If bubbly is your thing (and of course it is darlings), then mark September 30 on your calendars. That’s when one of our favorite champagne tastings takes place.
Now in its ninth year, the annual Masters of Wine Champagne Tasting will be held at the Ferry Building. If you’re going to hold a large food or wine event in San Francisco, then you just know it’s going to be at the Ferry Building.
Tastings last two hours. For that you pay $60. Or, because life is short, you can taste for all for hours for $100.
“My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne.” —
John Maynard Keynes, American writer (1883 – 1946)
Organizers tell us it’s the largest tasting of champagne in North America. “Digital lists” of the champagne selections will be available one week prior to the tasting, so be on the lookout for that so you can plan accordingly.
Because this is a champagne tasting, remember you won’t find sparkling wines here. This is strictly champagne, which means anything you taste at this event comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France. So, no Iron Horse or Mumm or Schramsberg or Roederer on this day.
Wine will be organized by style: Non-vintage, Demi-Sec, Vintage, Blanc de Blanc and Rose/Blanc de Noir wines.
Quick pairing tip: Champagne and Sushi.
Dress code is “wine country casual.” That’s code for pretty much anything goes. Go Burning Man. Go Bay to Breakers. Go Ghetto Chic. It’s all good.
And what exactly, you may wonder, is “The Institute of Masters of Wine,” the host of the event?
In all likelihood it’s not a sadomasochism society with a liquor license.
WATCH: Pinots and Microchips – Interview with Silicon Valley CEO T.J. Rodgers (Video)
Rather, this is the organization that administers the incredibly tough (as seen in the documentary Somm) Masters of Wine exam. They’ve been certifying wine experts since 1953. There are currently 304 Masters of Wine, living in 24 different countries. Count yourself lucky if one should pop by as you stand, bamboozled, in front of your local wine wall.
Stark Insider hopes to see you there.
[IMW San Francisco Annual Champagne Tasting 2013]