Richmond Blind Wine Tasting

Join us for an evening of discovery as we explore the unique wines of two Mediterranean islands—Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy).

Though separated by only a narrow strait, Corsica and Sardinia have developed their own fascinating wine traditions. Corsican wines often reflect French winemaking influences while showcasing indigenous grapes such as Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, and Vermentinu. Expect wines that are aromatic, fresh, and expressive of the island's rugged mountains and coastal climate.

Sardinia is home to a rich array of native varieties, including Cannonau (the local name for Grenache), Vermentino, and Carignano. Sardinian wines are known for their vibrant fruit, Mediterranean herbs, minerality, and the influence of the island's warm sunshine and sea breezes.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, this tasting promises a journey through two of the Mediterranean's most captivating wine regions.
After the tasting, we'll relax, compare favorites, and cool off by the pool—so don't forget to bring a swimsuit and a sense of adventure!

Please bring:

• A bottle of wine from Corsica or Sardinia in the $20-30 range. (You may have to hunt for the words "Corse", "Île de Beauté" or "Sardegna" on the label. If you are not sure, ask your knowledgeable wine merchant.)

1. A plain, brown paper wine bag (the kind they give you at the shop when you buy your wine. If you have a few extras, please bring them too.)
2. Four wine glasses
3. Optional: a snack to share
4. Swimsuit & towel if you want to take a dip in the pool.

There are only 12 spots available for this event, so sign up right away! If your plans change please be sure to change your RSVP so that someone on the wait list can attend.

Considerations:
*No glass by the pool - we will do the tasting indoors, and move to the pool afterwards.
*Rain date: If it rains, we will still have the tasting inside on this date, but will offer another opportunity for a pool party before summer ends.
*Parking: The driveway is a steep, single-lane drive. You're welcome to block in the gray Lexus with tags 2IRISH (host's car), but park on the main road in front of the house if you'd rather not deal with being blocked in.

I look forward to welcoming you to this "island getaway"! I will post the exact address in the comments a day or two before the event.

Cheers,
Keli

When most wine lovers think of central Italy, Tuscany and Umbria usually steal the spotlight. For this event, we're turning our attention to the regions that often fly under the radar but produce some of Italy's most distinctive and rewarding wines: Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, and Molise.

Stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coast, these regions offer an incredible diversity of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and winemaking traditions. From the savory reds of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Rosso Piceno to the crisp, mineral-driven whites of Verdicchio and Pecorino, we'll explore wines that showcase the authentic character of central Italy without the fame—or prices—of their more celebrated neighbors.

Join us for a blind tasting journey through four regions where local grapes, family traditions, and unique landscapes continue to produce wines that deserve far more attention than they receive. Will you be able to distinguish the coastal influence of Marche from the volcanic soils of Lazio, or identify the rugged mountain character of Molise and Abruzzo?
Come discover why some of Italy's most compelling wines are hiding in plain sight.

Please bring:

1. A bottle of wine from Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche or Molise wine in the 15-30 price range.
2. A plain, brown paper wine bag (the kind they give you at the shop when you buy your wine. If you have a few extras, please bring them too.)
3. Four wine glasses
4. Optional: a snack to share

There are only 12 spots available for this event, so sign up right away! If your plans change please be sure to change your RSVP so that someone on the wait list can attend.

Considerations:
*On street parking is free and plentiful

I look forward to welcoming you to my home! I will send the exact address to all attendees a day or two before the event.
Cheers,
Dana

Please sign up for the wait list for this event. All spots in this event will be reserved for people who have never attended before for
the first week in August, then I will fill the remaining spots with our "regular" members in the order that they RSVPd.

For this tasting, we're celebrating the wonderful world of sparkling wine.
The category is far broader than Champagne! Sparkling wines are produced around the globe using a variety of grapes, regions, and winemaking techniques. Whether your choice comes from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United States, Australia, or beyond, this is an opportunity to explore the remarkable diversity of wines that sparkle.

One of the most famous methods for creating bubbles is the Traditional Method (also known as the Champagne Method), in which a second fermentation occurs inside the bottle. This process creates fine bubbles and can add complex flavors. Champagne, Cava, Crémant, and many premium sparkling wines are made this way.

Another common approach is the Tank Method (or Charmat Method), where the second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank. This method emphasizes fresh fruit and floral aromas and is often used for Prosecco and other lively, approachable sparkling wines.

Some winemakers use the Ancestral Method, producing wines often labeled as Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel). These wines are bottled before fermentation is complete, trapping carbon dioxide naturally and creating a style that can be rustic, energetic, and delightfully unpredictable.

As you choose your bottle, consider exploring beyond the familiar. We will provide a classic (and pricey) Champagne, so please look for a crisp Cava, a fruity Prosecco, a pét-nat, a sparkling rosé, a New World sparkler, or something entirely unexpected. The goal is not only to taste great wines but also to discover how different grapes, regions, and production methods influence what ends up in the glass.

Please bring:

1. A bottle of sparkling wine in the $25-35 range.
2. A plain, brown paper wine bag (the kind they give you at the shop when you buy your wine. If you have a few extras, please bring them too.)
3. Four wine glasses
4. Optional: a snack to share

There are only 12 spots available for this event, so sign up right away! If your plans change please be sure to change your RSVP so that someone on the wait list can attend.
Considerations:

*On street parking is free in our neighborhood
*We have a small, friendly, non-shedding dog.

I look forward to welcoming you to our home in the Museum District! I will send the exact address to all attendees a day or two before the event.
Cheers,
Jill

Virginia's wine story stretches back more than 400 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in North America. From the early vineyard experiments encouraged at Jamestown to Thomas Jefferson's dream of producing world-class wines, Virginia has developed a thriving wine culture that now includes more than 300 wineries. Thanks to the state's varied climate and soils, Virginia excels with grapes such as Viognier (the official state grape), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, and the native Norton, producing wines that are as diverse as they are distinctive. Join us as we celebrate the rich history and remarkable flavors of Virginia wines!

Please bring:

1. A bottle of Virginia wine in the 25-35 price range.
2. A plain, brown paper wine bag (the kind they give you at the shop when you buy your wine. If you have a few extras, please bring them too.)
3. Four wine glasses
4. Optional: a snack to share

Considerations:
*On street parking is free and plentiful
I look forward to welcoming you to my home! The exact address will be posted in the comments a day or two before the event.
Cheers,
Mel