The Loire: A Region in Motion

We’ve previously spent time getting to know the Loire Valley with an in-depth series covering every corner of this wild river valley. This time, we’re looking at it a little differently.

Why does one part of the Loire make Sauvignon Blanc while another is devoted to Chenin Blanc? How is it able to produce every style of wine from sparkling, to sweet and everything in between? We’ll taste across the region to explore how grape varieties became associated with particular places, how producers are pushing against, or redefining, those traditions, and how a changing climate is beginning to reshape the wines of this famously cool-climate region.

This is a class about the Loire as it exists now: diverse, in many ways intimate, and evolving.

We’ll taste a selection of wines from across the Loire while talking about:

• Why particular grape varieties thrive in different parts of the region

• How producers influence the way we understand a place

• The tension between tradition and experimentation

• How climate change is affecting ripening, acidity, harvest dates, and wine style

• Where the Loire might be headed next

Wine School includes a flight of four wines and snacks from our kitchen. Price is inclusive of tax.