It may still be pushing the high-nineties in New York, but believe it or not Fall is almost upon us! Vino’s wine and spirit classes return this September with a fresh autumnal schedule. Our selection has gone international and so have our classes: this semester’s tasting seminars are a reflection of our expanding blend of world-class wines and spirits from around the globe. But we’re starting things off with a return to our roots, as next Tuesday we present The Wines of Italy!

Before embarking on our international expansion earlier this year, we spent the best part of a decade dealing in Italian wine. All that tasting, talking and, uh, tasting some more, had to pay off in the end: the result is The Wines of Italy. Hosted by Vino’s resident Italian wine maven Jim Hutchinson, this intrepid tour of the peninsula will take in Italy’s vast mosaic of appellations, countless grape varieties, and myriad countless winemaking styles. Participants will be treated to an exclusive tasting representative of Italian wine’s remarkable quality and diversity, and learn more about the ever-shifting landscape of Italy’s richly entertaining winemaking culture.

THE WINES OF ITALY
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Tuesday, September 7
6:30-8:30pm
$45

For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.


WINE 101
with William Leonard-Lee
Wednesday, September 1
$45
This term’s classes are a reflection of our new international outlook, none more so than Wine 101, a global introduction to wine and winemaking. Vino’s William Leonard-Lee will attempt to unravel much of the mystery surrounding wine, revealing secrets of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle, and offering tips on selecting, storing and serving wine. Participants will take a whirlwind tour of some of the world’s celebrated wine-producing regions, tasting some fine examples of the local product along the way. There’s no better place to start making sense of one of everday life’s greatest pleasures.

THE WINES OF ITALY
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Tuesday, September 7
$45
Before Vino’s international expansion earlier this year, we spent the best part of a decade dealing in Italian wine. All that tasting and talking (and tasting some more) had to pay off in the end: the result is The Wines of Italy! Hosted by Vino’s resident Italian wine maven Jim Hutchinson, this intrepid tour of the peninsula will take in Italy’s vast mosaic of appellations, countless grape varieties, and myriad countless winemaking styles. Participants will be treated to an exclusive tasting representative of Italian wine’s remarkable quality and diversity, and learn more about the ever-shifting landscape of Italy’s richly entertaining winemaking culture.

FRENCH WINES IN A NUTSHELL
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Wednesday, September 15
$45
Charles de Gaulle once asked, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?” It’s even more difficult to wrap one’s head around the country’s various wines (of which there are over 300 distinct appellations). This class introduces some of France’s best known exports: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Participants will taste representations of these grapes as they manifest themselves in some of their finest growing regions. Participants will learn about basic winemaking techniques, French wine laws and appellations including: Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire and Rhone Valleys.

WINES OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Tuesday, September 21
$45
Spain makes more than Rioja and there’s more to Portugal than Port. Wines of the Iberian Peninsula gives you the chance to learn why these countries produce some of the finest wine values in the world. Explore Spain’s wonderful whites and Portugal’s dry reds, taste Albariño and discover Green Spain, visit Jumilla and quaff Monastrell, and find out about Portugal’s indigenous varieties while downing Dão.

CLASSIC COCKTAILS
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Tuesday, September 28
$45
The cocktail renaissance is upon us. New York has seen a surge in Prohibition-era speakeasies and bartenders who concoct their own signature bitters, but you don’t need a password or a degree in chemistry to mix up some of the classics. In this two hour seminar, Vino’s spirits specialist Scott Rosenbaum will recount the colorful history behind such hallmarks as the Martini, Manhattan, Daiquiri, and Sidecar. He’ll then shake ‘em up as he discusses the finer points regarding the importance of fresh juice, good ice, and proper barware. Participants will have a chance to mix their favorite cocktail of the evening. Prepare to be shaken and stirred!

WINE 101
with William Leonard-Lee
Tuesday, October 5
$45
Another chance to take part in our introductory wine class!

PAIRING FOOD & WINE
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Wednesday, October 13
$55
We’ve all heard the “white wine with fish, red wine with meat” dictum – if only it were that simple! In today’s society we are faced with a limitless options for pairing food and wine it’s sometimes hard to know where to begin. This hands-on practical places each participant in a taste lab where we’ll be experimenting with various wine styles and food types. If you’re curious why some reds work with spicy food, what salt does to tannin, what foods are impossible to pair and what to drink with dessert, this class is for you.

THE CLASSICS
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, October 27
$65
You’ve undoubtedly heard of them, and you’ve probably drunk them, but what do you really know about them? Let Jim Hutchinson take you on a top-class tasting tour of the world’s classic wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Mosel Riesling, Chianti, Barolo, Californian Cabernet… these essentially amount to wine’s Greatest Hits. Discover what makes these wines so renowned and why they so consistently top the charts.

WINES OF THE AMERICAS
with William Leonard-Lee
Tuesday, November 2
$45
There has never been a better time to be enjoying high quality wines from “our side of the pond”. As Europe migrated westward, so did their grape varieties and traditions, morphing into wines that began to reflect the distinct character of their new home. William Leonard-Lee will taste and discuss selections spanning both continents, picking out some of the regional flavors and practices that distinguish these wines from their European counterparts. Whether it’s lush California Pinot Noir, zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or robust Malbec from Mendoza, one will find an ever-increasing array of fine wines spread throughout the wine growing regions of the Americas. For those of you who fancy a whistle-stop western wine tour this class is a no-brainer.

All classes start at 6:30pm and last approximately two hours. For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.

WINES OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
with Scott Rosenbaum
Tuesday, May 11
6:30-8:30pm
$45

For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Edgar Dégas, “L’Absinthe”, 1876, Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

This week Vino’s cocktail hour celebrates one of the world’s most celebrated and controversial spirits, Absinthe, the popularity and notoriety of which have inspired writers and artists for generations. Its apparently addictive qualities and subsequent ban have only served to enhance its mystique.

Though originating in Neuchatel, Switzerland, this green, anise-flavored herbal spirit reached the peak of its popularity in turn-of-the-century Paris, where it rapidly became the tipple of choice among painters and literary-types basking in la vie bôhème. From the bourgeoisie to the working classes, at its height Absinthe was so popular in France that 5 o’clock in the afternoon became affectionately known as “l’heure verte” or “The Green Hour”.

Edouard Manet, “The Absinthe Drinker”, 1858-59,
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.

Absinthe also became known as “la fée verte” (“Green Fairy”), an allusion to its supposed drug-like properties. Critics claimed it was a potentially dangerous hallucinogenic and psychoactive drug, associating it with crime and social unrest. By 1915, Absinthe had been prohibited in France and most other European countries and the United States, after which demand fell sharply.

Pablo Picasso, “The Absinthe Drinker”, 1901,
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg.

Despite Absinthe’s continued availability in Spain and the UK, it was decades before a resurgence in interest occurred. After an independent push to have the laws adjusted, in 2000 the first French-made Absinthe was made available in France since 1914. In 2007, after a 95-year absence, Absinthe was imported into the United States.

Now Absinthe has found its way to Vino! Join us tomorrow afternoon as we pour Vieux Ponterlier Absinthe Française Supérieure by Èmile Pernot. Carefully crafted in small batches using alambic stills that were specifically designed to make absinthe, this top quality French Absinthe is distilled using locally grown wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), which is considered the finest in the world, along with green anise seed, Provençal fennel seed and a variety of additional aromatic herbs and spices. Faithful to Absinthe’s original formulations, there is no sweetening added of any kind — its refreshing taste is obtained entirely from the combination of plants and the distiller’s skills.

FREE ABSINTHE TASTING
Thursday, April 22
5:30-7:30pm

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email contact@vinosite.com.

CLASSES

Vino’s wine classes return this September with a fresh schedule for Fall! Our wines have gone international and so have our classes: this semester’s tasting seminars are a reflection of our expanding selection of world-class wines and spirits from around the globe. In addition, this term’s classes will be held on alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays, giving everyone a chance to attend. All classes run from 6:30-8:30pm.

THE WINES OF ITALY
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Tuesday, September 7
$45
Before Vino’s international expansion earlier this year, we spent the best part of a decade dealing in Italian wine. All that tasting and talking (and tasting some more) had to pay off in the end: the result is The Wines of Italy! Hosted by Vino’s resident Italian wine maven Jim Hutchinson, this intrepid tour of the peninsula will take in Italy’s vast mosaic of appellations, countless grape varieties, and myriad countless winemaking styles. Participants will be treated to an exclusive tasting representative of Italian wine’s remarkable quality and diversity, and learn more about the ever-shifting landscape of Italy’s richly entertaining winemaking culture.

FRENCH WINES IN A NUTSHELL
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Wednesday, September 15
$45
Charles de Gaulle once asked, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?” It’s even more difficult to wrap one’s head around the country’s various wines (of which there are over 300 distinct appellations). This class introduces some of France’s best known exports: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Participants will taste representations of these grapes as they manifest themselves in some of their finest growing regions. Participants will learn about basic winemaking techniques, French wine laws and appellations including: Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire and Rhone Valleys.

WINES OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Tuesday, September 21
$45
Spain makes more than Rioja and there’s more to Portugal than Port. Wines of the Iberian Peninsula gives you the chance to learn why these countries produce some of the finest wine values in the world. Explore Spain’s wonderful whites and Portugal’s dry reds, taste Albariño and discover Green Spain, visit Jumilla and quaff Monastrell, and find out about Portugal’s indigenous varieties while downing Dão.

CLASSIC COCKTAILS
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Tuesday, September 28
$45
The cocktail renaissance is upon us. New York has seen a surge in Prohibition-era speakeasies and bartenders who concoct their own signature bitters, but you don’t need a password or a degree in chemistry to mix up some of the classics. In this two hour seminar, Vino’s spirits specialist Scott Rosenbaum will recount the colorful history behind such hallmarks as the Martini, Manhattan, Daiquiri, and Sidecar. He’ll then shake ‘em up as he discusses the finer points regarding the importance of fresh juice, good ice, and proper barware. Participants will have a chance to mix their favorite cocktail of the evening. Prepare to be shaken and stirred!

WINE 101
with William Leonard-Lee
Tuesday, October 5
$45
This term’s classes are a reflection of our new international outlook, none more so than Wine 101, a global introduction to wine and winemaking. Vino’s William Leonard-Lee will attempt to unravel much of the mystery surrounding wine, revealing secrets of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle, and offering tips on selecting, storing and serving wine. Participants will take a whirlwind tour of some of the world’s celebrated wine-producing regions, tasting some fine examples of the local product along the way. There’s no better place to start making sense of one of everday life’s greatest pleasures.

PAIRING FOOD & WINE
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
Wednesday, October 13
$55
We’ve all heard the “white wine with fish, red wine with meat” dictum – if only it were that simple! In today’s society we are faced with a limitless options for pairing food and wine it’s sometimes hard to know where to begin. This hands-on practical places each participant in a taste lab where we’ll be experimenting with various wine styles and food types. If you’re curious why some reds work with spicy food, what salt does to tannin, what foods are impossible to pair and what to drink with dessert, this class is for you.

THE CLASSICS
with Jim Hutchinson
Wednesday, October 27
$65
You’ve definitely heard of them, and you’ve probably drunk them, but what do you really know about them? Let Jim Hutchinson take you on a top-class tasting tour of the world’s classic wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Mosel Riesling, Chianti, Barolo, Californian Cabernet… these essentially amount to wine’s Greatest Hits. Discover what makes these wines so renowned and why they so consistently top the charts.

WINES OF THE AMERICAS
with William Leonard-Lee
Tuesday, November 2
$45
There has never been a better time to be enjoying high quality wines from “our side of the pond”. As Europe migrated westward, so did their grape varieties and traditions, morphing into wines that began to reflect the distinct character of their new home. William Leonard-Lee will taste and discuss selections spanning both continents, picking out some of the regional flavors and practices that distinguish these wines from their European counterparts. Whether it’s lush California Pinot Noir, zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or robust Malbec from Mendoza, one will find an ever-increasing array of fine wines spread throughout the wine growing regions of the Americas. For those of you who fancy a whistle-stop western wine tour this class is a no-brainer.

All classes run from 6:30-8:30pm. For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.

Tuscany. Say it. “Tuscany.” I’ve seen grown adults go weak at the knees with the very mention of the word. That’s because nowhere evokes the magic of Italy more than this famed region: its rolling hills, picturesque towns and stunning artistic heritage have captivated for centuries and continue to attract millions of visitors every year. So familiar is Tuscany — and its celebrated wines — that in recent years wine enthusiasts in this country have begun to pass up a Brunello or a Vino Nobile in favor of something new. While we love Tuscany’s classic appellations, we also strongly promote the discovery of Italy’s lesser-known wines. This exclusive tasting class will remind you there is much more to Tuscan wine than the cliché of the straw Chianti flask on a checkered tablecloth. From the famous Sangiovese-based appellations to the law-bending Super Tuscans and an array of top-flight whites, Tuscany is home to some of the world’s finest wines. Taste some of our favorites with Vino’s Jim Hutchinson!

WINES OF TUSCANY
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, April 21
6:30-8:30pm
$65

For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email reservations@vinosite.com.

Vino’s wine classes return in April with a fresh schedule for Spring! Our wines have gone international and so have our classes: this semester’s tasting seminars are a reflection of our expanding selection of world-class wines and spirits from around the globe. In addition, this term’s classes will be held on alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays, giving everyone a chance to attend! Sign-up today!

Wednesday, April 21
THE WINES OF TUSCANY
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
$65
No region evokes the magic of Italy more than Tuscany: its rolling hills, picturesque towns and stunning artistic heritage have attracted visitors for centuries. So familiar is the region — and its wines — that in recent years wine enthusiasts in this country have begun to pass up a Brunello or a Vino Nobile in favor of something new. While we strongly promote the discovery of Italy’s lesser-known wines, at Vino we are quick to recognize there is much more to Tuscan wine than a straw Chianti flask on a checkered tablecloth. From the famous Sangiovese-based appellations to the law-bending Super Tuscans, Tuscany is home to some of the world’s finest wines. Taste some of our favorites!

Tuesday, April 27
FRENCH WINES IN A NUTSHELL
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
$45
Charles de Gaulle once asked, ”How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?“ It’s even more difficult to wrap one’s head around the country’s various wines (of which there are over 300 distinct appellations). This class introduces some of France’s best known exports: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Participants will taste representations of these grapes as they manifest themselves in some of their finest growing regions. Participants will learn about basic winemaking techniques, French wine laws and appellations including: Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire and Rhone Valleys.

Wednesday, May 5
ITALIAN WINE 101
with William “Lucky” Lee
$45
Many Vino customers often confess confusion when attempting to fathom Italy’s vast mosaic of appellations, myriad grape varieties, and countless winemaking styles. While we admit that getting to grips with Italian wine can be a daunting task, there’s no better place to start making sense of it all than at our hugely popular class. Featured three times this term, this introductory seminar will help unravel some of the mystery surrounding Italian wine, in the process hopefully answering some of those questions that continue to boggle the minds of so many wine novices. Participants will be treated to an exclusive tasting representing the incredible diversity of Italy’s wines. Whether you’re an Italian wine novice or a veteran of vino, consider this class your springboard from which to dive deeper into Italian wine’s many hidden depths, while broadening your knowledge of this richly entertaining and endlessly rewarding subject.

Tuesday, May 11
THE IBERIAN PENINSULA: The Wines of Spain & Portugal
with William “Lucky” Lee
$45
Spain makes more than Rioja and Portugal makes more than Port. Come and learn about why these countries produce some of the finest wine values in the world. Explore Spain’s wonderful whites and Portugal’s dry reds. Taste Albariño and discover Green Spain, visit Jumilla and quaff Monastrell, and find our about Portugal’s indigenous varieties while downing Dão.

Wednesday, May 19
OLD WORLD VS. NEW WORLD
with William “Lucky” Lee
$55
The joust is on! Maybe… You’ll no doubt have heard these phrases used to describe winemaking styles, but what do they really mean? Join us for an intriguing look at what differentiates “Old World” from “New World” wines, separating them into these two camps. We will taste selections from some of the world’s top winemaking regions to form a clearer understanding of how terroir and technique can affect the “profile” of a wine. We will also take an in-depth look at how different treatments to the same grape variety can yield wines of wildly differing attributes. California Merlot and Saint-Émilion? Australian Shiraz vs. Northern Rhône? Taste and decide which side of the winemaking divide these wines lay!

Tuesday, May 25
SIX GRAPE VARIETIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
with Jim Hutchinson
$45
Cesanese, Monastrell, Teroldego, Falanghina. If you’ve never heard of these grape varieties don’t despair, until a few years ago nobody knew Malbec either. Join us at Vino for an evening of exploration. We will taste wines made from six grapes of which you may know very little. Who knows? You may stumble onto the ground floor of the next big thing.

Wednesday, June 2
PAIRING FOOD & WINE
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
$55
We’ve all heard the ”white wine with fish, red wine with meat“ dictum, but there’s so much more to pairing wine and food. This hands-on practical places each participant in a taste lab where we’ll be experimenting with various wine styles and food types. If you’re curious why some reds work with spicy food, what salt does to tannin, what foods are impossible to pair and what to drink with dessert, this class is for you.

Tuesday, June 8
ITALIAN WINE 101
with William “Lucky” Lee
$45
The second edition of our introductory Italian wine tasting seminar.

Wednesday, June 16
BLIND TASTING
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
$55
Within the professional wine world, a blind tasting is seen by many as the ultimate test of a wine’s worthiness. External information, such as the cork, labels, price, even the bottle’s shape — factors which may sway a taster’s judgment — are hidden, leaving us with the purest sensory tasting experience. While a useful technique for creating a more honest comparison, a blind tasting is also a fascinating revelation as to the extent in which context and preconceptions can affect our perception of wine.

Tuesday, June 22
AN INTRODUCTION TO CLASSIC COCKTAILS
with Scott Rosenbaum, DWS
$45
The cocktail renaissance is upon us. Prohibition-style speakeasies are all the rage as are bartenders who make their own bitters, but you don’t need a password or a degree in chemistry to mix up some of the classics. In this two hour seminar, Scott Rosenbaum will recount some of the history behind such hallmarks as the Martini, Manhattan, Daiquiri, and Sidecar. He’ll then shake ’em up as he discusses the finer points regarding the importance of fresh juice, good ice, and proper barware. Participants will have a chance to mix their favorite cocktail of the evening, flame orange peels and discover what should be shaken and what should be stirred.

Wednesday, June 30
WINES OF THE AMERICAS
with William “Lucky” Lee
$45
There has never been a better time to be enjoying high quality wines from “our side of the pond”. As Europe migrated westward, so did their grape varieties and traditions, morphing into wines that began to reflect the distinct character of their new home. In “Wines of the Americas’, we will taste and discuss selections spanning both continents, picking out some of the regional flavors and practices that distinguish these wines from their European counterparts. Whether it’s lush California Pinot Noir, zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or robust Malbec from Mendoza, one will find an ever-increasing array of fine wines spread throughout the wine growing regions of the Americas. For those of you who fancy a whirlwind western wine tour this class is a no brainer.

All classes start at 6:30pm and last approximately two hours. For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Italian Wine 101 is the best place to start making sense of Italy’s vast mosaic of appellations, infinite grape varieties, and countless wine-making styles. Hosted by Vino’s William Lee, this introductory seminar will help unravel some of the complexities of the Italian wine system, and dispel much of the mystery surrounding what is for Italians simply part of everyday life. For this fun and lively class, participants will be treated to an exclusive tasting representing the impressive quality and incredible diversity of Italy’s wines.

And if you’ve missed out this time around worry not: we’ll be announcing our Spring class schedule very shortly, which is set to feature some brand new classes showcasing our ever-expanding selection of global wines and spirits! Stay tuned…

ITALIAN WINE 101
Wednesday, March 24
6:30-8:30pm
$45

For more information or to register please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

For more information call 212-725-6516, email contact@vinosite.com or check out our Twitter page now!

Vino’s Winter 2010 classes continue next Tuesday with a Master Class featuring a very special guest! Winemaker Mario Andrion of the acclaimed Barolo estate Castello di Verduno will be at Vino on February 23 to guide a tasting of his wines and to talk about his experiences as an enologist in one of the world’s most important appellations.

At 34 years old, Mario (above) represents a new generation of Langhe winemakers who resist the rigid traditional/modern categorization that has dogged Barolo and Barbaresco for decades. Like many of his contemporaries, he is willing to use advances in viticulture and vinification to produce wines that vibrantly express varietal character and reflect the top quality of the estate’s vineyard sites while requiring minimal technical intervention.

After obtaining a degree in enology and viticulture from the University of Turin, Mario spent a year in Oregon before landing a job at the Castello di Verduno in 2000. He assisted Castello co-owner Franco Bianco before taking over the cellar in 2005. Mario was awarded the Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for his 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja.

Class participants will taste some of Castello di Verduno’s most representative wines, including Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Verduno Pelaverga, Barbaresco, Barbaresco Rabaja and Barolo Massara.

MASTER CLASS
with Mario Andrion of Castello di Verduno
Tuesday, February 23
6:30-8:30pm
$50

For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.