Deep Dive: California, Wednesday 20th November 2024

Since the fabled Judgment of Paris Tasting of 1976, California has firmly cemented its reputation as a powerhouse for producing exceptionally high-quality wines. Indeed, since the early '90s, there has been a great surge in boutique wineries crafting minuscule quantities of wine, for which demand outstrips supply, many times over.  

Over the course of this 2-hour masterclass, you will have the opportunity to sample wines from a plethora of superlative Californian wineries and discover that there is far more to this fascinating state than perhaps initially meets the eye. Guided by Californian wine specialist, Michael Dabbs, you will taste white and red wines ranging in style from racy Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay and sleek Sonoma County Pinot Noir to intense Bordeaux-esque Cabernet Sauvignon blends from the Napa Valley. Not only will you encounter icon wines from the likes of Harlan Estate and Sine Qua Non, but also lesser-known garagiste producers such as Ceritas and Joey Tensley. 

Wines to be tasted: 

Apéritif: Racines Wines, Grande Reserve, Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills (Base 2018) 

2020 Racines, Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills 

2021 Ceritas, Zephyr Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 

2022 Tensley, P2KV, Zaca Mesa Vineyard Viognier & Rousanne, Santa Barbara County 

2018 Bien Nacido Estate, The Captain, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 

2019 Occidental, Station Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 

2011 Sine Qua Non, Patine Grenache, Central Coast 

2018 Heitz Cellar, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 

2018 Philip Togni Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 

2018 Rudd, Estate Red, Napa Valley 

2021 Neotempo, Kiatra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 

2015 Harlan Estate, Napa Valley  

Dress code: smart casual