Atlanta Update, Wine Edition – Nov 25

I haven’t done a post on wine lately, and a comment this weekend from Jim at the Atlanta Wine Schoolprompted me to look for some wine tastings this week. I haven’t been to a tasting in a few months and if you’ve never been, you should go. Drinking multiple wines, one after the other, is the best way to compare the differences and learn more about a particular wine’s qualities.

I’ve attended two tastings with the Atlanta Wine School, and they are a class act. The session was fun and we were guided by very knowledgeable instructors. I’m thinking of signing up for the Wine & Cheese class on December 3. Anyone interested in going with me?

Also, tonight I am thinking of going to Murphy’s in the Virginia-Highlands. They have a tasting every Tuesday for $20, featuring 8 wines, and you receive a $5 credit towards an entree. More info here. 

I found Murphy’s tasting using the Local Wine Events search engine. Be sure to check it out every week. Also, Creative Loafing has a list of one-time and recurring wine events on this page. 

Another place that has a fun and FREE wine tasting every Saturday is a place on Cumberland Parkway called The Colors of Wine. The Yelp review says it is $10, but the email list says it is free now. They are a boutique retail wine store next door to a Marlow’s Tavern and that’s where the actual tasting takes places. 

And if you’re straight ballin’, you should sign up for the champagne dinner at JOËL. The event starts with a reception and moves into a custom 5 course meal. The scallop ceviche, caviar, and cucumber horseradish paired with the ‘96 Brut sounds lovely. Oh wait, right, it’s $125 per person (not including tax + tip!) and the economy has been kicked square in the nuts. 

The Vineyard Wine Market on Powers Ferry will be doing a tasting on Wednesday, of 10 Spanish “holiday wines”. $20, RSVP required. Call 770.226.0099 for more info. 

Lastly, I leave you with some Thanksgiving wine info. The folks at WineStyles will help you pick out a Thanksgiving wine, and even let you try a few all this week.

Creative Loafing offers some Thanksgiving wine suggestions as well. They recommend Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Malbec, Sparkling Shiraz, and Meritage blends, among others. So….pretty much anything, huh?

Also, check out the Gary V archives to see what he has to say about Thanksgiving wines. I myself am looking very much forward to Thanksgiving. I am going home to South Carolina and my dad bought the WineLibrary Thanksgiving day secret pack, so our family will be tasting right along with Gary on the interweb, hopefully to some exciting wines. I have a lot to be thankful for this year!