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Barfly Jason Genegabus |
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Participating in wine club
is affordable and social
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But with some places charging upwards of $8 or $9 per glass, I'm happy to stick with my beer. Why spend that much for a single glass when you can get a pitcher for the same price - or less?
For those of you looking to learn more about wine without breaking the bank, the Barfly returns to downtown Honolulu for a second week. This time I'll tell you about "Wrath of Grapes," a weekly wine club that meets every Tuesday at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine.
BEFORE D.K. KODAMA opened Vino at Restaurant Row, before Lyle Fujioka took Formaggio to Market City Shopping Center, there was "Wrath of Grapes."
Phyllis Nishimoto, a former manager at Indigo, is credited with getting the weekly tastings off the ground three years ago, but these days it's wine steward Jason Castle who handles hosting duties in the Opium Den.
"Every week we'll have a vendor, distributor, winemaker or winery owner ... come in and outline six to seven different wines, and there will be a general theme regarding those wines," Castle said. "We try to concentrate on taking everyone's knowledge and putting it at a level where they can go to a restaurant and feel comfortable ordering what they like."
At a cost of $20 per person, Castle and his weekly guest will educate you, feed you and even introduce you to other wine aficionados who show up to participate.
About half of the 28 seats available in the Opium Den are taken by regulars. Both couples and singles take part in the tastings, and everyone shares pupu platters spread out on two long tables in the room. Individual fruit and cheese platters are also served.
"It's turned out to be a really great place to meet people," Castle said. "A lot of people are ... coming more because they've met someone who is a big fan, and they just like the social aspect of it."
JOINING THE club this Tuesday at Indigo will be American Wine and Spirits' Dan Vogel, who will introduce new wines from sommeliers Larry Stone, Chuck Furuya and Randy Caparoso.
Classically trained in wine service, food preparation and wine pairing, Vogel made the jump from industry professional to winemaker. If the title of Tuesday's meeting, "Geeky Wines From Geeky Guyz," is any indication, those who attend can expect an in-depth discussion about some of his current favorites.
"We kind of play with (the format) a little bit," Castle said. "Every third week or so, I'll do something a little bit more serious, a little bit more hands-on, a little bit more educational.
"But I don't think we ever put it at a level where it kind of alienates (you) ... I think it's pretty safe for everyone."
So before you dive head-first into the wonderful world of wine, take a trip to Indigo for an affordable way of learning about the different offerings available to consumers.
Who knows - you might even meet someone new to accompany you on future tasting adventures!
E-mail Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com with suggestions of neighborhood bars to visit.