Mission Hill Family Estate is pleased to continue the series of tastings that will help hone your taste buds and refine your palate. Taste Mission Hill Family Estate wines alongside international counterparts of various regions and styles in this Sommelier led tasting.
- Pinot Noir - April 17th
Our comparative tasting will feature what some consider to be the finest grape in the world - Pinot Noir. Pinot can vary tremendously depending on where it is grown, and is the first grape you may think of when you hear the word terroir. We will look to explore this concept through a tasting of the benchmark areas of Oregon, Burgundy, New Zealand, and of course the Okanagan.
- Shiraz or Syrah? - April 24th
Shiraz vs Syrah - a showdown between the two different styles of this incredible grape. Textbook fruit forward Barossa Shiraz will be contrasted with a smokier, savage style from the Northern Rhone. Other examples will be tasted from the more recently proven regions of South Africa, Spain, and the Okanagan. A great opportunity to explore one of the most popular varietals in the world in its different incarnations.
- Pacific Northwest - May 15th
From Oregon Pinot Noir to Washington and Okanagan Syrah and Merlot, we will compare and contrast some of the greatest up and coming appellations around. Of particular interest will be contrasting some of the key varietals of one region to the next in a blind tasting format. Ultimately we will show that there is much more on the west coast of North America than Napa and Sonoma Valley.
- Exotic Blends - May 22nd
It could be said that the real art of winemaking is in the blending process. This seminar seeks to explore the "art of assemblage" and those wines that are comprised of varietals less traditional than the standard hallmarks of France. We will taste truly unique wines from Spain, Italy, Australia and more in an effort detach ourselves from traditional cuvees. Two vintages of Mission Hill's Quatrain will also be explained and enjoyed.
- Riesling - May 29th
This seminar will celebrate what many argue to be the greatest white wine on earth. We will hope to show that this misunderstood grape should not be written off as simply sweet, but rather one of the most complex varietals around. We will explore the impeccable balance that producers seek in Germany, Alsace, Australia and beyond.
- The Grapes of Bordeaux - June 5th
For our grand finale we will take a look at what is arguably the most famous wine region in the world - Bordeaux. We will compare and contrast wines of the famed St. Emilion and Paulliac, and see how some regions of the new world are holding up against the benchmarks with their "Bordeaux Blends" or "Meritage" offerings. We will also pour two of Mission Hill's flagship wines - our SLC Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and a back vintage of Oculus.
- The World of Whites - June 12th
As we prepare for the heat of summer we conclude this series with a look into the wide world of white wines. From benchmark Pinot Gris from the Okanagan or Gewurztraminer from the Alsace, to more obscure varietals from other corners of the world, this seminar will look into some of the many manifestations of the fairer grape. Taste Mission Hill's white wines beside their counterparts from the rest of world and be stimulated and refreshed.
$25 per person for 1 tasting, or buy a package and attend 3 different classes for only $60.
