Local Wine Events

Event Details

Wine OR Wine & Food

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with that special someone, Topel Tasting Room in Healdsburg has just the ticket — a wine blending party that not only shows you how the winemaker practices his craft, but also provides you with your own exclusive bottle of wine, perfect to share over Valentine’s Day dinner.

Topel winemaker Mark Topel and Ziggy Eschliman (Ziggy, The Wine Gal on KRSH Radio) will conduct the second annual “Love and Meritage” — a wine blending seminar at the Topel Tasting Room at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 14th.  The tasting room is located just steps off Healdsburg Plaza at 125 Matheson Street.

Mark and Ziggy will lead participants through the nuances of blending, long considered to be the highest form of the winemaker’s art.  They’ll discuss characteristics of the different varietals and the impact of each on the final Cuveé.  Each participant (or couple) will then create their own bottle of blended wine, with the opportunity of having an additional case of wine custom blended to their particular specifications.

“Everyone is looking for a special or unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Donnis Topel, co-proprietor of Topel Winery and manager of the boutique winery’s tasting room.  “There’s really nothing nicer than joining hands and hearts to create a custom blended wine.  It’s fun, and it’s romantic!”

Cost for the class is $75 per person or $100 per couple and includes one bottle of specially blended wine, plus appetizers.  Reservations are required in advance, as space is strictly limited to 12-18 participants and last year’s inaugural event sold out long before Valentine’s Day.  Those wishing to have a case of their custom blend can do so for an additional charge of $415 — or roughly $35 per bottle.

For reservations, call Donnis Topel at 707-433-4116 or email donnis@topelwines.com.