Why does the Loire Valley capture the hearts of so many wine lovers? Known as the "Garden of France," this enchanting region can feel overwhelming with its endless sub-regions and styles ranging from bone-dry to sparkling and sweet. But we promise it’s a journey worth taking. We will explore how river currents, ocean breezes, and ancient limestone soils create vastly different flavor profiles across the region—from crisp, mineral whites to earthy reds and vibrant sparkling wines. We’ll taste four featured wines to see how dramatically these grapes can express themselves from one village, soil type, and appellation to the next.

Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable between friends! You can view our Cancellation Policy here!

Instructor Bio: Ella Donnelly-Wright

Originally from Southern California, Ella recently made Vermont her home after relocating to the Green Mountain State in 2021. A pandemic-era deep dive into wine quickly grew into a lifelong passion and a thriving career in the local industry, taking her from retail manager at Burlington’s Dedalus Wine to sommelier at Middlebury’s Swift House Inn.

Ella holds her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and is actively working toward her WSET Diploma. Deeply enthusiastic about the stories behind every bottle, she is almost always ready to nerd out over the nuances of Chenin Blanc and Champagne. When she isn’t exploring new vintages, you’ll likely find her playing video games, crocheting, or setting off on new adventures with friends.