Southern Rhône Masterclass

Twin Cities Wine Education presents the top overview of a storied wine region.

The Southern Rhône Masterclass!

The first wine that brought me to tears was a Gigondas. A mentor handed me a glass in the early 1990s, and something about its aroma, its depth, and the way it made me feel stopped me cold. I still remember it. My main question was, “How can this be?” — followed, presumably, by “Can I have a little more?” I’ve been a Southern Rhône nut ever since, and this masterclass is my chance to share why.

This is a region with plenty of personality: sun-drenched vineyards, winds that can rearrange your hairstyle, and wines that practically demand something delicious roasting nearby. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the headliners, but their names only begin to explain what’s happening in the glass. We’ll explore how these grapes work together, why the blends change from place to place, and how the landscape shapes everything from generous, spice-filled reds to rosés with enough substance to claim a seat at the dinner table. Throughout the class, we’ll taste outstanding wines while exploring the region’s history, culture, food, and the personalities behind the bottles.

We’ll work our way from Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages into Tavel, Lirac, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and the revered Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Along the way, we’ll look at what earns each appellation its reputation, where the great values hide, and why “Southern Rhône” describes a much broader range of wines than you might expect. Gigondas will, of course, get some extra affection. A wine that makes you cry earns that privilege.

Our final section takes a deep dive into Châteauneuf-du-Pape: the famous stones, the less photographed soils that matter just as much, and the choices producers make in the vineyard and cellar. We’ll also explore how a warming climate is changing the conversation about ripeness, alcohol, freshness, and balance. There’s much more to understand here than a hefty bottle and an impressive label, and we’re going to get into it.

This is Southern Rhône immersion, TCWE style: serious depth, great stories, incredible wines, and plenty of room for questions. Whether you’re already devoted to these wines or still wondering what all the fuss is about, I hope you’ll join us for the Southern Rhône Masterclass.

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Do you have a Twin Cities Wine Education Gift Card?
Email Jason Kallsen at jason@twincitieswine.com with details (which event you wish to attend and your gift card number), and we'll set up a custom code for you. OR, feel free to buy tickets and contact Jason for reimbursement. Either works great.

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