A great way to spend Saturday morning

La Bottega Enoteca Sociale kicked off its Saturday Wine Wisdom series last weekend, with Wine Educator Henry Barrow on March 6 with Wine 101.

This week Henry (shown at left) will demonstrate how the world's most popular white wine, chardonnay, walks hand in hand with the queen of grapes, Pinot Noir. He will discuss how chardonnay is a mutation of pinot noir, and sample three examples of each wine.

The classes are easygoing and fun, in addition to being very instructive. Last week’s class was an intimate mixture of regular folks who want to learn more about wine and maximize their appreciation of its nuances, but it also included couple of connoisseurs, colleagues of Henry’s who added to Henry’s charming, easy manner of explaining “wine wisdom.”

An additional treat was having Peter Figge, proprietor of Figge Winery, of Monterey California one of the most happening boutique wineries, on hand. Peter (shown above with the class) presented 4 of his delectable wines all of which rated between 93% and 96% points. After Peter departed, Henry then lead us through another 4 wines.

All were accompanied by a wonderful array of fresh Italian cold cuts, cheeses, olives and breads.

Henry has a wonderful series lined up. Although you don’t have to go to all of them, for they each are individual “Wisdoms” that range in the topic and tastings of wines, once you’ve been to one you will not want to miss the rest.

Classes are every Saturday at 11 am at La Bottega Enoteca Sociale (3540 Main Highway). The $30 admission includes the class, a booklet and the wine tastings. For reservations call 305 444 3493 / info@labottegasociale.com

-- Liliana Dones