Wine Essentials: France Vs. USA

with Tim Farrell
Wednesday 1/14 6:30pm

We are kicking off the Wine Academy calendar for 2026 with the perfect introduction! France holds status as the most important wine-producing country, and the United States produces excellent wines in a very different. So what makes two seemingly-identical wines grown in separate places taste so different? The answer lies in the French concept of "terroir." All the little features of vineyard, from soil to climate to tradition, add up to make a unique wine that is impossible to replicate in another place. Understanding the concept of terroir is fundamental in appreciating great wine, and CoolVines' wine director Tim Farrell will explain this concept the easiest way he knows how: by pouring a bunch of wine! This guided tasting will feature multiple pairs of wines, with a French example in one glass, and an American example in the other. You will taste for yourself how terroir affects what is in the bottle, and learn about classic wine regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa and the Willamette Valley.

To attend this event you must purchase a ticket in advance. The $30 price includes $10 for the seminar fee and $20 toward the purchase of wine or other products from CoolVines, which are consumed at the event. Attendees can choose a “seminar-only” ticket for $10 if they do not wish to participate in the tasting.  The $20 portion of your ticket will be applied toward the purchase of 1 or more bottles of wine or other product from CoolVines, which will be consumed at the event.  Your wine will be delivered to the seminar venue for your convenience.  It is encouraged that participants offer their bottles to share with the group so that all participants are able to taste all products at the event.  48-hr cancellation notice is required for refund. Cancellations received after that time will be refunded at the sole discretion of CoolVines. No-shows will not receive a refund.