Marketview Liquor is excited to announce our first ever series of wine education classes, Cellar Sessions with Holly! These classes will cover a wide range of wine topics, from the basics to an in-depth look at different countries and the wines they offer.
General Information About the Classes
- All classes will take place in “The Wine Cellar” at Marketview Liquor
- All participants must be 21 years to attend (ID required)
- All classes are $20 per person (to be paid on arrival at the registers)
- Each class holds a maximum of 12 people
- Reservations are REQUIRED (phone number and email required at the time of reservation)
- Reservations must be made through the front registers (by phone or in person)
- Must have a minimum of 8 people signed up for the class to take place
Classes Being Offered
A CELEBRATION OF RIESLING
May is Riesling month in the Finger Lakes, so let’s pay tribute to our rock star grape! Riesling wines are being produced in regions all around the world – Germany, France, Australia, New York, Washington State…. even New Zealand. We’ll take a stroll around the world and taste why Riesling is known as the chameleon grape – it takes on the flavor of the region in which it grows. A great way to welcome the warmer weather – with a crisp, refreshing glass of Riesling!
Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Tuesday, May 28th 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
The Wines of South Africa
It may surprise you that South Africa has been making wine even longer that the United States! Yet, American wine shelves did not see any of these incredible wines until 1994, when the trade embargo due to Apartheid was lifted. In the years since then, our ability to procure South African wines has increased steadily. These wines are the perfect blend of OLD WORLD (Dutch and French settlers brought the first winemaking traditions) and NEW WORLD (as many producers are making more “international style” of wines that sell well in export markets). This blend of different cultures, combined with a wide variety of micro-climates, has made South Africa one of most diverse and exciting new wine regions in the world!
Dates:
Tuesday, June 11th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Friday, June 14th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
A TASTE OF DRY ROSÉ
Rosé wines are some of the most misunderstood in the world! Often thought of as sweet wines that are cheap, these lovely pinks are anything but. REAL Rosé wines are made from red grapes, but the juice only gets a hint of color. In most cases, the wines are elegantly dry and loaded with bright fruit flavors. They can make great choices to pair a wide variety of foods, and are particularly refreshing in the warm weather months. Like right now!
Dates:
Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Friday, June 21st, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
CARMENERE-THE LOST GRAPE
Once known as “The Lost Grape of Bordeaux”, Carmenere has made an amazing comeback in the country of Chile. It has become their rockstar red grape, and is producing wines in just about every region from Casablanca to Cachapoal to Colchagua! Join us for a tasting of great wines from around the country as we immerse ourselves in the flavors of this amazing grape. Carmenere is the perfect wine for summer grilling!
Dates:
Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-1 spots left
Friday, June 28th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
THE WINES OF OREGON
Oregon “terroir” (that combination of climate, location, soil, etc) is close to ideal for a number of different grapes. Some say that the conditions in Oregon are reminiscent of those in Burgundy, France. It is no wonder that the white Chardonnay and the red Pinot Noir grapes are standouts here. Another signature white is Pinot Gris, a grape that also produces great wines in Alsace, France. You may know it by its alias, Pinot Grigio, which is a lighter version made in northern Italy. Join us as we try a sampling of Oregon’s best…
Dates:
Monday, July 8th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
DISCOVER PORTUGAL!
Most people know Portugal for its distinct fortified wines called Porto. But there is so much more to this wine-making country than you would think! Join us as we travel through the regions of Vinho Verde, Lisboa and Alentejo just to name a few. You will get a great overview of the country’s wine-making regions, along with a taste of some of the indigenous grapes that Portugal calls its own.
Dates:
Monday, July 15th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, July 17th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
SAUVIGNON BLANC AROUND THE WORLD
This crisp white wine is being made worldwide, and it takes on a unique character depending on the region in which it is grown. We’ll take a little tour, starting from the homeland of sauvignon blanc, the Loire Valley of France, and travel around the globe to taste and compare wines from California, New Zealand, Chile and more.
Dates:
Tuesday, July 23th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
CELEBRATE THE FINGER LAKES
The Finger Lakes were named for their geographical resemblance to… well, to the fingers on our hands! And it is no coincidence that our most treasured products here are also made by hand, wine being one of them. The lakes were formed a few million years ago, when the glaciers happened to be moving through the area. The result is a distinctive soil composition of slate, mineral and limestone that makes for exceptional vineyard sites. Our local wines have gained international recognition and continue to impress palates worldwide. Join us to catch up on all the news…
Dates:
Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-2 spots left
Friday, August 2nd, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-6 spots left
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
A TASTE OF SPAIN
Spain has more land planted to vineyards than any other country in the world! Yet, it is only fourth in production “quantity-wise” behind France, Italy and the United States. That is because the plant their vines further apart, and they keep the yields VERY low, making for some pretty rich and concentrated juice. In other words, sometimes less is better. Especially in the wine world! From the crisp Albariño whites on the northwestern coast, to the bright Rosé wines of Navarra, to the rustic and traditional reds of Rioja, we will take a virtual trip around the country.
Dates:
Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Friday, August 9th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-4 spots left
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
THE LOIRE VALLEY OF FRANCE
This region has been called “Le Jardin de France”, meaning The Garden of France. Although the Loire Valley of France is best known for the 300 beautiful Châteaux that line its shores, it is also a treasure trove of GREAT food and wine! The river itself starts in the central region of France (the Massif Central) and flows directly north before taking a sharp turn left, and finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Nantes. It is the longest in France – over 600 miles. Along its path, you’ll find every style of wine imaginable – whites, rosés, reds, still, sparkling, dry and sweet.
Dates:
Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm-SOLD OUT
Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 2pm – 3:30pm-SOLD OUT
Must call us to reserve your spot! 888-427-2480
About The Instructor
Holly Howell grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family has owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.
Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.
Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!