Champagnization

I've been on Spring break. during which time my brother Nick and his friend Pat were here - their first visit to Sonoma County and northern CA. Both were so impressed with this beautiful place and, despite the mostly rainy weather, managed to have a great time. Wine tasting was the major activity (!) but on their third day, I took them to my Wine Operations class (last one before the break) - it was "Sparkling Wine Made Easy" day. After our regular lecture that covered production methods (Charmat, or bulk; Transfer; and Method Champenoise) and terminology (cuvee, tirage, riddling, disgorging, dosage), instructor Chris Wills proceeded to demonstrate in real time the disgorging process on some experimental sparkling wines, and we were able to taste before and after the dosage (sugar addition). As usual, it was a fun class, as the photos attest...