Stacy Ohlsson

Have you ever wondered how the red wines of Napa Valley got on the map? That question was answered on Thursday, May 18, 2006 as the American Wine Society hosted Stag’s Leap Cellars for “An Evening of Fine Wines” at the Denver Athletic Club.

AWS gatherings are always informative and entertaining, and this month, patrons learned more about how, in 1973, winemaker Warren Winiarski’s Cabernet Sauvignon bested four top-ranked Bordeaux entries to ultimately change how California wines were viewed worldwide.

Devin Joshua, Southwest Regional Sales Manager of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, presented an array of fine wines, from buttery chardonnays to deep red cabernets.

The AWS is a national nonprofit consumer organization devoted to educating people on all aspects of wine. Its members are wine novices, experts, grape growers, amateur and professional winemakers, chefs, wine appreciators, wine educators, restaurateurs and anyone else who wants to learn more about the appreciation of wine and gastronomy.

The Denver Chapter was started three years ago and has brought many interesting and highly acclaimed vineyard specialists to town for tastings and lectures.  If you are interested in wine education (brushing up or starting from scratch), meeting new folks, wine judging, grape growing, winemaking and more, you are invited to join.

Membership is open to any interested person - wine enthusiast, professional winemaker, amateur winemaker, grape grower and curious novice - anyone who wants to learn more about wine!

Upcoming events include:

June 22, 2006 - Bordeaux blending seminar with Vic Bourassa of Bourassa Vineyards

July 27, 2006 - Annual Sushi and Champagne tasting with Shultz Hartgrove

August 24, 2006 - AWS Board Favorites, get to know the AWS board as we present our favorite wines from our 'do not touch' rack in the cellar to those great bargain Tuesday night wines.

September 28, 2006 - Jay Fletcher presents an essence tasting, a guide to the wine aroma wheel

October 26, 2006 - Port and fortified paired with chocolate and cheese presented by Pete Marczyk