Geology for Geeks

Oenophiles can bone up on the nuts and bolts of terroir at this in-depth lecture and tasting, led by master sommelier Laura Maniec. Soil is the main discussion topic: You'll learn about the effects that sand, stone, marl, loam, loess, clay and limestone have on wines. Maniec will also speak about the age and origins of these important soils and how they help determine which grapes vineyard owners choose to plant. Finally, you'll taste eight pours, noting the differences between a Chablis grown in chalk soil and a Vouvray raised in volcanic earth, and a Bordeaux that comes from gravel versus one that comes from sand.