If you’re new to LADV, we have a couple of long-standing traditions; this is one.  To reward ourselves for having nearly crossed the finish line in what seems to be the horrid obstacle course called “the Holidays”, we reward ourselves for not having choked anyone.  Moreover, we celebrate for having traversed the prior year, and allow ourselves a little pleasure in return for all that we have done.  We spend an evening among our “wine family” with whom we share a common love and bond, and not just the accident of blood.  And, we eat and drink what we truly enjoy; not just what has been imposed by circumstances beyond out control.
 
We select the food and wines for the event based on, what else, those things that we enjoyed most during the previous year.  No one treated us better during 2008 than the consummate professionals at Fleming’s Washington State and Blending events).  They treated us like the royalty we dream to be, and this will be no different.  Take a look at the rewards in store:

What a wonderful way to unwind from the Christmas madness and reward yourself for a job well-done.  Remember, leave any 'guilt' regarding this treat at home.     [theme: social event and food/wine pairing]  

Another tradition that has withstood the years is our once-a-year “non-wine” tasting.  The majority of these events in the past had a focus on whiskies, especially Scotch Whiskies.  This year, we’re going to explore the wonderful spirits that are produced when wine products are distilled.  Refining the essence of wine into spirits is an important element in every wine culture throughout the world.  Different techniques and ingredients produce wonderful liquors as varied as the wines.  Whether called brandy, eau-de-vie, grappa, or special regional names like Cognac and Armagnac, they can all be wonderful.  (OK, just like wine, there are good ones and bad ones produced; we’ll keep you out of the potholes and steer you into the good stuff.) 

Come learn and taste what makes each special.  You’ll leave understanding the differences imparted by region (Italian Grappa versus Spanish Brandy, for example), ingredients, technique, house style (Remy versus Martel, for example), and quality / ageing (VSOP versus XO, for example).  A selection of ten special spirits from literally all around the globe will make for a special evening. 

We’ll be taking advantage of Twin’s great new ‘Marketplace’ digs to make this event as affordable as possible (the $150 Cognacs certainly aren’t).  While there will be some modicum of food available; it will be of the ‘palate cleanser’ variety; make plans accordingly, to be able to safely and responsibly handle these high-octane gems.  Sign up early; class size will be quite limited.    [theme: intermediate education]  

So, if one tactic that can be employed to keep excitement in your wine life is exploring the new and different, what is different?  For many of you, it may very well be drinking wine made from grape varieties that are not well-known.  Most anyone can find pleasure in a bottle of Napa ‘cult’ Cabernet Sauvignon, or top-notch Barolo, or first-growth cru Bordeaux; but you won’t be doing much of that with a thin wallet.  As is often true, lesser-known is lower priced.  And, even if lowering your wine bill isn’t the most important thing, it’s always exciting to find a new love, or to impress your friends with your expanded wine knowledge.

So, come and join us as we explore Aligote, Torrontes, Pinotage, Bouchet, and other ‘mysterious’ varietals.  We’ll try two or three made from each grape, so that you can really understand what kind of wines it can make based on geography and winemaking style.

Let me remind you that space is always very limited at these events.  I do apologize that so often I have to inform people that a particular event has filled.  However on the flip-side, one of the most-frequent compliments that I get on the events is that people feel special and their experienced enhanced because of the coziness and easy access to the presenters.  And if you've forgotten, in order to keep the event prices as low as possible we have not invested in credit card processing services; you should always plan to pay with cash or a check at the events. 

As always, call  925-3985 or e-mail: reservations@ladv.org  to make reservations and to keep them accurate.  After you make your reservations, PLEASE CALL IMMEDIATELY if your plans change.  Communicating changes no later than 48 “business hours” before an event will allow us to adjust and provide an opportunity to any who may be on a waiting list.  Further it will assure we don’t have to pay for wine and food that was reserved for you, and that we won’t have to contact you afterward to pass on those costs to you if we are past the point when we guaranteed attendance to a venue. 

I look forward to seeing all you Friends of Wine at an event soon, and don't forget to support "The Friends of LADV."