Tsillan Cellars Wine Class Series Starts Saturday

Registration is open for each or all of the four classes

by Loni Rahm, photos courtesy of Tsillan Cellars

Appreciating a fabulous glass of wine starts in the dirt. That’s the philosophy behind the wine classes held at Tsillan Cellars, which takes attendees tromping through the vineyards to observe and learn about terroir and timing of the fruit that ultimately will be poured into your glass.

Tsillan Cellars owner Bob Jankleson is a passionate poet about the grape growing process. “Great wine is a gift of geography, soil and sun playing a symphony in the vineyard. Wine is most appreciated when you experience the harmony and seasonal rhythms of the vineyard music,” he said.

Jankleson promises an unforgettable back to earth educational experience as “participants will join Ray Sandidge and Bal Flores, the Tsillan Cellars maestros of the vineyard, from bud break to harvest.”

Award-winning winemaker Ray Sandidge indicates that the purpose of the four Tsillan Cellars wine classes is simple. “People are truly interested in the art of growing grapes and of making wine.  They are also interested in sampling foods prepared especially for specific wines.”

The four classes cover each critical area of grape growing and development from pruning – bud break through the decisions utilized to determine when to harvest.  The fourth and final class actually finds the group observing first hand red and white wines being made in the wine cellar.  The wine portion of the classes cover the decisions made by the Winemaker in order to craft wines which are noteworthy, substantial and delicious.

Each of the classes start in the vineyard where a discussion on what has happened in the vineyard takes place.  Participants then make a short walk through the estate vineyard to the wine cellar where food and wines await.  The process of how the wines being sampled have been developed unfolds.  All classes are presented by the Tsillan Cellars Winemaker, who is well equipped to answer most any question involving grape growing and winemaking.

Classes last for approximately 2 hours, leaving plenty of time to ask questions and learn.

One of last year’s attendees said she has a better appreciation for wine after attending the classes. “Seeing firsthand the effort involved in caring for the vines, harvesting the grapes and producing fine wines has given me a better appreciation for what ends up in my glass.  This class explained everything from the selection of the land to the selection of the bottle.  This is a great learning experience paired with wonderful wine and food.”

Each class, described in more detail below, is timed around specific vineyard and wine-crafting activities. The series has been developed to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire process, and while you save money if you register for all four classes, each class is available as a stand-alone event.  Wine club members also receive a class discount. To register contact alana@tsillancellars.com or call 509-682-9463.