06-23 SUMMER VACATION(S) EP. 2: "BEYOND CAVA"

interactive remote session Thursday, June 23 at 7:30pm EST

Grape kid is backpacking through Europe for the summer!

In the second episode of a three-part exploration of Catalunya, we're hanging out in the coastal range around Barcelona. For a lot of people, wine from this neck of the woods means one thing: cheap, mass-produced fizz for bringing to brunch.

But it wasn't always like this. (In the 19th century, most of the varieties planted were red grapes!) The 'big three' producers who dominate the region's sparkling wine production may still be running the show, but small winegrowers are more and more likely to be farming without chemicals, embracing nearly extinct local cultivars, and keeping their grapes for themselves instead of selling to the cava factories.

We'll get to know Penedès, Alella, and Bonastre, and find out what happens when the grapes of cava go into real wines, with or without bubbles, instead.

Each class kit serves 1-5 drinkers and includes three bottles of wine, emailed food pairing and service suggestions, a custom playlist, and a link to an hour and 20 minute remote wine tasting with James Sligh of the CHILDREN'S ATLAS OF WINE. Get the entire four-episode exploration of Catalunya at a case discount here.

Orders for summer classes will be shipped in June to beat the summer heat! Registrations close Friday, June 24. James will send a pre-class note with the link and pairing suggestions 48 hours beforehand.

If you'd like to taste on your own time, a recording of the live session with post-class wine info and drinking recommendations will follow after the tasting.