Steve Chapman
After a 14-month COVID-induced shutdown, the Wine Club of SaddleBrooke Ranch (WCSBR) restarted with a French-themed “Wines of Summer” tasting event on May 17. Because of the need for continued social distancing, there were two separate seatings, which served a total of 136 WCSBR members.
This tasting event opened with a Crémant-style sparkling wine welcome cocktail and continued with four additional tastings, ranging from a Sauvignon Blanc to a Gamay, and small plate food pairings tastefully inspired by WCSBR Culinary Chair Cyndy Pylkka and prepared by Ranch House Chef Jeremy Imes.
Wine Club members learned that the labels on most French wines do not describe the type of grape (varietal) used to make the wine, instead the labels provide detail about where the grapes are grown with implications about the taste and flavor profile from the terroir (the essence of the place).
Members had great opportunities to socialize with others, and really enjoyed themselves at this tasting event. Many guests shared their thoughts about the wine and food pairings with the WCSBR board and committee members—and deemed this a true success!
Wine Club members had the opportunity to purchase the wines featured at the “Wines of Summer”—at attractive pricing—and either add them to their Ranch House Wine Storage Lockers or take them home for later enjoyment.
Upcoming events will include another wine tasting on Aug. 16, a wine dinner on Oct. 4, and a wine dinner and gala on Jan. 24, 2022. Possible additional future events (in the early planning stages) include educational events, and social and/or holiday mixers. For information about membership in the WCSBR, please contact Debbie Chapman, membership chair, at [email protected].