Last month’s Napa Cabernet wine tasting was certainly a tour de force of wine experiences. But our World Tour of Cabernet Sauvignon does not stop there. This venerable grape is grown throughout the world and expresses in unique ways. Next we will be heading down under where we will visit amazing grape growing regions along the south western coast of Australia. Powerful and luscious cabs from the moderate climates of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale provide plush deep flavors with soft tannins. In Coonawarra, rich red terra rosa soils and and a warm to hot climate provides for great ripening to bring down those bell pepper flavors. And Margaret River provides a good balance of hot daytime temperatures and cooler evenings that lowers the acidity and reaches depths of ripeness other regions do not. Join us on Saturday, September 8 as we explore the Cabernets of Australia.

Aussie Cabernet
Saturday, Sep 8, 2018 – 7:00 pm
Hosted by Dogan Comez and Dana Gulaj
2806 1st St N, Fargo

$25 members, $30 non-members

Please rsvp by Thursday, Sep 6

From the stony cliffs of Corsica to the valleys and plateaus of Lebanon, the wine regions around the Mediterranean Sea offer a unique variety of soils, climates and grapes.  Join us as we tour the Mediterranean in search of fine wine and fun times. We will visit the islands of Crete and Sicily and make a stop in Israel along the way.

Mediterranean Tour
Saturday, June 9, 6:00 pm (note earlier start time)
Hosted by Mark Vining at Rookery Rock Winery
3660 147th Ave SE; Wheatland, ND 58079
Just north of the I-94 Absaraka exit

$25 members, $30 nonmembers

TRANSPORTATION

If there is enough interest, we will charter a bus to the event. The cost would likely be $15-$25 per person depending on the numbers. We anticipate the bus would leave from a Fargo location around 5:15 pm and return around 10:00 pm.

If you would like to ride the bus, please register at THIS LINK by Wednesday, June 6.

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.