Wine Classes!
I am very excited to announce a brand new series of wine classes in Oakland, open to the general public! For those who know me best, this is a long time coming…
Determined to make this happen in the New Year, I began my search this past holiday. My buddy Pietro Buttitta of Prima Materia Wines answered the call! Pietro owns a beautiful little tasting room in the heart of the Temescal neighborhood in Oakland, and had been looking for collaborators. We set about arranging the space to comfortably fit a group of 12 curious palates. Check out the video below to get a better idea.
THE VENUE
Prima Materia Tasting Room | 49th Street Oakland, CA 94609
Considering such an intimate space, my first goal is to ensure the proper flow of air. The room has been outfitted with a modern overhead vent, which provides a steady current of air. Windows along the street-side of the space will remain open for ventilation. Participants are encouraged to wear a comfortable sweater or jacket to combat the draft, until the weather breaks and I can move the tastings outside. That’s right, there is a beautiful outside area I absolutely cannot wait to expand into once the weather turns! The venue holds a maximum of 12 participants, seated comfortably on high stools with cushions provided (not pictured). At the apex of the space will be my perch, surrounded by maps and anything I need to deliver a great wine experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
First, we always begin with a rapid-fire presentation on history, climate, and geography, with details on the culture and cuisine. Context is a very important element to understanding what goes on in the glass, so I try to paint an expansive picture of where we are. Next, comes a round-table discussion on the sensory experience in the glass, with lots of comparing and contrasting to help light the way. 7 wines will be served in 2/3 flights, with each participant receiving a 2 ounce pour for each wine, with a little left over for revisiting.
When it comes to food, I am very cautious about significant eating in such an intimate space, so expect a small selection of house-made Grissini, pickled vegetable and cheese to accompany each tasting. This will only be intended to aid the palate for the tasting ahead and not as a meal.
CLASSES
For this space, I have created a range of tastings on important regions & appellations in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria and the US. Classes will run between 90min and 120min, depending on the topic. Look out for 3 types of tastings going forward:
1. Regional: Retrospective tasting of a selected region.
2. Deep-Dive: A deeper look at a specific appellation or style of wine
3. Blind Taste Challenge: A fun approach to contrasting appellations/grapes/styles. Expect prizes!
That is all the news that fit to print. See below for my first round of classes, including a special Valentines Day Sparkling Wine Tasting! Have questions? Class Suggestions? Want these classes closer to home and know of a good spot? Email me paul@bottivino.com
LEARN LANGHE
Sunday 2/5 | 4-5:30PM | $85 per person
In this inaugural tasting, the doorway into the Langhe will be flung open and its treasures laid out before you. Participants will discover such gems as Freisa, Barbera, Pelaverga, Nascetta, Timorasso and mighty Nebbiolo, while tasting the very best expressions from Barolo, Barbaresco, Dogliani, Alba and more! Wines are hand-picked from a portfolio of producers this sommelier has worked with, and visited extensively. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE >>
V-DAY CAPTURING THE SPARKLE
Tuesday 2/14 | 5:30-7PM | $90 per person
Join me this V-Day for a very special tasting on the wonderful world of sparkling wine! In this fun class, participants will travel to Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary and France to discover some truly wild and interesting sparklers. We will chart the course from still wine to the finished product, all while learning the history of sparkling wine and its major players. This class will feature a range of incredible sparklers being made around the world today. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE >>
BLIND-TASTE-CHALLENGE: Pinot vs Sangiovese!
Thurs 2/23 | 5:30-7PM | $85 per person
Get reeeeaaadddyyy to ruuummmbblllee! Pitting international superstar Pinot Noir with the Tuscan underdog Sangiovese. Join the fray, as your sommelier sets the stage for a bout to remember. No prior experience or education necessary! This tasting will begin with a deep-dive into both grapes, detailing parentage, ideal growing conditions and characteristics revealed in the glass. Then, we break into teams and discover, side-by-side, what makes these grapes so wonderful to behold in the glass. Prizes will be included! PURCHASE TICKETS HERE >>