Story by Dave Eckert
So you say you want to learn more about wine and craft cocktails? But the subject matter is so vast with so many options, where should you possibly start? Luckily for you, I’ve just made your life, and your educational choices easier. What follows are insights and opportunities on both fronts from knowledgeable and passionate professionals here in the Kansas City metro.
I’ll start with longtime friend and one of the city’s foremost wine experts, Barry Tunnel. Tunnel plies his trade at Tannin Wine Bar + Kitchen and sister restaurant, Mineral Lounge. Tunnel enjoys a hands-on approach when it comes to wine education.
“We always have a lot of wine open. At Tannin and Mineral, we offer extensive wine by the glass lists. All of the wines by the glass are also offered in 2-ounce tasting pours to encourage our guests to explore and adventure. We also offer seasonal feature flights that aim to present each wine in a context that highlights both the features that make it unique and the way that it relates to similar wines. A Wine Club Wednesday flight offers a similar experience for our wine club selections. In addition to these regular day-to-day offerings, we also host quite a few special events (winemaker and importer wine dinners and wine tastings, wine classes such as our Wine 101 and our regional classes, and various fundraising wine tastings),” Tunnel shared.
To learn more about what they’ve got on the schedule, visit www.tanninwinebar.com or just drop by for a glass, a flight, and some one-on-one education.
Mark Joseph enjoys his teachable wine moments at The Cellar Rat, just a couple of blocks from Tannin in The Crossroads. Joseph holds wine classes at The Rat every other Friday. The classes are chosen by staff and cover a wide range of wine regions and grape varieties. I asked what attendees could expect in one of Joseph’s sessions. “Two hours of instruction, six wines with cheese, charcuterie, and crackers, and lots of fun with the King of Shenanigans!” fellow staff members told me. Joseph became interested in wine in the mid-1970s when working part-time as a bartender at a country club, overseeing the wine list. From there, he took courses, was involved in tasting clubs, and eventually into the distribution side of the business before landing at Cellar Rat.
Potential attendees have a lot of options for classes they might want to sign up for, but the good news is signing up is easy. Folks can call the store to sign up, email info@cellarratwine.com, or sign up in the store! Classes are affordable, just $60 per person, or $50 if you’re a member of the Cellar Rat wine club.
Delving into craft cocktails around Kansas City has also never been easier, thanks in part to a couple of talented ladies. First, a word from Bailey Swimmer, owner and operator of Queen of Acorns Mobile Bar. “Craft cocktail classes are a newer service from Queen of Acorns. Classes can be held within the comfort of your own home, backyard, or a venue. This hands-on experience is perfect for groups looking to sip, shake, and learn something new!” Swimmer shared.
Queen of Acorn Cocktail Classes Include:
- 2-hour guided cocktail class led by a licensed bartender(s)
- Choice of 3 signature cocktails (alcohol included)
- Step-by-step demonstrations + hands-on mixing
- Professional bar tools (shakers, jiggers, bar spoons, etc.)
- Fresh simple syrups, mixers, juices, garnishes, & ice
- Disposable cups, napkins, and straws
- Setup and cleanup
- Recipe cards to take home (single serving & batching for large gatherings)
- Travel within 35 miles of Kansas City
And there’s more. “We also offer a variety of add-ons to enhance your cocktail class, such as charcuterie or snack pairings, mocktail-friendly beverage options, customized cocktail kits, personalized cups, napkins, etc.,” Swimmer said.
People can sign up at www.queenofacorns.com, email queenofacorns@yahoo.com, or give them a call at (913) 337-2474.
Finally, Emily Boston, co-owner of Dottie Byrd, LLC, offers bartending and event services. “Our cocktail classes are designed to be fun, interactive, and educational-perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, team building events, or just a fun night with friends. We fit your vibe and group size. Each class includes hands-on instruction to craft three cocktails of your choosing, a curated shopping list or ingredient service, printed or digital recipe cards, and bar tools,” Bostin shared.
With packages starting at just $300, an evening with Dottie Byrd is also an affordable option. People can sign up by heading to their website, www.dottiebyrd.com, dropping them an email, or sending a direct message on Instagram.
“Once you reach out, we’ll schedule a quick consultation to learn more about your event and tailor the class to your group. From there, we handle the rest!” Boston exclaimed.
Easy peasy, affordable, delicious, and educational! How many things can you say that about?
