Tuesday, Sept 3rd No Tasting

Wednesday, Sept 4th Malbec & Pinot Noir

There are two grapes tearing up the time market today. Malbec from South America is going crazy these days. Why? Quality and price are the two fickle fingers of fate running this market. The grape has found a new home south of the border, there are so many down there it's hard to keep track of the releases.

Pinot Noir? As if you had to ask! Pinot rules are in effect here so be ready.

Thursday, Sept 5th California Picks - No Napa

Sonoma, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, Mendocino, Lodi, the list goes on and on. So we will too.

Beer? There is no need to hit below the belt!

Friday, Sept 6th Champagne & Bubbly Around the World

Located at a northern latitude of 49°N, the Champagne region lies at the northern edge of the world's vineyard-growing areas, with lower average temperatures than any other French wine region. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay are the primary grape varieties used to make Champagne, a recipe used for sparkling wines across the world.

It is a little-known fact that four other varieties are also permitted for use in Champagne and are still employed today, albeit in tiny quantities. They are Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane.

Pinot Noir contributes good palate weight and darker, meaty aromas. Pinot Meunier gives good acidity and a certain fruitiness which shows most obviously in younger wines. Chardonnay is said to bring elegance and finesse to Champagnes, along with a certain creamy roundness and lifted stone-fruit aromas.

Saturday, Sept 7th Northern Italy

The wines of Northern Italy include some of the most well known red wines in the country including Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Amarone and Valpolicella. Arguably, the two most important regions in Northern Italy are Piedmont in the northwest, and Veneto in the northeast. Red wines from these regions range from some of the most expensive and sought after in all of Italy to great value red wines.

Beer Tasting Saturday Sept. 7th  Evil Twin Brewing  2-5PM

Sunday, Sept 8th Bordeaux & Spain Plus Beer

When it comes to learning about Spanish wine, it is important to get to know the different grape varieties that are grown in Spain as well as their geographic distribution. In Spain, wines are classified into different wine regions, each with their own set of wine laws and quality standards. Currently, Spain has 69 major wine regions, the more correct term being “Designation of Origin” (D.O.). You are most likely familiar with at least a few of them. Some of the most well-known wine regions of Spain are Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Penedés, Navarra, Rueda, Cava, Rias Baixas.

Red wines from Bordeaux are medium- to full-bodied with aromas of black currant, plums, and earthy notes of wet gravel or pencil lead. When you taste the wines, they burst with mineral and fruit notes that lead into prickly, savory, mouth-drying tannins. The tannins are often high enough that wines will age for several decades.

Hitting summer with a BANG! Great beers for a great summer day.

Click HERE for the September Calendar

A note about parking Due to the limited parking spaces, it would be greatly appreciated if our tasting bar customers park off lot, if at all possible.   There is usually street parking available on Riverside Drive and Moorpark.   Let us know that you’ve done so and we’ll hook you up with a special pour for your troubles.