Forgotten Grapes

When Wine-Compass.com first started we published a regular Wine 101 series featuring relatively unknown grapes - primarily of the labrusca variety, but also some hybrids, muscadine, norton, and viniferia grapes. Over time we fell behind posting new articles on the subject and eventually the series fading away. However, this week we discovered a wine writer who has created a similar series - albeit way more robust than anything we published. The writer is Chris Kern and the website, ForgottenGrapes.com. Mr. Kern spends more time on "forgotten" viniferia varieties than our series - which is a good thing - since many of these grapes are popular in other parts of the world. Based out west, Kern has scheduled several “Getting Friendly with Forgotten Grapes” seminars at wineshops along the east coast. Prices vary for each event, but each include generous pours of each of the five Forgotten Grape wines, and a cheese plate paired with the wine. If you are unable to attend one of these events, we most definitely recommend visiting ForgottenGrapes.com to increase your knowledge and appreciation of these grapes.

• Tues., August 17th Baltimore, MD V-NO Wine Bar in Fells Point
  905 South Ann Street in Baltimore
  First wine poured at 6:30pm. $29 per person includes the show and pours of all five Forgotten Grape varietals. For reservations call V-NO at (410) 342-8466
  
  
• Wed., August 18th Arlington, VA Twisted Vines Bottleshop & Bistro
  2803 Columbia Pike in Arlington
  First wine poured at 6:30pm. $35 per person includes the show and pours of all five Forgotten Grape varietals. Food will also be available for purchase at Twisted Vines. For reservations call Twisted Vines at (571) 482-8581
  
  
• SPECIAL FIVE-COURSE FORGOTTEN GRAPES-PAIRED GOURMET DINNER
  Fri., August 20th Wilmington, NC Temptations Everyday Gourmet
  3501 Oleander Drive, Suite 13 in the Hanover Center
  Dinner begins at 6:30pm. $75 per person includes the show, pours of all five Forgotten Grape varietals, and five specially prepared culinary creations from two of Wilmington’s Top Chefs, Michael Comer and Virginia Thompson, paired with each Forgotten Grape wine
  For reservations call Temptations at (910) 763-6662
  
  
• Sat., August 21st Wilmington, NC The Seasoned Gourmet
  1930 Eastwood Road, Suite 105 in the Lumina Commons
  Dinner begins at 6:30pm. $45 per person includes the show, pours of all five Forgotten Grape varietals, and five unique “tapas-style” bites created by The Seasoned Gourmet owner and culinary mastermind Susan Boyles to complement each Forgotten Grape wine. For reservations call The Seasoned Gourmet at (910) 256-9488