Wines of the Central Mediterranean Coast & the Islands

We travel south from Valenica to both the coastal and mountainous portions of Murcia. We’ll taste two underrated, local grapes quietly taking the world by storm—Monastrell and Bobal. Monastrell has been globe-trotting under the radar for a long time. Next, we'll visit the Balearic and Canary Islands, where the vines compete with the tourists as the consummate sun-worshipers. Sunburn and wind burn are serious problems for humans and grapevines alike! The islanders have developed some unique viticultural practices to block the westerlies, collect rainfall and trellis the vine. And the grapes they grow—Prensal, Listan Blanco, Callet, Manto Negro, and Listan Negro—are equally singular. Just as the islands themselves represent but a small fraction of the landmass below the waves, wine production is distinguished not by its volume but by its sizable sweep of character.  

Then we'll explore Castilla-La Mancha, the largest wine-producing region in the world! There are approximately 1,100,000 acres/450,000 hectares under vine which represents nearly one-half of Spain’s total vineyard area! Once known for bulk wine, this area is now home to more than half of Spain’s Vinos de Pago or single estate bottlings. These wines are creative and fresh expressions of an ancient land; they represent a vinous frontier that lies right beneath the feet.

This workshop part of the Spanish Wine Scholar program.  It can be taken as part of the full program program or on its own a la carte. As part of this workshop, you'll taste 6-8 wines related to the curriculum. If you sign up for the entire series, your workshop fee will be refunded, discounts apply, and payment plans are available.

$165pp Registration Fee Includes

• 3 hours of live class with San Francisco Wine School's industry-leading instructors
• Guided tasting of 6-8 wines carefully curated by Master Sommelier David Glancy
• Tasting kit creation for online participants (free delivery is available across the US LEARN MORE) 
• Copies of the slide presentation
• Recording of the class session (on request)

All attendees must be at least 21+ years of age.