The eighth annual Wine Tasting Classes mark a new chapter for Esteban Brunello—an award-winning sommelier and Cornell-trained winemaker whose 30-year journey through the hospitality world has taken him from Buenos Aires to San Francisco, Boulder, and Durham. Now welcoming guests into his wine shop—an intimate space where every glass reflects craft, experience, and passion—Esteban continues to elevate the way people learn about and enjoy wine.
This year’s series offers a relaxed yet deeply informative exploration of global wines, thoughtfully curated by Esteban himself. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned taster, each monthly class invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and discover the stories behind every bottle. Participants will learn to identify key tasting notes, understand essential winemaking techniques, and explore inspired food-pairing ideas—all guided by Esteban’s expertise and his warm, approachable teaching style.
Vintage Nebbiolo: A Journey Through Time and Terroir
January 24th @ 2pm
Explore the elegance and complexity of Italy’s noble Nebbiolo grape in this guided tasting experience. We’ll sample exceptional Nebbiolos from different regions and vintages, comparing them, and beyond. Discover how time, terroir, and tradition shape one of Italy’s most revered wines. Perfect for enthusiasts eager to deepen their appreciation of this iconic varietal.
Pre-Valentine’s Wine Celebration: Love Comes Early 💘
February 7th @ 2pm and 4pm
Can’t wait for Valentine’s Day? Join us for an early toast to love, laughter, and great wine! This special pre-Valentine’s tasting features a romantic lineup of luscious reds, sparkling favorites, and sweet surprises.
Whether you’re kicking off the celebrations with your sweetheart or gathering friends for a cozy night out, this evening is the perfect way to sip into the spirit of love a little early.
✨ Celebrate ahead of the crowd — reserve your spot today!
Big Reds: Bold Flavors, Bigger Moments 🍷
March 21st @ 2pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to the world’s most powerful and full-bodied wines. In this guided tasting, we’ll explore what makes these bold reds so expressive — from their deep color and rich texture to their lingering finish. Perfect for those who love intensity in their glass and character in every sip.
Come ready to swirl, sip, and savor the bigger side of red win
Esteban’s 50th Birthday Celebration
April 12th @ 4:00–6:00 pm
Celebrate Esteban’s birthday with us as he opens his own cellar and pours great wines from his personal collection. This is a rare opportunity to taste special bottles and celebrate together in a relaxed, festive setting. Esteban’s house-cured meats will also be served, showcasing over 15 years of experience as a master charcutier.
Light Reds: Elegance in Every Sip
April 18th @ 1pm
Discover the softer side of red wine in this guided tasting experience. We’ll explore wines that balance bright fruit, gentle tannins, and graceful textures — perfect for those who appreciate subtlety and finesse. Join us for an evening that celebrates freshness, versatility, and the art of delicate expression.
Sip lighter, linger longer, and fall in love with the beauty of restraint.
Rosé All Day: The Art of Pink Perfection
May 16th @ 2pm
Celebrate the charm and versatility of rosé in this guided tasting experience. From pale blush to vibrant coral, we’ll explore how color, aroma, and flavor come together to create wines that are as refreshing as they are refined. Perfect for anyone who loves elegance, sunshine, and a touch of sophistication in their glass.
Join us for an evening of pure pink bliss — sip, swirl, and savor the rosé way.
Understanding Sauvignon Blanc: From Fresh to Fascinating
June 20th @ 2pm
Dive into the vibrant world of Sauvignon Blanc in this guided tasting class. We’ll explore how climate, terroir, and winemaking style shape its signature aromas and lively character. Discover the balance between crisp freshness and expressive depth that makes this grape a global favorite.
Join us to taste, learn, and truly understand what makes Sauvignon Blanc so distinctive and delicious.
Foradori Tasting
September 19th @ 2:00 PM
Join us for a unique guided vertical tasting of Bianco di Ampeleia, exploring multiple vintages to discover how this distinctive Tuscan white evolves over time. We’ll discuss the vineyard, vintage variations, and the philosophy behind one of Italy’s most respected winemaking families.
About Elisabetta Foradori
Elisabetta Foradori is one of Italy’s most influential and admired winemakers. Based in Trentino, she gained international recognition for revitalizing the native Teroldego grape and for pioneering biodynamic viticulture in Italy. Her commitment to sustainable farming, minimal intervention, and expressing terroir has inspired a generation of winemakers. Through projects such as Ampeleia in Tuscany, Foradori continues to produce elegant, expressive wines that reflect both place and tradition.
Orange Wine: Ancient Technique, Modern Allure
October 3rd @ 2pm
Step into the fascinating world of orange wine — where tradition meets innovation. In this guided tasting, we’ll uncover how extended skin contact transforms white grapes into wines with striking color, texture, and complexity. Explore the craftsmanship and curiosity behind this centuries-old style that’s capturing modern palates.
Join us for an afternoon of discovery and depth — and see the world of wine through a new hue.
Season of Sparkle: A Celebration in Every Glass 🥂
December 12th @ 2pm
This December, raise a glass to the season of joy with an effervescent tasting experience. We’ll explore the beauty of bubbles in all their forms — from delicate and crisp to rich and refined — and discover what makes each one perfect for celebration. Let the sparkle set the tone for a month of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Join us to sip, celebrate, and toast to the magic of the season.
Wine Lovers say
“Such a fascinating tasting! Comparing different vintages and regions really helped me understand how much terroir and time can change a Nebbiolo. A wonderful experience.”
🍇 Vintage Nebbiolo – Wine Tasting Classes“A beautiful evening with great wines, delicious surprises, and such a fun atmosphere. The perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early!”
💘 Pre-Valentine’s Wine Celebration – Wine Tasting Classes“If you love bold reds, this tasting is a must! The wines were incredibly expressive, and I loved learning what gives them so much depth and character.”
🍇 Big Reds – Wine Tasting Classes“I loved how interactive the classes were. Esteban encouraged questions, guided our tastings thoughtfully, and made every wine come alive with stories and context. It’s more than a class—it’s an experience.”
🍇 Wine Tasting Classes“What a special evening! Tasting wines from Esteban’s personal cellar and enjoying his incredible house-cured meats made this celebration truly unforgettable.”
🍇 Esteban’s 50th Birthday Celebration – Wine Tasting Classes“I loved discovering how elegant and expressive lighter reds can be. The selection was fresh, balanced, and incredibly enjoyable. Such a lovely tasting!”
🍇 Light Reds – Wine Tasting Classes“Such a fun and refreshing tasting! I loved exploring the different styles of rosé and discovering how much variety there is beyond just the color. A perfect evening!”
🍇 Rosé All Day – Wine Tasting Classes“I learned so much about Sauvignon Blanc! It was fascinating to taste how climate and winemaking style influence the wines. Informative, relaxed, and delicious.”
🍇 Understanding Sauvignon Blanc – Wine Tasting Classes