The Science of Wine Event

January 26, 2023 Sacramento Museum of Science and Curiosity

Sacramento's brand new SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC for short) is holding once-monthly "Night at the Museum" gatherings that feature curated talks, activities and food/drinks that focus on a specific theme. www.visitmosac.org

Darrell Corti and I were invited to attend their "Science of Wine" event. At the last minute, one of the speakers had to cancel, so Darrell was asked to step in for a talk on Old Grapes and Ancient Methods in California.

The 6pm to 9pm event began with a short reception with wine and a table of charcuterie.

Vanessa Richardson , the museum's manager of community events & engagements, was the host for the evening. She introduced the panel for the Q&A: How Climate Change is Changing Up California Wine. The panel consisted of Scott Harvey of Scott Harvey Wines www.scottharveywines.com , Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars www.turleywinecellars.com , and Lorenzo Muslia of Andis Wines www.andiswines.com and their newly branded Painted Fields www.paintedfieldswine.com

The Q&A was very enlightening with all three panelists touching on the key factors and issues with not only how climate change has been effecting their vineyards and wine making, but also the extension of how they are effecting consumers.

Next up was a blind wine tasting of four wines called " The Science of Wine Tasting" lead by Advanced Sommelier, Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou of Allora Restaurant www.allorasacramento.com

Conducting a blind wine tasting for 150+ guests was a daunting task, but Elizabeth- Rose was on it! She methodically went through the wine tasting grid for each wine. The grid each guest had pointed out the scientific aspects of deduction in order to better figure out what was being tasted. Here is a link to the grid which was used www.winefolly.com It was a very effective tool to use and Elizabeth-Rose certainly made it fun! If ever you want to do a blind tasting at home, this is a great sheet to use.

After the Blind Tasting, the wine Bars were opened for guests to purchase full pours of wines by Andis Wines, Legendre Cellars, Turley Wines, and Scott Harvey Wines.

The last two events were split into two different "Show and Tell" sessions. On the first floor, "Grape News" by David Block, chair of the UC Davis Vitculture & Enology Department spoke about about the latest research and innovations happening in the lab. It was held on the first floor in the Alpha/Omega Rooms.

On the second floor, in the Multiverse Theater, "Old Grapes + Ancient Methods = New Wine" took place moderated by former SacBee Wine Critic and freelance wine writer, Mike Dunne www.signaturewines.us Along with Darrell's fill in, the panel featured Scott Harvey, and David Dediachvili of Story Vineyards www.storywinery.com The domed theater has a projection of a coastal scene and added a serene feel to the room. David brought five wines from Story for everyone to taste.

Darrell took the lead and was on a history lesson roll. Everyone wanted more, but the time ran short. here's a video of what Darrell said...

The panel touched of the uniqueness in looking at old and ancient methods to make very wonderful new old wines.

The event was well planned and seemed to be very enjoyed by all of the guests. I would certainly recommend keeping an eye out for future events at the Museum of Science and Curiosity. https://visitmosac.org/explore/community-events/