M Wine Education and Consulting

Classes and Escapes began in February and were a little slow to get going, but as the year progressed things picked up. The four-class Introduction to Wine was increased to six classes and subsequently sold out. The final “Escape” in November, The Truth About Wine & Cheese, ended the year on a high note with a class full of enthusiasts and familiar faces from previous sessions, all enjoying everything the night’s Escape had to offer.

‘M’ Wine’s Loyalty Rewards Program was launched to recognize and extend appreciation to those who continue to sign up for Classes and Escapes on a regular basis. Quite a few of you have now reached the Pinot Rewards Member status. In case you are wondering, one person has reached Cabernet Rewards Member status by taking 20+ classes - impressive!

In addition to classes, ‘M’ conducted numerous wine dinners and private tasting events for both wine venues and individual enthusiasts. This component of ‘M’s business continues to increase, as it seems more of you are looking for a fun way to learn about wine in the comfort and convenience of your home.

While ‘M’ did not hit the books for her continuing wine education, she certainly did carry on her education as a global grape trotter. A trip to France in May to explore the wine regions of Champagne www.champagne.fr and Burgundy www.burgundy-wines.fr surpassed expectations. ‘M’s love and appreciation of bubbles has increased ten-fold. Michele was also able to meet up with her favorite Burgundy wine expert, Brendan of www.wine-liaisons.com, for his invaluable insight into the 2011 vintage. The day started in the Cote de Nuits at Domaine Rossignol-Trapet, located in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, with an exceptional vertical tasting of Grand Cru Pinot Noir. From there they headed south and enjoyed a half-day exploring the villages of the Cote de Beaune (Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay...).

It was ‘M’s first trip to Champagne and third to Burgundy. Plans are already in the works to return in 2013. ‘M’ is considering making it a “class field trip”….

An unexpected wine country visit in June with a long-time friend had ‘M’ exploring the “taste trail” www.tastetrail.ca of Prince Edward County in Ontario, Canada. Organic farms, world-class wineries, artisan cheese makers, fine dining, and specialty producers made for a memorable experience.

The finale was a trip to Chile in November with an exploration of both the Casablanca and Colchagua Wine Regions.

To explore the best of the Casablanca Valley, ‘M’ organized an intimate full-day tour out of Santiago with "Uncorked" www.uncorked.cl. As most of you know, ‘M’ thoroughly enjoys food and wine pairing, so the gourmet tasting lunch paired with great wines at the House of Morandé made for an exceptionally enjoyable experience. Chile’s first cool-climate coastal region has caught the world’s attention with its crisp, clean, refreshing wines.

The Colchagua Valley, approximately three hours drive south of Santiago, was a great escape from the city. One of Chile’s best known wine regions is located in a beautiful setting with the Andes as its backdrop. Colchagua has earned much applause for its full-bodied Cabernet, Carménère, Syrah, and Malbec, with its wines regularly appearing on the world’s lists of leading wines.

To see pictures from her wine trips see ‘M’s photos page on facebook www.facebook.com/M.Wine.Education

As ‘M’ Wine is a relatively young venture, Michele recognizes how critical networking is to business growth. With that in mind, she joined North County Coastal Connections www.nccoastalconnections.wordpress.com NCCC is a group of strong, passionate business women that provide opportunities for professionals and small business owners to connect with other local professionals for networking and professional development. They encourage, support and promote each other by the sharing of ideas.” A special thanks to the gals of NCCC for your contribution to ‘M’ Wine in 2011!

In closing, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who supported ‘M’ Wine Education & Consulting in 2011.

Michele is looking forward to all that 2012 has to offer.

Cheers, Salud, Santé, Cin Cin!

Burgundy, Rhone, Loire, Provence...?

As some of you may know, I like to plan an annual wine excursion to keep up with what's going on in the world's various wine regions. In 2009 it was France and Spain; in 2010 it was two weeks in Sonoma; and for 2011 'M's annual wine tour will be taking us back to France.

Yes, 'M' will be enjoying a brief sojourn in Burgundy. This will be my third experience and I will be working extra hard with my acclaimed Burgundy guide in two ways: first, to get a premium experience, and second, to work with my contacts and friends to keep the cost down and the fun up!

This may end up being 'M's third time through The Rhone and second to Provence. Provence was such a magical experience that I'm not sure if a return trip can top the memory. Traveling with family and friends made the 2009 trip one I'll never forget. It didn't hurt that we toured with our own personal chef (my brother Sean) and two other industry professionals, so the wine and food were always guaranteed to please. Even better, we struck gold with the vacation rental we booked on-line - a perfect fit for 6 adults who wanted some R&R time after an intense week of wine tasting and travel throughout Burgundy.

I appreciate the vast majority of wine but I do have a particular affinity for Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc. I believe it's time I spent some time in the Loire Valley tasting and touring through Vouvray, Savennières, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, so we may end up making a slight diversion.

As you can see, the plans have only just begun..

Regarding destinations for 'M's up and coming wine tours, I am leaning towards Napa, Portugal and Spain for 2012. If you are interested in any of these, or if there is any other wine region(s) in the world that you would like me to put on the list, please let me know.

Note that 'M' likes to include free time on all wine trips to explore on your own. We will discover the culture of the land, the people, and of course, enjoying the best of wine, food and all the wonderful things we can while guests in another's country.

Cheers,
Michele

Michele (center), Rudi (far-right, owner) and friends

Cellar Tasting Château de Montfaucon, S. Rhone, France 2009

Contact M Wine Education and Consulting Today