Basic European Wine Course

 Do you know your Rhine from your Rhone?  Your Gris from your Grigio?

No?  Would you like to?

Rathdowne Cellars presents a two-night odyssey across the most famous wine regions in the world with our European Basic Course.

Over two nights, European Basics offers a guided introduction to the wide and delicious world of European wine.  We traverse the key regions within France, Italy, Spain & Germany - from bubbly to Bordeaux, and from Chablis to Chianti via Cote du Rhone.  We use some great examples to illustrate, such as the differences between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, and we tour through the classic regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Chablis, Rioja, Rhine, Mosel, Alsace, and many others.

Each night runs for around 2 hours and features 8 wines per evening, paired with matching food from the famed La Luna Bistro. European Basics is a great way to get to know many of the types of wines you’re likely to see on wine lists around town (and of course in store here), with the guidance of our most experienced presenter (and European wine nut). 

We touch on the regions, varieties, styles, and a little on the viticulture and winemaking methods that make these the classics they’ve become over decades and, in some cases, centuries.  After completing the course, we expect you’ll be equipped with a solid understanding of the major regions and their produce.

While the course is not intended to be a wine dinner, you’ll enjoy a restaurant quality entree each night from La Luna Bistro, selected to complement the wines tasted each night.