A Study in Wine 2020

Join us for six evenings in Hempstead House to discover the world of wine in a new six-session course, led by Mike Douglass of Post Wine & Spirits. Whether you are knowledgeable about wines and wine production, or new to the subject, this comprehensive program will enrich your appreciation of wine, and also give you the necessary expertise to choose fine wine at home, in restaurants, and when traveling. This course is also an excellent follow-up to the first series offered in 2018.

Each session (7 – 9 PM) covers the wines of one or more regions around the world. Mike will share their histories, with fascinating stories about the pioneers and personalities involved, many of whom Mike knows personally.  We will delve into the important grape varieties of each region – what makes them unique and desirable – and we will identify key producers, vineyards, and wineries as well as best values and current vintage reports. Participants will sample a cross section of the regions, approximately eight different wines per class. Notable wine experts will join as guest speakers. See the detailed course “Itinerary” below.

About Mike Douglass
Mike is a 53 year veteran of the wine industry on Long Island. He has traveled to many of the major wine producing areas of the world and has been a leader in wine education, promotion, and appreciation. He is most proud of the fact that 15 of his former employees continued on to careers in the wine business.

Series Fee: $320 per person ($40 discount)
Single Class Fee: $60 per person
Enrollment is limited, and priority is given to series registrants.

PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US FOR FUTURE WINE TASTING CLASSES

Pre-registration is required. For information and to register, call 516.570.2248. Or contact us at joseph.cesarelli@sandspointpreserve.org.

A STUDY IN WINE “ITINERARY”

Tuesday, January 7
The Art of Wine-Making / Wines from Long Island and the Far West
First, a complete overview, from vineyard to bottle, with one of Long Island’s premier wine makers. We’ll explore wines and trends from California, Washington, and Oregon.

Tuesday, January 14
France – Part I: Bordeaux, Loire, Alsace
This historic district of Bordeaux has long set the standard by which all red wines are measured. Their dry white wines and the sweet dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac are also legendary: Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Petrus, Chateau D’Yquem. We’ll explore wines from Loire – a Vouvray, Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, Muscadet, Chinon, Bourgeuil – and
Alsace – Sylvaner, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc.

Tuesday, January 21
France – Part II: Burgundy, Rhone, Beaujolais, Southern France
Burgundy will be the main focus – these reds are almost 100% Pinot Noir and are among the greatest red wines in the world. The whites are almost 100% Chardonnay are among the greatest whites to be found. This session will cover the Delimited District, the different classifications: Grand Cru and Premier Cru, and the great Burgundy firms as well as the individual producers. We’ll also explore Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais Villages, Cru Beaujolais, Beaujolais Blanc.

Tuesday, January 28
Italy & Germany
A country abounding in Vineyards has made enormous improvements in quality in the last 40 years. This session is led by guest speaker Nicola Zanghi and concentrates on the best areas and producers, including Gaja, Giacosa,  Vietti, Felsina, Fontodi, Casa di Ama, Frescobaldi, Rinaldi, Antinori, Sassichia, Bertani, Conterno in these major regions:
Tuscany – Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello, Montalcino, vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Super Tuscan category
Piedmont- Barbaresco, Barolo, Gattinara, Barbera, Gavi, Arneis, Dolcetto V
Finally, from Germany, the best Rieslings on earth are produced here in the Rhine and Moselle river valleys.

Tuesday, February 11
Spain, Portugal, Chile, Argentina, South Africa
Discover the great table wines of Spain from important districts, including Rioja, Ribero del Duero, Albariño, Monastrel, Priorat from these producers: Marques de Murrieta, La Rioja Alta, Protas,  Vega Sicilia, Muga, Cune. Dessert wines – Sherry, a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the town of Jerez: Fine, Amontillado, Cream, Oloroso.
From Portugal, Vinho Verde, Touriga National, Dao, Tempranillo, Cabernet, Syrah Dessert wine.
This session also discusses “new world” versus “old world” wines in terms of style and quality:
Argentina – its native red varietal grape Malbec and its rise to popularity.
Chile – great values in these wines.
South Africa – a sleeping giant in quality and value.

Tuesday, February 25
Australia, New Zealand, Sparkling Wines & French Champagne
The final session in this series travels to Australia, home to the number one imported wine to the United States, and to New Zealand where Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are very hot categories and much in demand. This session also covers Champagne and sparkling wines – the unique process that gives these wines their effervescence, including a detailed description of the Champagne district and why it produces the greatest, most prestigious sparkling wines in the world. We’ll also discover quality sparkling wines from other areas of France, the USA, Italy, and Spain.

Pre-registration is required. For information and to register, call 516.570.2248. Or contact us at joseph.cesarelli@sandspointpreserve.org.