Wine 101 Tasting Kit For Beginners
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone.
Our team of sommeliers has put together a Wine 101 “starter kit” to make it easy for you.
Step 1: Select your desired wine style and bottle count
Step 2: Receive your bundle of wines and a booklet explaining the common grapes varieties in your box and instructions on how to prep and conduct your tasting.
Step 3: Taste through the lineup for a fun and easy to understand experience to begin your wine journey with us!
$55.00 – $100.00
Each kit includes 2, 3, or 4 bottles of wine and a Wine 101 Tasting Guide created by our team of Sommeliers. The wines will be a combo of the grapes listed below and the guide will help you understand what you are tasting and why.
We can’t wait to open your eyes, hearts, and tastebuds to the wonderful world of wine!
WINE 101: SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc, a very recognizable white wine that is popularly dry, refreshingly zesty, and has strong, fruity and herbal characteristics. Ever hear of the term “pyrazines?” It’s a term noting the strong herbaceous flavors that are derived from compounds called Methoxypyrazines. These compounds are also found in bell peppers! A flagship varietal to the Loire Valley in France (Sancerre) and New Zealand, the Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand tend to be more aromatic and have tropical fruit notes than those from the Bordeaux or Loire Valley regions in France. Usually fermented in stainless steel vats, Sauvignon Blanc gives a clean, crisp flavor with occasional mineral notes, but no characteristics from oak, like you would normally see in a grape varietal like Chardonnay. However, look out for Fumé Blanc, this style of wine is an oaked-version of Sauvignon Blanc.
WINE 101: CHARDONNAY
As one of the most popular grapes for growing and consuming, Chardonnay can be made in a wide range of styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. These styles can vary from a sparkling Blanc de Blanc, or fresh fermented in stainless steel, to rich and creamy white wine aged in oak barrels. While Chardonnay can flourish in many environments, in its homeland of Burgundy it can produce some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. Whereas from California it can produce both oaky, buttery styles as well as leaner, European-inspired wines. A Somm Secret: the Burgundy subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style with high levels of acidity. Most people who do not like oaky/buttery Chardonnay may likely enjoy Chablis. Notable regions for this grape include Burgundy (and Chablis) in France, Central Coast, Napa, and Sonoma in CA, and Western Australia.
WINE 101: PINOT NOIR
This elusive and delicate light-bodied grape is a winegrowers dream, but can be difficult to achieve. Stubborn, yet flirtatious, Pinot Noir is tantalizing creating a beautiful dance between the grape and the winemaker. The resulting light red wine can be nothing short of spectacular. Loved for its red fruit and spicy characteristics, its also a great food partner. Look for notable regions including Burgundy, France, Central Coast or Sonoma in CA, Willamette Valley in Oregon, and Pfalz or Baden in Germany as well as many other regions around the world in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina.
WINE 101: CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Known inherently as the best red grape variety in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is the epitome of a perfect international traveller. Boasting strong black fruit flavors, It can give distinct characteristics varying by the region and soil it comes from. These bold, concentrated, and age-worthy wines can lay down roots and thrive all around the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc originating from Bordeaux, France. The rich flavor and high tannin make a perfect pair to flavorsome red meats or simply elegant on their own.
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