Sommelier Class 9/28

Well, I had my first Sommelier class 6 days ago and I am still amazed by the enlightenment. It's amazing what 8 wine loving people in one room will do in a wine learning/tasting experience. The 6.5 hour evening (5 PM - 11:30 PM) covered a lot of information starting from the history of wine to viticulture (the growing of grapes) to viniculture (the making of wine) to the nuances of Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay. Yes, A LOT of information to process but fortunately was presented by an EXCELLENT instuctor of the International Sommelier Guild. I'll have to get use to the "swishing & spitting" so that I can be a responsible NOVA driver. Maybe I will look into asking the company of Girls Night Out to take me to and from my class each week :)

Harvest

What a week this has been. The Chardonnay and Viognier have been picked and processed.
The chardonnay came from Jack and Cindy Lowther vineyard in Purcellville, the fruit was excellent and we are looking forward to creating a wonderful wine from it. If you are interested in learning more about their vineyard, please visit our website and click on Vineyards.

Our chiller broke during the chardonnay fermentation, but Sunset Hills Vineyard http://www.sunsethillsvineyard.com/ had an extra one on hand we could borrow and that saved our Chardonnay. If you have not been by Sunset Hills, I highly recommend it. Mike and Diane have done a beautiful job in restoring the old barn and the wines are fantastic.

Sommelier Classes

Tonight is the start of my Sommelier Classes. These will be taken at the Art Insitute of Washington through the International Sommelier Guild. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I will give occasional updates as to how things are going, what we are learning, etc. I know there is so much information on wine so I'm hoping that I can relay my passion and now soon to be knowledge to other people.