Vine to Glass: Sipping the Sun: A Masterclass in Mediterranean Terroir

The Concept: Step into the light of the world’s most iconic coastal vineyards. This masterclass strips away the label and focuses on the elemental forces that define the Mediterranean glass: scorching sun, cooling sea breezes, and ancient, rugged soils. From the limestone cliffs of the Levant to the windswept volcanic slopes of the Aegean, you will discover how “”Liquid Sunlight”” is captured, structured, and served.
The Experience: We will move beyond the glass to explore the molecular harmony between the vine and the table. You will learn to decode a wine’s architecture—its bracing salinity, its sun-drenched textures, and its savory herbal core—and how these traits allow it to dominate the boldest flavors of coastal cuisine. This is a deep dive into wines born of heat but defined by their incredible freshness and poise.

What You Will Master:
• The Coastal Profile: How proximity to the sea creates wines with a distinct, mouthwatering “”brine”” and mineral tension.
• The Art of Structure: Learning to balance high-intensity fats and wild herbs with wines of significant weight and phenolic grip.
• Old World vs. New World: A side-by-side exploration of ancestral traditions in the Mediterranean basin against the modern, innovative interpretations of the Pacific Coast and the Southern Hemisphere.
• The “Garrigue” Connection: Identifying the savory, scrub-brush aromatics that create a natural bridge between the vineyard and the kitchen.
The Atmosphere: Guided by Sommelier & Wine Director Justin Ferguson, this session is designed for the curious and the adventurous. Whether you are looking to elevate your weeknight dining or curate a world-class cellar, you will leave with a professional framework for understanding why these sun-kissed regions produce the most versatile food wines on the planet.
All-inclusive fee covers tasting of 6 wines, an elegant and delicious 6-course dinner, complimentary wine glass and gratuity.
Fees: Member $90, Non-Member $108
Note: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please register more than one week before the program date and indicate your dietary needs during registration. Menus are set 1 week in advance and additional restrictions cannot be accommodated after that time.  
Participants 21 and older only. All programs are subject to change.  Pre-registration through our website is required.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact registrar@lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.