Background Information
Just a little background information to start since this is my first post about an industry tasting...
An industry tasting is an event held for people who work in hospitality or retail- businesses that sell wine and/or spirits. Industry tastings give individual businesses an opportunity to taste new products, learn the winery’s history, and possibly meet the individuals who make the wine, brand ambassadors, or the winery owner.
Industry tastings are exclusive events by invitation only- hospitality and retail owners, managers, and brand representatives. A necessary and enjoyable experience for those involved in hospitality!
Event Location
This intimate wine tasting event was held in the Los Angeles Eataly 'Scuola' room featuring Italian wineries, E. Pira e Figli & La Spinetta. This private room was large enough to accommodate 30 guests comfortably- each guest had their own seat, a flight of glasses, and tasting notes, with close proximity to the guest speaker. In most cases, tasting events are hosted in centralized cities like Los Angeles.
If you have the opportunity to attend an industry tasting- set aside some time to get there before the event is scheduled to begin- look over the tasting notes, grab a snack, and choose a seat. Depending on the hours of the event, I consider this a field-trip work day, maybe enjoy a meal nearby after to avoid the LA traffic as much as possible. Although it is a work event- it's always enjoyable to change the scenery when you have the opportunity!
Tasting Line Up
I was interested in attending this event since I previously tasted vintages of these wine labels in the past and always enjoyed them. E. Pira e Figli & La Spinetta are both Italian wineries offering impressive bottles ranging from an easy-drinking sparkling wine to complex, full-body Barolos. In addition, there were a couple of special vintage bottles only available to event guests- such an unexpected treat! This tasting had four flights- two flights from each winery.
La Spinetta
Flight One:
- Contratto: Alta Langa Metodo Classico Pas Dosè Millesimato 2018
- La Spinetta: Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Dethona 2021
- La Spinetta: Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini 2019
Flight Two:
- La Spinetta: Barbaresco Valeirano 2019
- La Spinetta: Barolo Campe 2018
- La Spinetta: Barolo Campe 2004
E. Pira e Figli
Flight Three:
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Barbara d'Alba Superiore 2020
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Lange Nebbiolo 2019
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Barolo Cannubi 2018
Flight Two:
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Barolo Masconi 2018
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Barolo Via Nuova 2018
- E. Pira Chiara Boschis: Barolo Via Nuova 2004
Tasting Etiquette 101
When wine tastings are a small intimate event- each individual is given their own seat with a set of glasses, wine notes, pen, water, and a spittoon.
Always bring a pen just in case they aren't provided! Writing down small notes next to each wine is helpful when looking back through your lineup. You can use these notes to better discuss the wines with your tasting partners - Sometimes it can be difficult to remember which was which after an extensive tasting like this.
The spittoon is provided to spit the wine into after you have swirled and experienced the taste- a helpful tool for long tasting days to ensure you aren't affected too much by the wine. You may also pour the excess tasters into the cup. However, it's always painful to pour out or spit a wine you truly enjoy- I understand- so choose carefully!
Most wine tasting events have a selection of charcuterie for guests to enjoy with the wines and to ensure everyone isn't tasting on an empty stomach- so don't be shy with a serving. And who doesn't enjoy a beautiful charcuterie spread?!
Special Guest Speakers
This type of event is a very special occasion, I try to attend all the intimate events I have the privilege to experience. Italian winemakers fly across the world to speak directly to you about their passion for winemaking, personal family business, and walk you through a private tasting of their work. Hearing the background stories and how they have grown their business, and sharing their life work with us is truly inspiring.
Winemakers Chiara Boschis, her niece Beatrice Boschis, and Giorgio Rivetti were kind enough to share their knowledge and mingle with the guests once the event was completed- so grateful for the time they dedicated to spend with us.
Attending events like this inspires me to learn more about the art of making wine, and being involved in the hospitality industry with my own family. It's also refreshing to meet other guests in the industry that share the same motivations. Overall, tastings are always a great opportunity to learn, network, and discover new wines!
Looks like a great event! Please keep us up to date with all your wine events! 🙂