of Forest Hills, owned and run by Carolina knowledgeable staff and terrific range of largely Italian wines. They’re always hosting tastings and events. Info available at http://www.thewineroomoffh.com

By: Geri

Geri — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:30:19 +0000

Jesse:

Some Livermore wineries offer free tastings if you’re interested (but if you’re in Southern California it will be a drive). I’m hearing the latest, greatest wines are organics. If you want to learn more read http://www.newrinkles.com/index.php/archive/organic-vines-create-better-wines/

By: Jesse Porter

Jesse Porter — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:18:58 +0000

I guess that’s the downside of living here in California. Buying wine in grocery stores is nice, but it’s impossible to find a free tasting anywhere…

Oh, that and the fires. Also a downside.

By: Laura in Burgundy

Laura in Burgundy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:44:11 +0000

Living here in Burgundy, where we just had a disastrous 2008 wine aquction in Beaune (yesterday) I can’t imagine the small winemakers charging for tatsing. It would change the whole ethos over here…yuck.

Laura in Burgundy (from over at http://www.grapejournal.blogspot.com)

By: WTG

WTG — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:34:33 +0000

Very interesting. Does sound quite gray though…

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:31:55 +0000

@WTG – true. There is certainly a gray area. It may have to do with the “educational” component; the people pay for the instruction and the wine is free.

Thanks, Dylan!

By: Dylan

Dylan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:47:51 +0000

Wow! Great writing, I didn’t even see it coming that this kind of event would be free. I was strung along by all those big numbers you mentioned and am now inspired to give this a go myself.

Thanks for the post.

By: WTG

WTG — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:03:41 +0000

So True Dr. Vino!

But how do wine shops like Chelsea Wine Vault or Bacchus do formal wine tastings that they charge money to attend? Is this legal???

Thanks!