Testarossa University Series

Testarossa Winery strives to keep things fresh when it comes to satisfying your thirst for wine knowledge. Thus the institution of Testarossa University, our year-round series of wine classes taught by our team of knowledgeable wine educators led by longtime Testarossa staffer Bob Zamora and resident Certified Sommelier Ryan Smith, who is also our Direct to Consumer Manager. Curriculum topics range from the basics of wine tasting to winemaking, including the science behind winemaking, deep dives into the terroir of different appellations and vineyards, vertical and horizontal tastings, clonal comparisons and more!

Wine Club member discounts apply. Advanced reservations required.

Summer Series

A Deep Dive Into The Santa Lucia Highlands: Past, Present and Future

Thursday, July 25th  ~  6pm
Location: Carmel Valley Tasting Room
Price: $35/person

Since we started making wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands in 1997, it has become known as a world-renowned growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Learn how we work with some of the oldest growing families in the area, such as the Pisonis, Franscionis and Hahns, as well as new growers to produce the highest quality wine year after year. Taste our SLH wines and learn from our knowledgeable wine educators how terroir, growing practices, and philosophy influence aroma and flavor.

RSVP 7/25

Wine Basics

Tuesday, July 30th  ~  6pm
Sunday, August 4th  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $35/person

Learn the basics of enjoying California’s favorite beverage. We’ll discuss how to swirl, smell, taste and describe wine. You’ll also learn how we make our wine, the history of our winery, the differences between varietals and places of origin, and what contributes to its wonderful aromas and flavors. Don’t be intimidated- there’s no experience necessary!
RSVP 7/30
RSVP 8/4

Riedel Paired Glassware Seminar

Tuesday, August 6th  ~  6pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $125/person

Defy your expectations with this incredible experience!
Learn directly from a Riedel representative how their innovative varietal-specific wine glasses enhance the aroma, flavor and enjoyment of our fine wines.
Your ticket price includes four varietal specific glasses from Riedel’s brand new Performance Tasting line, a $118.00 value!
RSVP 8/6

Pisoni Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting

Tuesday, August 13th  ~  6pm
Sunday, August 18th  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $100/person

Be the first to taste the new 2017 vintage of our rarest wine, from the “crown jewel of the SLH” Pisoni Vineyard, as well as vintage expressions of one of our most ageworthy Pinots. Don’t miss this opportunity!

RSVP 8/13
RSVP 8/18

2013 Versus 2014: A Vintage Comparison

Tuesday, August 20th  ~  6pm
Sunday, August 25th  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $60/person

Last session, our vintage retrospectives showed how well each of these spectacular vintages was fairing in the cellar. But how do they differ? Taste the same wines from both vintages and learn for yourself!
RSVP 8/20
RSVP 8/25

Rincon Vineyard Horizontal Tasting

Tuesday, August 27th  ~  6pm
Sunday, September 1st  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $60/person

Planted in 1982 and farmed by our friends at Talley Vineyards, this incredible cool climate site is a rising star in our portfolio. Taste Testarossa’s new releases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir alongside other star wineries such as Talley and Paul Lato.
RSVP 8/27
RSVP 9/1

A Deep Dive Into The Santa Lucia Highlands: Past, Present and Future

Tuesday, September 3rd  ~  6pm
Sunday, September 8th  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $50/person

Since we started making wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands in 1997, it has become known as a world-renowned growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Learn how we work with some of the oldest growing families in the area, such as the Pisonis, Franscionis and Hahns, as well as new growers to produce the highest quality wine year after year. Taste our SLH wines and learn from our knowledgeable wine educators how terroir, growing practices, and philosophy influence aroma and flavor.
RSVP 9/3
RSVP 9/8

Pinot Noir: Burgundy vs. California

Tuesday, September 10th  ~  6pm
Sunday, September 15th  ~  1pm
Location: Los Gatos Winery
Price: $50/person

What do people mean when they say a Pinot Noir is Burgundian? How are French wines and California wines different? How are they similar? Answer these questions and more, all while tasting examples of each.
RSVP 9/10
RSVP 9/15

Testarossa University is accessible, educational, and most of all, entertaining!
Classes are taught by our knowledgeable and experienced Wine Education team, led by Certified Sommelier Ryan Smith and range from the Basics of Wine to a Tour of the Santa Lucia Highlands. They start at $35/person- contact us to start planning your event today!
Contact Ryan Smith for more information or call us at (408) 357-8062
Email us
Call us

No minors are allowed at ticketed events. Due to our historic setting, most of the experiences typically require use of stairs to access certain areas of the winery. Please alert us of any guests with disabilities by calling our concierge at (408) 354-6150 x31 or concierge@testarossa.com so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

See also: Testarossa University |   TU2You   |   Elevated Wine Tastings  |  Wine Club Events

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