For decades and decades, a mystical & highly revered wine category has commanded sales, ratings, prices and stirred up awe and buzz across the wine-world and most of all in the United States. Tuscan in origin, but international in spirit, “SUPER TUSCANS“ have represented some of the best bottlings to leave Italian soil, world-bound.

But what exactly are they ? Not even an official category (hence the speech-marks…), SUPER TUSCANS blasted onto the wine world through contradiction, controversy and a pioneering soul in the 1960’s and were some of the very first Italian wines to make a name for themselves and Italy across the planet.

Very often misunderstood, misrepresented and erroneously explained and perceived, our mission is to shed light and clarity on a mystical and legendary Italian wine category that has little of official to begin with.

On our continuous endeavors for technical seminars and member education, the NORTH AMERICAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION has teamed up with WHYNOT to put the SUPER TUSCAN theory to a test utilizing and showcasing the new patented wine preservation system : WHYNOT WINE SAVER.

CATCH UP ON YOUR SUPER TUSCAN WINE KNOWLEDGE, DISCOVER THE NEW VINTAGES OF PRIME HISTORICAL LABELS WITH MULTIPLE PRODUCERS AND SINGLE-VINEYARDS TASTED. DISCOVER THE AWE-INSPIRING POWER OF THE ‘WHYNOT WINE SAVER’ MACHINE…ALL IN ONE 2.5 HOUR SEMINAR !

*FOOD WILL BE SERVED !

City: Los Angeles  Date: 02/21/2020 at 11:00am to 1:30pm   

Price: FREE FOR TRADE & CURRENT NASA MEMBERS (membership status will be checked) !

WHEN: FEBRUARU 21st - 11:00am to 1:30pm
DETAILS: Snacks will be provided

WHERE: THE WINEHOUSE - 2311 Cotner ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90064

BAROLO…KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN.

The Northern Italian region of PIEMONTE is widely considered by the wine community as one of the most prominent, unique and significant wine regions of the world.  The region has a 3000-year history rooted in ancient Celtic heritage, is surrounded by breathtaking mountains,  and dotted with remote towns as unreachable and untouchable as they are seductive.  Piemonte continues to inspire and seduce both the wine world and the culinary world, maintaining its position as Italy's number one wine region for vineyard plantings and production of high quality wines.

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is amongst the most noble, sought after, imitated and revered wine grapes in the world, responsible for some of the most famous and long lived wines ever (Barolo, Barbaresco, Valtellina, Gattinara...).

The BAROLO DOCG is perhaps the most famous and commercially significant wine that Piemonte produces. Fully understanding and grasping this appellation can be a life-long journey. As intricate, complex and elusive as the wines are, the appellation and production scenario of this world-famous wine are a tough nut to crack. Some of the most particular terroir mixed with an ultra-sensitivity of the Nebbiolo varietal and topped with superbly strict and extensive regulations, all contribute to create a wine that requires much insight to fully grasp. Beyond this, is the huge array of single-vineyards (known as CRU…from the French) that each put a different spin on the expressions of this amazing red wine.

Join North American Sommelier Association’s President, Diego Meraviglia, Master taster & Piemonte native for a tour through the world of this ancient, mysterious and seductive wine varietal as we explore it's very core and most famous expression through the BAROLO appellation. 

We will be tasting through x7 prime examples and expressions of all tiers of BAROLO.

WHEN: MONDAY JUNE 10th - 2:00pm to 5:00pm

WHERE: City Winery (Barrel room) - 1200 West Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois 60607

COST: $150.00 REGULAR (all inclusive) / $100 BUNDLED WITH ITALIAN WINE SPECIALIST COURSE ($775 total).

All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac! 

Cognac is the original brandy and still to this day the most revered and historical distillate of wine. A legendary spirit with centuries of history.  First and foremost, Cognac is a place.  It is a town in the Charente department of southwestern France, and the distinct climate, soils, culture, and history of the surrounding area are expressed in the spirit that’s made here. Today, both within the fine-dining, alcoholic beverage industries and pop-culture, Cognac has regained all of its past glory.  The styles, versatility, applications and personalities of Cognac are immensely varied and its production method considered one of the most artisanal and crafted in the world of spirits.

In this 3.5-hour course, we will cover Cognac’s history, production, and ways to enjoy it, including food pairing.   We will taste a selection of 9 (nine) Cognacs that will illustrate a variety of terroirs, styles, tiers and aging categories. 

The course will also feature a series of small bites to showcase pairing applications.

The instructor, Irina Ponomarenko, is an official Cognac Educator, certified by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac).

Presenter:  Irina Ponomarenko, Certified Cognac Educator, WSA/NASA Silver-Pin Certified Sommelier, Master Taster.

Participants will receive a ‘certificate of attendance’ issued by the North American Sommelier Association in conjunction with the BNIC (official Cognac Bureau).

Irina recently returned from Cognac where she was among a select group of educators training for the Cognac Educator Certificate.  Irina has been an instructor with the North American Sommelier Association since 2013.  She teaches a variety of courses, including the spirits module of the Certified Sommelier curriculum. 

WHEN: MAY 26th - 1:00pm to 4:30pm

WHERE: RITA HOUSE - 5971 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

COST: $179.00 NON-NASA MEMBERS (all inclusive) / $149 CURRENT NASA MEMBERS

*membership status will be checked for discount

Vinho Verde is the biggest DOC of Portugal, up in the cool, rainy, verdant north west. 
Vibrant freshness, lightness and aromatic and flavorful expressions, are the characteristics that define and differentiate Vinho Verde that has steadily become more & more popular in the United States market.

Affordable, over-delivering, fresh, versatile in pairing, vibrant, thirst-quenching and mineral...this wine is as unique as it is mandatory in any complete cellar or wine program.

WHEN: Monday JANUARY 28th @ 11:00am to 1:30pm

WHERE: The Winehouse - 2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064

COST: FREE FOR MEMBERS & TRADE !

Salento is called the “heel” of Italy because of its shape: it is a beautiful strip of land, bathed by two seas, the Ionian and the Adriatic, a door straight on the Balkans, Greece and south-eastern Europe. Land of border, where everything ends and at the same time can start. By destiny and by agricultural vocation, Salento is also the mother land of the wine civilization, because, as the local farmers say, wine in Salento is as old as man and his agriculture. 

Altitude and composition of the soils, exposure and solar irradiation, thermal excursions and ventilation, these characteristics make of Salento an incredible diverse wine region, expressing several microclimatic and terroirs, changing within a few kilometres. 

The cultivation of the vine, in these areas, located at the center of the Mediterranean, has crossed all the ages, from the Greeks to the Romans, to go to Longobards and Byzantines, and then Normans, Angevins and Aragonese, and reach up to our time with stunning, powerful wines.

Reds can be the intense and brooding made of Negramaro, or brilliant and vibrant, made of Primitivo or the indigenous Susumaniello. Because Puglia and Salento are, above all, lands of reds and rosés (rosati), sometimes even big and unforgettable ones. Wines with character. 

Today Salento shows the potential to become a symbol of the new frontier of Southern Italian quality enology. Two facts plays a big role in the quality viticulture of this area: ancient tradition in the cultivation of the vine on one side and perfect climatic conditions on the other. And then again, the proximity of the sea, an added value able to mitigate the effects of a hot climate and to give the wines that complexity (and elegance) that makes them truly unique, expressive of a truly unique “Salento identity”. 

Come and discover more about this underrated wine region. Meet in person some of Salento producers!

WHEN: 2018 OCTOBER 24th (Wednesday) - 11:00AM to 1:30pm

WHERE: THE WINEHOUSE (upstairs) - 2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064

COST: FREE FOR TRADE (credentials required) or CURRENT NASA MEMBERS - Renew your membership here !

With Consorzio of Salice Salentino producers and Laura Donadoni (guest speaker)

Please RSPV, limited number of seats available !

For questions or queries : info@nasommelier.com

Vinho Verde is the biggest DOC of Portugal, up in the cool, rainy, verdant north west. 
Vibrant freshness, lightness and aromatic and flavorful expressions, are the characteristics that define and differentiate Vinho Verde that has steadily become more & more popular in the United States market.

Affordable, over-delivering, fresh, versatile in pairing, vibrant, thirst-quenching and mineral...this wine is as unique as it is mandatory in any complete cellar or wine program.

Learn all there is to know about Vinho Verde!

The seminar & tasting will give you an insight on the natural conditions of the region, covering the several micro-climates, terroir, winemaking practices and unique indigenous grape varieties utilized as well as the typical and various examples of this splendidly jovial white wine.

An guided tasting of a great selection of the best examples will be executed. 

Find out the truth behind Portugal's fastest growing export !

WHEN: Tuesday JUNE 19th @ 12:00pm to 2:30pm

WHERE: Texas Wine School - 2301 Portsmouth St, Houston, TX 77098

COST: FREE FOR MEMBERS & TRADE !

Vinho Verde is the biggest DOC of Portugal, up in the cool, rainy, verdant north west. 
Vibrant freshness, lightness and aromatic and flavorful expressions, are the characteristics that define and differentiate Vinho Verde that has steadily become more & more popular in the United States market.

Affordable, over-delivering, fresh, versatile in pairing, vibrant, thirst-quenching and mineral...this wine is as unique as it is mandatory in any complete cellar or wine program.

WHEN: Monday JUNE 4th @ 11:00am to 1:30pm

WHERE: PRESS CLUB - 20 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103

COST: FREE FOR MEMBERS & TRADE !

WHEN: Monday JUEN 4th, 2018 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (one hour break for lunch).

WHERE: FLORIDA WINE ACADEMY - 1 SE 3rd Ave Suite #2240, Miami, FL 33131

EXAM: TBC by school

* REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY : *Enrollment fee non-refundable upon cancellation by student - course credit will be retained for future use.

WHEN: Saturday April 21st, 2018 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (one hour break for lunch).

WHERE: RITA HOUSE - 5971 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

EXAM: TBA

COST: $350.00 (all inclusive) / $315 for current NASA MEMBERS

* REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY : *Enrollment fee non-refundable upon cancellation by student - course credit will be retained for future use.

For centuries, BORDEAUX has commanded an almost mythical status in the world of wine, beguiling kings, emperors and dictators alike. While its survival is dependent on the capricious nature of weather,  its prosperity has always been tied to the shifting fortunes of global economies. As powerful nations rise and fall, so does the fate of this place.

One of the unique and historical characteristics of this commanding wine region is the quality 'classification' of its left bank (Medoc) wineries. Most of us are well aware of the famous 1855 classification that divided the wineries into a 'Grand Cru' scale of 1 to 5 and how unreachable the 5 top Chateaux are in price...but how about the wineries that were NOT classified in 1855 ? The ones that were born after, or perhaps never made the cut back then but today make fabulous wines at accessible prices ?

Welcome the CRU BOURGEOIS. Created in 1962 but with a far longer history, this association of producers stands to protect, classify and promote all the superb wineries that were not classified in 1855 and were in the hands of merchants and not noble families. They represent some of the best and most competitive wines that Bordeaux has to offer. As a result of their selection criteria and positioning in terms of price, the Crus Bourgeois are ideally suited to today’s markets and the requirements of increasingly demanding consumers.

JOIN US FOR AN IN DEPTH OVERVIEW SEMINAR OF THE MEDOC DISTRICT OF BORDEAUX, THE 'CRU BOURGEOIS' ORGANIZATION & CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL TASTING OF SOME OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF 'CRU BOURGEOIS' BORDEAUX WINES, TOGETHER WITH CRUS BOURGEOIS DU MEDOC BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR THE USA, BRINDA BOURHIS (WINEVOX) AND CERTIFIED BORDEAUX WINE EDUCATOR, NASA VICE PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.

* EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED / TRADE & NASA MEMBERS ONLY

WHEN: 2018 APRIL 17th (Tuesday) - 11:00AM to 1:30pm

WHERE: ANALOG BAR (Recording Room) - 801 5th Avenue Gaslamp, San Diego, CA 92101

COST: FREE FOR TRADE & CURRENT NASA MEMBERS - Renew your membership here !

For questions or queries : info@nasommelier.com

Learn more about the CRU BOURGEOIS

"Brothers come quickly ! I'm drinking stars !" was the exclamation uttered by father Dom Pérignon as he discovered bubbles in wine. A fluke, a coincidence of nature dictated by the extreme Northern location of the Champagne region causing stuck fermentations due to cold. He spent the rest of his life, 47 years, battling, studying, exploring, analyzing and comprehending this phenomenon. 

In 1668 Dom Pierre Pérignon, a monk, is nominated curator of the abbey of Hautvillers. He was in charge of  managing the supplies of this holy place and set out to improve and renovate the vineyards and wine the abbey produced. As a Benedictine monk, he followed the rule of St.Benedict...the strive for perfection and discipline; he left nothing to chance. He set out to make "the best wine in the world" and single handedly set the base for what Champagne and any 'classical method' sparkling wine is today. He invented techniques, methodologies and concepts that revolutionized wine forever.

A cuvée de prestige is a proprietary Champagne label that is considered to be the top of a producer's range. Famous examples include Louis Roederer's Cristal, Laurent-Perrier's Grand Siècle, Dom Pérignon, Duval-Leroy's Cuvée Femme, Armand de Brignac Gold Brut, and Pol Roger's Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, Ruinart's 'Dom Ruinart' & KRUG's 'Grande Cuvée'.

The original prestige cuvée was indeed Moët & Chandon's 'Dom Pérignon', launched in 1936 with the 1921 vintage. Until then, Champagne houses produced different cuvées of varying quality, but a top-of-the-range wine produced to the highest standards (and priced accordingly) was a new idea. In the last three decades of the 20th century, most Champagne houses followed these with their own prestige cuvées, often named after notable people with a link to that producer and presented in non-standard bottle shapes (following Dom Pérignon's lead with its 18th-century revival design). These are indeed...the BEST SPARKLING WINES IN THE WORLD.

AS A TOAST TO THE ENDING 2017 VINTAGE, JOIN US FOR AN IN DEPTH GUIDED TASTING & SEMINAR ON DOM PERIGNON's NEW VINTAGES AND OLDER RESERVE GEMS, STILL AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET. THE PRESENTATION & TASTING WILL INCLUDE RARITIES RARELY PULLED AND WILL COMPARE AND ANALYZE THE VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS AS WELL AS A TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF 'PLENITUDES':

- Dom Pérignon Blanc vintage 2009, Dom Pérignon Rose' Vintage 2005, Dom Pérignon P2 vintage 2000, Dom Pérignon Rose' P2 vintage 1995, + a surprise old vintage (direct comparison to P2).

SEMINAR PRESENTED AND LED BY DOM PERIGNON US BRAND AMBASSADOR & NASA PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.

WHEN: 2017 DECEMBER 18th (Monday) - 11:00AM to 1:30pm

WHERE: WALLY's BEVERLY HILLS (private room) - 447 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

COST: FREE FOR WINE TRADE ONLY - credentials required & checked*

* Please note: This complimentary seminar and tasting is reserved for industry only (buyers or press) ! Capacity is set to 24 and credentials will be checked prior to confirmation of seat.

RSVP BY CLICKING BELOW / For questions or queries : info@nasommelier.com

When: Wednesday December 6th, 9:15 am PST/ 12:15 pm EST
Who:  NASA members, guests, trade and public (100 guests maximum)

Instructions: 
1. Click on the link 5-10 minutes before the start of the webinar:

https://nasommelier.adobeconnect.com/campania/

2. Please enter as GUEST - you may need to switch browsers, install FLASH or Adobe Connect Add-In. We recommend a test.

3. A PDF of the slides will be sent the day before the seminar.

This webinar will be recorded; the link will be online soon after the webinar.

Campania has been recognized since Roman times as a fruitful land for its culture, history, traditions - and definitely for winemaking. Ancient viticulture methods, modern technology, both Etruscan and Roman traditions together with the immense wealth of native grapes and diverse terroirs make it one of Italy’s most intricate and interesting wine regions.  Discover the amazing beauty of Campania, from Irpinia to the Amalfi coast, via the Phlegreian fields and Mount Vesuvius. 

Presenter:  Ciro Pirone, Director of Italian Wines for Horizon Beverage Company, NASA Boston Chapter Delegate and Instructor. 
Ciro is a graduate of the Istituto Alberghiero (Hotel and Restaurant Management school) of Salerno, Italy and a NASA Certified Italian Wine Specialist, with honors. 

When:  Wednesday Nov 29th at 9:15 am PST
(12:15 pm EST)

Who:  NASA members, guests, trade, our partners.
(Max 100 attendees)

Instructions: 
1. Click on the link 5-10 minutes before the start of the webinar:
https://nasommelier.adobeconnect.com/lodiwine/

2. Please enter as GUEST - you may need to switch browsers, install FLASH or Adobe Connect Add-In. We recommend a test.

3. A PDF of the slides will be sent the day before the seminar.

This webinar will be recorded; the link will be online soon after the webinar.

When:  Wednesday November 1st, 9:15 am PST/12:15 pm EST
Who:   NASA members, guests, trade, our partners, public. (Max 100 attendees)

Instructions: 
1. Click on the link 5-10 minutes before the start of the webinar:

https://nasommelier.adobeconnect.com/sherry/

2. Please enter as GUEST - you may need to switch browsers, install FLASH or Adobe Connect Add-In. We recommend a test.

3. A PDF of the slides will be sent the day before the seminar.

This webinar will be recorded; the link will be online soon after the webinar.
______________________________

The wines of Jerez have been made for export since the times of the Roman Empire.  Magellan, in preparation for his trip around the world, spent more money on wine than any other supplies.  His entire wine supply came from Jerez, so Sherry has been traveling around the globe for half a millennium.  Perhaps this is what makes Sherry such a versatile wine when it comes to pairing it with food.  In our webinar, we will briefly review where Sherry comes from and how it is made, and then focus on the palette of Sherry styles and matching them with food.

Presenter:
Irina Ponomarenko, Certified Sherry Educator
Irina Ponomarenko is a WSA/NASA Silver Pin Sommelier. She is a Master Taster and Instructor for NASA, with a passion for and specialization in spirits and fortified wines.  Irina recently traveled to Jerez for the Sherry Educator program; she is pictured here receiving her certification from the Consejo Regulador.
 

Silver-Pin Sommelier NASA/WSA EXAM

WHERE: THE WINEHOUSE, 2311 Cotner ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90064

WHEN: 2017 AUGUST 6th (10:00am) - 3.5 hours

COST: $150 (if retake)

REGISTER HERE

* Please show up on time, exam will start without you. Bring drinking water, 3 different color pens, pencil, ruler. Do not smoke, drink coffee, chew gum or mints or wear perfume or creams during these 2 days. Dress code is smart formal.

Cognac in Summer? Mais oui!

People who live in this historic French wine region enjoy Cognac year-round in many ways - in cocktails, frozen, sipping and pairing the high quality versions with foie gras and desserts. We want you to live like the locals!

We have created a secret Cognac lounge and garden for this kick-off to your weekend. You will sip and savor three different Cognac drinks, paired with special hors d'oeuvres - salty, succulent, sweet. This casual walkaround tasting allows you to enjoy at your own pace - a wonderful pre-dinner stop in West Hollywood, in a beautiful Old Hollywood retro setting.

Hosting this special event will be official Cognac Educator Irina Ponomarenko, who will be on hand to answer any questions you have about Cognac styles, how to buy, pair, and drink this heavenly beverage.

WHEN : Thursday, July 20th - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

WHERE : Secret Lounge - 5971 Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036

COST : NASA members: $25 / Non-members: $35

*You don't have to be a NASA member or a sommelier to join us! - RSVP by clicking below