Grenache: The World’s most Versatile Grape | Feb 18 & 21
From Spain’s sun-drenched vineyards to the rolling, rocky terroir of southern France, Grenache stands apart among grape varietals for adaptability, resilience and possibility. Known by many names, Grenache possesses extraordinary ability to shape-shift across a diverse array of styles.
It’s a matter of genetics. Like Pinot Noir, Grenache is blessed with thin skin, resulting in wines with a sensual, silky texture. But Grenache is also slow to ripen, allowing it to produce full-bodied wines like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Combine those qualities and you have big, luscious, fruity wines that pair well with food.
Grenache already serves as a cornerstone for many of the world’s most celebrated wines. But it’s poised to play an even greater viticultural role. Driven by its timely ability to resist heat and drought, as well as the ongoing shift in consumer preferences toward lighter, fruit-driven wines, Grenache is destined for even greater excellence.
So, join the Holly Hill Wine Guild this month as we taste the grape that puts the G in GSM and makes Chateauneuf-du-Pape pop. The dates are Tuesday, February 18 and Friday, February 21. In Grenache: The World’s Most Versatile Grape, we’ll sample six delicious Grenache-based wines with distinct places of origin and characteristics.
Tavel, a delicate rosé from the southern Rhone region that specializes in it
Single-varietal, old-vine Garnacha from Aragon, the part of Spain believed to be the grape’s origin
Cannonau di Sardegna, a Grenache-based wine from Italy’s second-largest island where excavations date Grenache back 3000 years
A classic Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blend from Washington State, a not-so-classic place but where acclaimed wines made with Rhone varietals are soaring in popularity
Spanish Priorat showing off the region’s signature blend of Grenache, Carignane and a few French grapes thrown in
A blockbuster Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the region’s standard-bearing producer, a wine that includes 13 grapes, led by Grenache
Holly Hill Wine Guild tastings take place in the Pavilion Bar at historic Fasig-Tipton, home to North America’s oldest Thoroughbred auction company. Tastings begin at 7 pm and last one hour. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers. We also offer an optional $30 dinner buffet that is served at 6:15 pm.
2025 schedule of Monthly tastings
Holly Hill Wine Guild tastings take place in the Pavilion Bar at Fasig-Tipton. Each month we have two seatings, usually one on a Tuesday and the other on Friday. They begin at 7 pm and last an hour. We also offer optional buffets that start at 6:15 pm. Here is the 2025 program schedule.
Tuscan Wine Roads Less Traveled | January 17& 21
When Tuscany’s most celebrated wines are mentioned, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano spring to mind. But lurking behind these iconic wines lie hidden gems that showcase the breadth and richness of the region’s wine industry. We’ll explore lesser known but equally compelling wines representing a variety of grapes and styles.
Grenache: The World’s Most Versatile Grape | February 18 & 21
Known as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Italy, Grenache offers winemakers a gigantic range of options. Its versatility is breathtaking (and mouthwatering): rosé from Provence, Spanish rosado, stand-alone or blended in Rioja, the “G” in GSM, with Carignane in Priorat, backbone of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, jammy in Barossa Valley, even fortified in Banyuls. We’ll explore as much of it as we can!
Sipping with Gods: Greek Wine from Antiquity to Today | March 18 & 21
A thousand years before the Roman Empire spread vineyards and wine culture throughout Europe, the Greeks had traded wine throughout the ancient world. Homer, Plato and Aristotle all sang wines praises, believing it a gift from the god Dionysus, son of Zeus. We’ll explore Greece’s diverse wine regions, distinctive varietals and the modern revival of Greek winemaking heritage.
Ancient Rivals: Bordeaux and Burgundy | April
Despite (or perhaps because of) the intriguing differences between Bordeaux and Burgundy, the two powerhouse French wine regions have inspired and served as benchmarks for winemakers around the world. We’ll explore how that divergence in histories, winemaking philosophies, climates, grape varietals and even bottle shapes influence the regions’ acclaimed red and white wines.
Old World vs. New World Sauvignon Blanc | May
Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of place, yet easily identified for its crisp, refreshing acidity. For decades, its undisputed benchmarks have been Old World regions of Sancerre, Bordeaux and Alto Adige. But competition has emerged in places far flung as New Zealand, South America and California. We’ll compare varying contexts and choices that produce this “clash” of acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc.
Portugal Uncorked | June
From ancient origins to its modern renaissance, Portugal embodies a rich wine history and a promising future. Sporting a wide array of grape varieties – 250 indigenous! – its recent revitalization is driven by innovation, investment and a new generation of winemakers. We’ll explore the robust Portuguese reds of the Douro region, the effervescence of Vinho Verde and fortified richness of Port.
Red Wines from the Alps: Barolo and Beyond | July
Spanning France, Switzerland, Italy Slovenia and Austria, the Alps are not only one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges, but also provide a rich and diverse terroir for producing wines, including reds. Alpine reds are known for complexity and depth, reflecting their high-altitude setting. We’ll explore wines from the well-known to those deserving greater attention and appreciation.
California Beyond Napa and Sonoma | August
California’s wine industry is synonymous with its iconic regions, Napa Valley and Sonoma County, and their world-class Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, the Golden State’s fine wine story is much broader, featuring unique terroirs, innovative winemakers and variety of styles. We’ll explore attention-worthy wines from the Central Coast, Sierra Foothills, SoCal and the North Coast.
Six Families that Revolutionized the Winemaking World | September
Behind the finest bottles of wine lie stories of families whose passion and innovation elevated winemaking to new heights. Often considered Wine Royalty, these families have not only revolutionized the industry, but also defined identities of important regions. We’ll explore the legacies of six pioneering wine families from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia and the United States.
German Wines: Hidden Gem of the Old World | October
Well into the twentieth century, Germany, along with France, was one of two dominant wine producing nations. Featuring steep vineyards and a cool northern climate, it’s winemakers today craft wines that exhibit vivid, pure expressions of fruit. German Riesling – most are dry or a bit off-dry – has become the darling of sommeliers and wine lovers. We’ll explore Germany’s white and red (pinot noir!) wines.
Vino di Sicilia: Wines as Dramatic as Mt. Etna | November
As Italy’s largest region, the island of Sicily enjoys a unique and ancient wine culture influenced by the many nations that conquered it over the millennia. That rich history, along with the fertile black volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, now produces delicious, fascinating wines. We’ll explore Sicily’s reinvented wine industry, unique grape varietals, bold spicy red wines and racy vibrant whites.
Grand Finale | December
We’ll conclude our 2025 program with a tasting of the year’s top wines as curated by Wine Guild director Steve Mancuso.
The Holly Hill Wine Guild was founded in 2008 and is directed by Steve Mancuso.
The Holly Hill Inn wine list features owner Chris Michel’s thoughtfully chosen selections and has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2002. Chris is dedicated to finding the best and most interesting wines possible to pair with our seasonal cuisine, and our wine list features stalwarts and upstarts from the Old World and New!