Monday, November 3, 2008

Two events on tap at Crossing Vineyards


Flatt (left) and Mino
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These two workshops loom on the horizon at Crossing Vineyards & Winery in Washington Crossing, Pa., one of the most active of the regional wineries for educational opportunities.
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For anyone overwhelmed when the waiter presents a leather-bound wine list, Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Washington Crossing, Pa. is offering some help from wine writer Colin Flatt.
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The winery is presenting a “Wine List Survival Guide” workshop with Flatt from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road.

Participants will learn how to navigate intimidating restaurant wine lists and choose a great, reasonably-priced wine.
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Flatt, who holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Temple University, learned to appreciate wine while living in Italy, he said. He continued to collect wine when he returned to the states and began studying its culture and history. Realizing, he said, “that reading books can only teach you so much,” Collin began attending classes at the Wine School of Philadelphia. Under the tutelage of Keith Wallace and Brian Freedman, he says, he discovered he had a “sharp palate” and was ready to devote his time fully to wine culture.
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Cost of the course is $20 and includes wine tasting and printed material.
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The day before, on Sunday the 9th, Crossing Vineyards will offer answers to some often-asked questions related to the use of alcohol when physician and wine enthusiast Dr. David Mino offers a workshop “Wine and Wellness: Eat, Drink and Be Healthy.” It's scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
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The one-hour course, which will include a wine-tasting, is based on Gene Ford’s best-selling book, “The French Paradox,” which explores the connection between daily wine consumption in France and the lower rate of heart disease among the French.
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Mino, an orthopedic surgeon from Washington Crossing, earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and his wine expertise – which began 30 years ago with a wine appreciation class at Moravian College - through his own studies and travels through Sonoma and Napa Valley, New York’s Finger Lakes, Switzerland, the Northern and Central regions of Italy, and the Champagne, Rhone, Burgundy and Loire regions of France.
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For the past 20 years, Mino, who also designs wine cellars, has been lecturing on the sensory evaluation and analysis of wine, proper pairings and the health benefits of wine.
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Cost of the workshop is $20.
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Reservations for either event can be made by calling 215.493.6500, ext. 19, or by accessing the winery's Web site.