On Saturday, April 9th, I will be holding the famous barrel class. Over the years, so many people have expressed their wonder about the craft of cooperage. Like, “Isn’t it remarkable that it doesn’t leak?” or “How can all those pieces of wood stay together without nails or screws or glue?” And my favorite: “Simply amazing!”
At this class, you will learn all of the terminology of barrels and their parts, their care, and their use; and why, after all these years, they are still the best thing for most wines.
Home winemakers and lovers of the lore of wine think this class is great. If you have ever wondered about barrels and their value to the wine industry, you will get a deeper appreciation, not only for the vessel itself, but for wine in general.
Seguin Moreau Barrel
Who are the “cellar rats” and what does “racking” or “topping up” mean?
If you want to buy a barrel, what are the things you should look for?
Are Bordeaux or Burgundy barrels better?
Taransaud Barrel
What is better, French or American Oak?
How should you care for a barrel after you get it?
What is the best size barrel to use?
During this class, I will remove the heads (ends) of a barrel, shave the inside, toast it, and put it back together – and it won’t leak. Once you see this, you will be infinitely more confident in the care and keeping of your barrels. If you are a wine lover, you will have a much deeper appreciation for the art of wine.
Wooden Bung
The class is limited to 20 people and the cost is $30 per person or $50 for two. The cost includes a snack at lunch time. You will also get a leaflet I produced.
The hours are from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. You can reserve a place by emailing me at krusewine@aol.com or by calling us at 408-842-7458. Remember this is a once a year class.
Bring Your Own Bottle Day
Saturday, April 16th
On Saturday, April 16th, we will once again hold a BYOB event featuring a fabulous red blend for our now legendary Claire’s Field Red table wine. Save your bottles or you can buy them new here for $8.00 per case.
Remember, this is the event where you get a great red table wine at a super price. With your own case of bottles, this wine is only $5 a bottle for one case or $4 a bottle for two or more cases.
Great wine is here every day at our winery.
Final Note
The’08 Zinfandel we have all been waiting for is almost ready to go in the bottle.
Tom
Thomas Kruse Winery – 3200 Dryden Avenue – Gilroy, CA
Phone: 408-842-7458
Email: krusewine@aol.com