Month: October 2018

Success at the Norman Party

What a success last Saturday night!  Everyone enjoyed the sample class focusing on Old World wines.  We enjoyed six selections, two each from Spain, France, and Italy.  A party favorite was the low-tannin Barbera d’Alba, which also paired nicely with the evening’s food.  If you are hosting a private party and looking for a sommelier, don’t hesitate to reach out to KutaSomm. I’ll be there in a flash!

Below:  Certified Sommelier and Italian Wine Professional

Below:  Leading a tasting during an entertaining presentation

Below:  Students engaged in the presentation


Breeana’s Kitchen Donates to Old Vs. New Class

Thanks to Bree and Megan for putting together fantastic charcuterie boards for the final class session.  If you are in need of catering for a party, reach out to Breeana’s Kitchen.  Both Bree and Megan passed the final exam, so they received a certificate for completing the MiraCosta Fall 2018 wine appreciation class Old World vs. New World.  Congratulations!


Fall 2018 Old World vs. New World Wraps Up

This week wraps up the Fall 2018 semester of Old World vs. New World at MiraCosta College.  Session 1 began with white wines, comparing Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from different regions.  Session 2 was all about sparkling wine.  While my favorite was the Franciacorta, everyone else’s favorite seemed to be the Veuve Clicquot Champagne.  We had a Pinot Party for Session 3, enjoying delicious Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand.  Session 4 focused on Bordeaux from both the Left and Right banks, while comparing similar varietals from Napa Valley and the California Central Coast.  In Session 5 we traveled to Italy (figuratively), and hosted a guest speaker, Brandon Boghosian.  That Barolo sure was delicious!  For the final Session 6, we tried three different quality levels of GSM from the Southern Rhône Valley, and had another fabulous guest, Brian Kordik, lead the class in a blind tasting.  What a fantastic group of students!  I’m hoping everyone had a stellar time and I hope to see everyone in future wine appreciation classes.  I will teach an Italian wine appreciation class in Spring 2019, along with a repeat of Old World vs. New World, both at MiraCosta College.  Also look for me teaching at CSUSM Extended Learning thru the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  Sign up today!  Cheers!