Wine tastings are a rite of passage for oenophiles. Some prefer to exercise their tolerance for tannins, pushing their glass through crowded tastings in an eager attempt to get a heavy pour. Others taste deliberately, sticking their nose deep into the glass to sniff out hints of oak on the nose, leather on the palate. However you approach a tasting, there is a sense of comfort and elegance in grasping the stem of a wineglass. The good news? You can find a wine tasting on almost any day of the week. Here are a few picks.
TUESDAY
Graft
516 Grayson Parkway, Grayson. 770-338-9001, www.graftrestaurant.com.
Don’t let the quaint appearance fool you. The first Tuesday of every month is a wine chat. Owner and chef Ashley Clemence shares her knowledge of wine with an intimate educational session. The farm-to-table appetizers are thoughtfully selected.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Murphy’s
997 Virginia Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-872-0904, www.murphys-atlanta-restaurant.com
Every Tuesday, gather in the wine bar for a tasting of a specific region or theme. It’s guided by Michael Kunz, the wine shop consultant, who’s known for his super-palate. He can point out flavors you never dreamed to link with wine. Book early — reservations are required.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Ansley Wine Merchants
1544 Piedmont Road, Atlanta. 404-876-6790, www.ansleywine.com.
They team up to serve wines at Bantam + Biddy the last Tuesday of each month. A little different from your typical tasting, they include both wines and liquors. Their wine consultant Adam Williams aims to choose unique varietals. Cost of the tasting goes toward your meal at Bantam + Biddy, if you choose to stay for dinner.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Vine & Tap
2770 Lenox Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-600-5820, www.vineandtapatl.com.
Ian Mendelsohn highlights the “Big 7” wines that he believes help you to know “80 percent of the wine world.” Each Tuesday, try a taste of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling and bubbles.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
THURSDAY
Whole Foods Market Briarcliff
2111 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. 404-634-8981, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/briarcliff.
For those that find wandering around Whole Foods an adventure in itself, this casual tasting leads you around the world to different wine regions. Twelve tastings, artisan cheeses and a free wineglass — an easy way to tie together grocery shopping and pleasure.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: $15 at the door, $8 in advance
FRIDAY
Parish
240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-681-4434, www.parishatl.com.
Wine, cheese and charcuterie make for an elegant Friday evening. Venture to the sleek basement Market for “Uncorked,” the first Friday of each month. Reservations are required and the wine flows until it’s gone.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
SATURDAY
Canoe’s Cellar Door
4199 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. 770-437-1134, www.cellardooratl.com.
Arguably one of the most knowledgeable sommeliers in town, Matt Bradford settles into his wine shop each Saturday afternoon for a drop-in wine tasting. Asking him about viticulture will keep him on his feet as he is studying for the Master Sommelier exam.
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person
Stem Wine Bar
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 678-214-6888, www.stemwinebar.com.
Saturday “Wine 101” classes are informative and led by general manager and sommelier Jason Raymond. A heavy influence on old-world wines guarantees a classic school session. Join the mailing list to be in the know.
VARIES
Perrines Wine Shop
1168 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-254-5077, www.perrineswine.com.
The owner, Perrine Prieur, holds France near and dear to her heart, where she grew up close to Chablis. Guests gather around the shop’s communal table for an adventure through old- and new-world wine tastings. Check the website for dates and prices.
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Highland Fine Wine
1402-6 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-853-4731, www.highlandfinewine.com.
Mingle among wine bottles at this neighborhood spot. The best way to be in the know is to join their mailing list, where owner Nick Salpekar shares not just his upcoming events but spills the details of his newest wines.
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