Saturday Wine Tasting: October 24, 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026: 3:00 – 5:00pm
This Saturday is shaping up to be a classic, crisp and sunny game day in Chapel Hill, with the Heels kicking off against Syracuse at 7:30 PM. Before you go to the game (or turn on the television) stop by for a tasting with our host Michael Maller from Orsini Wines.
When Michael brought these bottles in for us to try, they ticked all the boxes for us – flavor, texture, depth, uniqueness, and value – all while representing some of our favorite regions (Veneto, Sonoma Coast, Citrusdal Mountain, Rioja, Abruzzo, and Mendocino County).
Balestri Valda ‘Volkanos’ Sparkling Soave NV – 100% Garganega, from the Balestri family. This sparkling soave is organically grown in the shadow of the Soave castle. Fermentation in stainless and six months on lees gives the wine great texture.
Timbre ‘Opening Act’ Chardonnay 2023 – A sustainably sourced Chardonnay from winemaker Joshua Klapper’s vines in Santa Barbera County, aged in French oak. Klapper pays close attention to his work to ensure the results are as expressive of the ancient marine soils and cooler climate as possible.
Piekenierskloof Grenache Rose 2025 – 100% Grenache dry-farmed on the Citrusdal plateau about two hours north of Cape Town. Piekenierskloof is home to some of the oldest vines in South Africa. The winemakers focus on coaxing the most from their Grenache bush vines and the end product is truly terroir-driven.
Artuke Rioja 2025 – 95% Tempranillo, 5% Viura. Organically farmed by brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel in Rioja Alavesa, Spain. Artuke bucks the Rioja playbook, focusing on whole cluster carbonic maceration while shying away from oak to truly showcase the fruit. In a one-liter format, this bottle has terrific price performance.
Atilia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2022 – 100% Montepulciano grown in the clay hills of the mid-Vasto area by one of the pioneers of organic winemaking. Jasci and Marchesani (Cantina Jasci) have been farming organically in Chieti since 1960. This sought-after interpretation of Montepulciano undergoes lengthy on-the-skin maceration for unique depth.
Marchesi Biscardo Corvina 2025 –100% Corvina from the historic and sustainably-grown Marchesi Biscardo vineyards in Verona, Italy. The grape is named for its color, which is as dark as crow feathers, and is the base for Valpolicella and Amarone.
Anthill Farms Pinot Noir NV – Founded by three Williams-Selyem alumni, Anthill sources its Pinot from plots in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. They produce their Pinot and Chardonnay in small numbers and mainly release through their mailing list. We are lucky enough to have a few bottles to share with you.
There’s no place we would rather be on game day than here at home with you, surrounded by our friends and family, and an incredible array of delicious wines. The tasting is free and no reservations are needed.
Drop by anytime between 3 pm and 5 pm. Come for the tasting, find a new favorite bottle, and stay for dinner! We look forward to seeing you Saturday!!
