Wine & Beer Tastings

January 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $75 | Instructor: Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

Long Shadows is the brainchild of Washington wine visionary, Allen Shoup. He began by asking a simple question, “What happens when you give the world’s top winemakers access to Washington’s best fruit?” We found the answer in some of the most highly regarded wines to emerge from the state. Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault partners with six different winemakers to make six different red wines that will be presented at this tasting. This is not one to miss!

The tasting will include these highly acclaimed wines: Feather, Sequal, Pedastal, Chester Kidder, Saggi, Pirouette

Bring some snacks along to enjoy!

February 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $75 | Instructor: Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

This tasting is always a favorite during the month of Valentine’s Day. Bring a friend, family member, or significant other to a fantastic pairing of 6 wines with 6 delectable chocolates from Cocoa Dolce. Tasting will include one sparkling wine, four red wines, and finish with a nice, sweet wine to cap things off.

Bring some additional snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

March 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

Experience Beaujolais in a new way. Many have only had exposure to village or Nouveau variety. While these are nice wines, they lack a “wow factor.” Cru site of Beaujolais is, however, a different story. At this tasting, try six different Cru within the region and see why these wines command the higher prices and are best wines of the region.

Bring some snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

April 26, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $80 | Instructor: Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

When most people think of Italian win, Tuscany comes to mind. Afterall, it is the home of super Tuscans, Chianti, Brunello, and other great wines. However, an often-overlooked region is Piedmont. At this tasting, delve into the prestigious hillsides of Barolo and Barbaresco and run through the grapes that make this region famous. Get ready to taste some Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and more.

Bring some snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

May 24, 6-7:30 p.m. | $80 | Instructor: Whitney Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

For over 2,000 years, the Rhône Valley of France has been producing wine.  This gorgeous region runs North to South undulating along the river that shares its namesake, The Rhône river.  Their red wines range from being powerful and peppery to luscious and fruity.  Learn all about this area’s rich history as well as tasting wines from their super star grapes of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.

Bring some snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Whitney Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

Cool down the dog days of summer with the white wines you should be drinking!  This workshop will focus on the wines you may not even knew existed but wish you had!  After all, there are many more  grapes than just Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Let’s take a journey through refreshing and palate quenching white wines from around the world!

Bring some snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

July 26, 6-7:30 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Whitney Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

Did you know that you can actually learn how to be an excellent blind wine taster?  Being able to utilize all of your senses is key.  Whitney will teach you the techniques and tricks to be able to identify a wine’s grape variety, age, and  location of origin.  When this workshop is over, you’ll have a new skill to impress your friends.

Bring some snacks along to enjoy with your tasting!

Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 6-7:30 p.m. | $100 | Instructor: Whitney Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

If you love Pinot Noir, this class is for you.  Bordeaux may be a very prominent French wine region but to French nobility, it was always about Burgundy.  Some of the world’s best and most expensive wines come from this region.  You’ll learn why these wines command a higher price tag, how Burgundy’s turbulent history has impacted them today, and how important terroir is to this area in particular. You will be drinking some great Pinot Noir though from the most prestigious region in the world.

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $80 | Instructor: Whitney and Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

Spain has more acres under vine than any other county in the world. They produce a lot of wine from the everyday variety to their icon wines that you can find in every major wine region. This class will focus on six major regions within Spain and a red wine that is indicative of that area. Think Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Penedes, Toro, Bierzo, etc. One thing is for sure, these wines are not to be missed if you love big quality reds.

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6 – 8 p.m. | $80 | Instructor: Pat Pelkowski

Get ready to stir up some enchantment and sip on spine-tingling concoctions and out two-hour Halloween Mixology Workshop! Join Pat Pelkowski of Shaken n’ Stirred for a ghoulishly good time as we dive into the art of crafting three delicious and frightfully fun cocktails! Guests will learn how to artfully craft these signature drinks and enjoy them along the way. Must be 21 or older to enroll.

Menu:
1. Old Fashioned
2. All Hallows Eve Margarita
3. Pumpkin Pie Punch

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $80 | Instructor: Whitney and Jamie Stratton

It’s not supposed to be rocket science but sometimes it just seems like it is. What to serve during the holidays is the age-old question that just sometimes needs answering. Join us so we can break down options for your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals that will be sure to be a hit with your family and friends. New wines and vintages come out every year so it’s nice to change things up and find something different and interesting to pair with your fare.

Friday, Dec. 1, 6 – 8 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Pat Pelkowski

In this festive mixology workshop, you’ll learn to craft and savor three exquisite seasonal concoctions: the warming apple cinnamon Manhattan, the sweet Christmas cookie martini, and the luscious pomegranate martini. Our expert mixologists from Shaken or Stirred will guide you through each step, sharing tips, tricks, and the secrets behind these creations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to master the art of holiday mixology, “Yuletide Cheer” is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss your chance to sip into the spirit of December with us! Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and light eats. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $100 | Instructor: Whitney and Jamie Stratton of Jacob Liquor Exchange

The last Cabernet class was a focus on Napa Valley and the AVA (regions) within. It was a great class, and some very nice wines were served. This time around let’s put the focus back on Cabernet but pinpoint regions around the world that are making stellar wines from what is often thought of as the king of red grapes. We will still have wine from California but expand the tasting to wines of Washington, France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, GET ready to taste some worldly BIG reds.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 6 – 8 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Pat Pelkowski

In this mixology workshop, you’ll learn to craft and savor three exquisite concoctions: The Pink Lady, The Colletti Royale, and The Chocolate Martini. Expert mixologists from Shaken or Stirred will guide you through each step, sharing tips, tricks, and the secrets behind these creations. Whether you’re sharpening your skills to entertain guests or simply looking to master the art of mixology to create delicious cocktails for yourself, this is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and light eats. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6 – 8 p.m. | $85 | Instructor: Whitney Stratton

Want to experience wines from the most sought-after wineries and vineyards in Washington State? Do not miss this opportunity at Mark Arts for a wine workshop led by Whitney Stratton of Wine to You by Whitney. You’ll take a journey through the geographical events that made this region so unique for producing wine, the history of how grape growing got started here and of course taste through 6, wonderful wines from the great state of Washington.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $50 | Instructor: Annie Patel

What is whiskey? or whisky? What is the difference between bourbon and rye? How is it made? In this engaging class, guests will delve into the fundamentals of this distinguished spirit. Ladies, this is a class for you too! Expand your knowledge and find which whiskey might be your perfect match. Attendees will get an overview of the different offerings available, learn what sets them apart, and sample them to taste the differences. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Pat Pelkowski of Shaken or Stirred

In this mixology workshop, you’ll learn to craft and savor three exquisite concoctions: The Leap Year Cocktail, The Julius Ceasar, and the Leapin’ Lyche. Expert mixologists from Shaken or Stirred will guide you through each step, sharing tips, tricks, and the secrets behind these creations. Whether you’re sharpening your skills to entertain guests or simply looking to master the art of mixology to create delicious cocktails for yourself, this is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and light eats. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 – 8 p.m. | $70 | Instructor: Jamie Stratton 

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s activity this year? What’s better than a great pairing of wine and chocolates from Cocoa Dolce? For this tasting we will sample six different Cocoa Dolce artisan chocolates and pair them each with a perfect wine to satisfy your palate. Let’s learn about cacao beans, the chocolate process, and a bit about wine and food pairing. Expect a wide array of wines as chocolate goes well with sparkling, big fruity reds, and dessert wines too.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Thursday, Mar. 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $60 | Instructor: Annie Patel

Come learn about the uniqueness of Irish whiskey and develop an understanding of what sets it apart from other world whiskeys. This workshop is more than just a tasting. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Irish whiskey production, traditions, and nuances from blends to limited single pot stills. We will taste and contrast traditional Irish whiskeys as well as American Irish whiskeys.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Friday, Mar. 22, 6 – 8 p.m. | $70| Instructor: Pat Pelkowski

In this mixology workshop, guests will blend the art of mixology with the spirit of KU basketball. Delve into the world of cocktails inspired by the vibrant hues and rich traditions of the Jayhawks. Participants will master three signature drinks: the Jayhawk cocktail, a refreshing homage to school pride; the timeless French 75; and the luxurious black and gold martini, embodying elegance and sophistication. Get ready to sip, stir, and cheer as we toast to the Jayhawk spirit in style.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and light eats. No outside alcohol is permitted. Must be 21+ to enroll.

Thursday, Apr. 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $60 | Instructor: Annie Patel

Curious about plata, reposado, anejo, extra anejo, joven, and cristalino? Join Annie to learn more about the flavorful world of tequila. What is the history of tequila? How is it made? Is there a difference in taste when the traditional Tahona milling process is used? What are the different classifications and NOM’s? This spirit is no longer just a liquor used for margaritas, and participants will learn which tequilas are ideal for shots, mixing, and sipping.

Must be 21+ to enroll.

Wednesday, April 24, 6 – 8 p.m. | $50| Instructor: Jamie Stratton

Wine does not have to be expensive to be great. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of great values out there in the wine world that exceed their value to price ratio. As a wine buyer for the past 23 years one of my goals has been to find killer wines that deliver for the price and get them into customers hands. Come explore these great wines that you should be drinking now to give your pocketbook a break during tax time.

Must be 21 to enroll. Guests are encouraged to bring food to enjoy with their wine.