Entertainment in the Valley with inclusion by Alejandra Sanchez

A Night of Wine and Discovery at Total Wine

I recently had a lovely experience at our local Total Wine store, where I attended a class called “Wines of Spain and Portugal” with my husband and a few friends. It was a two-hour evening full of learning, flavors, and great company.

From the start, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We were offered delicious appetizers: assorted cheeses, stuffed olives, serrano ham, and small crunchy breads that paired perfectly with the wines. Rubén, our host, enthusiastically guided us on a wine journey through various regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

We began with sparkling wines, fresh and lively, perfect to whet the appetite. Then we moved on to white wines, from fruity to dry and complex. Finally, we ended with red wines—bold, full-bodied, and memorable.

The most touching moment came when Rubén shared a story about a wine made by Emilio Moro. He told us how the winemaker’s wife lost her sight, and in a heartfelt gesture of love and inclusion, he decided to add braille labels to his bottles so she could continue enjoying her passion for wine independently. Moved by the story, I asked Rubén to show me those special bottles, and he kindly took me to see them and shared more details. Of course, I didn’t hesitate to take one home to enjoy on another occasion with all the appreciation it deserves.

It was a night full of flavor, history, and humanity. Not only did I expand my knowledge of wine, but I also left with a truly special memory. We’re definitely planning to attend another of these experiences soon.