artwork by Natasha

California dominates the US wine industry with over 4,700 wineries and 85% of the US production. While Napa Valley considers themselves to be the crown jewel of the California wine industry, only 4% of California’s grapes come from Napa. That means there is a whole lot of wine being made from other regions of the state. From the North Coast to the Central Valley, great wine is being produced from over 100 different grape varieties grown in an equal number of microclimates around the state, and often at a better price point than an Napa designate. Join us in the rebellion as we break out away from Napa in search of California’s best.

Not Napa
Saturday, March 10, 2018
7:00 pm
Hosted by Greg and Lisa Cook
1338 10th St S, Fargo

$25 members, $30 non-members

rsvp by Friday, March 9.

From Piemonte to Veneto, the northern regions of Italy are home to some of the finest wines in the world. This is the area where Nebbiolo reigns supreme yet Prosecco plays an important role in the vibrant lifestyles of the people of the region. Italy is all about wine and food and living life to its fullest. Join us as we tour the tastes of Northern Italy.

Northern Italy
Saturday, November 11, 2017, 7:00 pm
Hosted by Rebecca Knutson
3526 1st St N, Fargo **Note new address

$25 members, $30 non-members

rsvp by Thursday, November 9

You say Syrah, we say Shiraz. This noble grape from Europe has planted its feet around the globe and is known by many names. But no one expresses ‘shiraz’ like the Aussie’s from down under. Join us as we tour the southern coast of Australia through this rich red wine.

Syrah or Shiraz? Shiraz!
Saturday, Sep 9, 2017, 7pm
Hosted by Dogan Comez and Dana Gulaj
2806 1st St N, Fargo

$25 members, $30 non-members

Please rsvp by Thursday, Sep 7

Travel with us to the Basque region of Spain and France where we are going to celebrate August with Txakoli (cha-co-LEE), or Txacolina (cha – co – LEE – na). It is an effervescent primarily white wine from this magical region of Europe. It is high in acid and low in alcohol and is typically served very cold. Also, it is often served with the bottle held high above the glass: The High Pour. It goes well with hot weather and tapas or, as we prefer it, with Paella de Carlos™. Txakoli has been described as “refreshingly bracing and light bodied, with a gentle sparkling effect. Aromas of citrus and white fruits, together with herbal notes, are followed by flavors of lemon, lime, apple, pear, and sometimes pineapple, which combine with a mineral or saline edge leading to a pleasantly zesty finish. Many exhibit a palate cleansing, sherbet-like quality.” This wine was a Basque secret for many years and was even on the decline there until a revival in the 1980s. This wine is now available throughout the wine-drinking world, especially the USA. Txakoli is, generally, low in alcohol, ranging normally from 9.5% to 11.5%, making it a favorite on hot summer days. The cold temps, the high pour, and the bubbles make drinking Txakoli wines an event.

Saturday, August 12 at 7:00 pm
Hosted by Carlos and Lourdes Hawley
1102 10th St S, Fargo

$25 members, $30 non-members

Please RSVP by Thursday, August 10.

Known by many names (see below), the Tempranillo grape has had a long history and impact in Europe – especially in Spain. Today this black grape is being grown in regions all over the world. The name “Tempranillo” stems from the Spanish word Temprano meaning early. The grape ripens several weeks earlier than many other traditional varieties. It often has a rather neutral profile and is thus typically blended with other grapes such as grenache or carignan. However, in some places it expresses more fruit qualities such as plum, berries and aromas of tobacco and leather. They can make exquisitely complex red wines. Join us as we explore the world of Tempranillos and experience what the grape has to offer.

Tempranillo
Saturday, September 10 at 7:00 pm
Hosted by Carlos and Lourdes Hawley
1102 10th St S, Fargo

$25 members, $30 non-members

Please RSVP by Thursday, September 8.

Other names for Tempranillo: Albillo Negro, Aldepenas, Aragon, Aragones, Aragonez, Aragonez 51, Aragonez da Ferra, Aragonez de Elvas, Arganda, Arinto Tinto, Cencibel, Cencibera, Chinchillana, Chinchillano, Chinchilyano, Cupani, De Por Aca, Escobera, Garnacho Fono, Grenache de Logrono, Jacibera, Jacibiera, Jacivera, Juan Garcia, Negra de Mesa, Negretto, Ojo de Liebre, Olho de Lebre, Pinuela, Sensibel, Tempranilla, Tempranillo de la Rioja, Tempranillo de Perralta, Tempranillo de Rioja, Tempranillo de Rioza, Tempranillo Rioja, Tinta Aragones, Tinta Corriente, Tinta de Madrid, Tinta de Santiago, Tinta de Toro, Tinta do Inacio, Tinta do Pais, Tinta Fina, Tinta Madrid, Tinta Monteira, Tinta Monteiro, Tinta Roris, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Santiago, Tinto Aragon, Tinto Aragonez, Tinto de la Ribera, Tinto de Madrid, Tinto de Rioja, Tinto de Toro, Tinto del Pais, Tinto del Toro, Tinto Fino, Tinto Madrid, Tinto Pais, Tinto Ribiera, Tinto Riojano, Ull de Liebre, Ull de Llebre, Valdepenas, Verdiell, Vid de Aranda.