Masterclass Seminar: Journey Through The Rhone Valley: From Cote Rotie in the North to Chateauneuf-Du-Pape in the South

Cheryl Felker Leads You from North to South for a Curated Taste of France's Famous - and Unique - Rhone Valley

The Rhone Valley is a region of dramatic contrasts, from the steep slopes and cooler climate of the Northern Rhone to the sunbaked rolling plains of the Southern Rhone.  Each climate and terroir produces grapes of exceptional quality. 

As we move through the Northern Rhone we will learn how viticulturalists overcome the challenges of steep terraced slopes and the mighty mistral wind that can have both positive and negative effects on the vines.  We will also taste their amazing dominate grapes like the peppery, savory Syrah wines and the rich textured Viognier wines with their lovely floral and stone-fruit aromas.

As we continue to the Southern Rhone you will notice a vast difference in landscape, from rolling hills to flat plains covered with the famous rounded stones known as galets.  The winemaking focus is primarily blended wines from rich full-bodied white wines of Marsanne, Roussanne and other white grapes to the rich full-bodied red blends of most notably Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.  The class will explore this diverse wine growing area and taste from several different “Crus” including the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the first AOC designated wine area in France.  

Come and enjoy this PowerPoint Presentation as we follow the Rhone River through the Valley and taste 8 incredible wines.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

• Enjoy an interactive, guided masterclass led by an expert wine educator, Cheryl Felker
• Taste 8 highly regarded wines from the Rhone Valley! 

Featured Wine Lineup - Coming Soon!

Important Information

• Must be 21 and over to attend
• Seating is limited — early arrival is recommended
• Come ready to taste, learn, and explore one of the world’s most exciting wine countries
• You may arrive at 2:45 p.m. to be seated

About Cheryl Felker, Seminar Leader, Virginia Wine Expo Wine Curator, and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), WSET 3

Cheryl began her wine adventure in 2007 and soon discovered a real love of wine and a desire to learn.
She started her wine education by joining the Society of Wine Educators and completing her Certified Specialist of Wine Certification in 2014. Following this she passed the WSET levels 2 and 3 courses and is currently studying for her WSET Diploma which is the Wine and Spirit Education Trust’s highest level. 

Cheryl spent three years working with the VA Governor’s Cup Wine Competition and currently is co-teaching a wine club at Meadowbrook Country Club where she has been for 14 years. For the past 4+ years, she has served as a Wine Educator for Napa Kitchen and Wine teaching the Academy classes.  Cheryl also holds private tastings and classes.

This is the 4th year Cheryl has held the role of Wine Curator for the Va. Wine Expo and is responsible for wine selections for the main events held during the Va Wine Expo week.

She is retired from the dental field where she worked for 37 years in many different roles.  She and her husband, Tommy, live in Midlothian, Va and have 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren.  Life is full!