At this point, I've been wine tasting more times than I can remember. And I'm not complaining - I love it. My palate has developed and my taste for wine has grown. I've done tastings with cheese, tastings with chocolate, tasting with food pairings and more. I've almost done it all. Up to this point, I've figured out what I like and what I don't like, but not why. That is, until my wine tasting experience with Llyod Davis of Sonoma's Corner 103.
First thing's first. Corner 103 is not your average wine tasting room. It's truly a wine tasting experience. Tastings must be booked in advance and average about 1.5-2 hours. It's not a place to just pop in and grab a glass of wine or a small bite (unless you're a wine club member) - it's a sit down experience for those interested in learning about wine and how to change its flavors to your personal preferences. Llyod calls the experience "finding your perfect pairing." For some of you, you may know that you like reds, hate whites, are so-so about bubbles, but maybe you don't know why. Llyod aims to change that by giving you two hours of education on how wine tastes to you and how you can change it by adding certain elements. You sit, sip, sip again, add a nibble of a cheese or nut, sip some more and truly think about what you're tasting, as your tasting it. Each glass of wine also comes with a tasting card coaster - you learn about the wine, where it's from and can jot down notes as you go along.
For most, including myself, wine can be intimidating - I'd find myself asking is this a "good" wine, or getting stressed when the waiter comes and I don't know what wine to pick for myself (or worst - the table). Corner 103 is different. It's an approachable tasting experience - you're encouraged to ask questions and say how you truly feel, so your educator can guide you through the tasting process. Llyod's hope is that after completing a tasting at Corner 103, you leave confident and better understand how to find your perfect pairing. I've already told all my pals about my tasting, and now I'm telling you! If you're in wine country, do try and make an appointment for a tasting at Corner 103 - I can honestly tell you that it's the best wine tasting experience I've had to date.
First thing's first. Corner 103 is not your average wine tasting room. It's truly a wine tasting experience. Tastings must be booked in advance and average about 1.5-2 hours. It's not a place to just pop in and grab a glass of wine or a small bite (unless you're a wine club member) - it's a sit down experience for those interested in learning about wine and how to change its flavors to your personal preferences. Llyod calls the experience "finding your perfect pairing." For some of you, you may know that you like reds, hate whites, are so-so about bubbles, but maybe you don't know why. Llyod aims to change that by giving you two hours of education on how wine tastes to you and how you can change it by adding certain elements. You sit, sip, sip again, add a nibble of a cheese or nut, sip some more and truly think about what you're tasting, as your tasting it. Each glass of wine also comes with a tasting card coaster - you learn about the wine, where it's from and can jot down notes as you go along.
For most, including myself, wine can be intimidating - I'd find myself asking is this a "good" wine, or getting stressed when the waiter comes and I don't know what wine to pick for myself (or worst - the table). Corner 103 is different. It's an approachable tasting experience - you're encouraged to ask questions and say how you truly feel, so your educator can guide you through the tasting process. Llyod's hope is that after completing a tasting at Corner 103, you leave confident and better understand how to find your perfect pairing. I've already told all my pals about my tasting, and now I'm telling you! If you're in wine country, do try and make an appointment for a tasting at Corner 103 - I can honestly tell you that it's the best wine tasting experience I've had to date.
