Puckett’s Boat House will once again partner with Moon Wine & Spirits to shine a light on its premier wine bar on Tuesday, May 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. by bringing back “Uncorked”– an educational, monthly tasting series that will focus on informative topics, food pairings and all things wine-related.
The first event, “Understanding the Wine Lifestyle: Wine 101,” will serve as an introductory course that highlights the basics, led by Brad Lentz, certified sommelier and manager of Puckett’s Grocery in Franklin.
We chatted with Brad and Eddie, the owner of Moon Wine & Spirits, to get their takes on wine and the “Uncorked” series. Here’s what they said:
What inspired this event series?
Brad: “Uncorked” was brought about as a means of community outreach; to bring people together for a fun, educational and entertaining purpose. It’s also a great opportunity to expose people to the wine bar and to highlight the amazing assortment of wines that Moon Wine & Spirits offers.
Eddie: We’re very excited about this year and to be able to continue the partnership with Puckett’s Boat House! The topics are going to be fun, and the wines and foods will be great.
What ideas do you have for subsequent class themes?
Brad: After we cover Wine 101, we think the natural progression for June is to highlight summer celebrations — barbecues, Father’s Day, pool parties– and hone in on the wines that are going to go best with the foods people will likely be serving. We’re still talking through themes for the rest of the classes.
Eddie: A big initiative is to make sure most, if not all of the wines featured are on Puckett’s Boat House menu and in the wine store as well. We want people to fall in love with these wines that we feature and be able to easily buy them in our store or order them next time they’re at the Boat House.
What drew each of you to explore wine?
Brad: I became intrigued by it in the late 90s and discovered that I had a good palate, and was encouraged by a friend who had been doing this for a living that I ought to think about doing more with it, so I became a certified sommelier. There is just something about the experience of sharing wine, whether it be at a nice dinner or sitting out on the patio with friends; there is a wine for every occasion and I love that about it.
Eddie: Of course I’m in the wine and liquor business, but wine is so complex. There are only a few steps to making whiskey, but there are so many steps to making wine and it can be affected by so many different elements– It’s truly fascinating.
Brad: It’s the winemaker’s expression of love in a bottle.
Tell us what you recommend for a casual glass of wine while you’re hanging around the house.
Eddie: Dry rosés have become the highest ticket item recently.
Brad: I agree. A good, dry rosé would be my choice. It’s perfect for hot summer weather drinking.
So, there you have it, folks! — Expert opinions and musings about all things wine! “Uncorked” tickets for May 17 can be purchased through the link below and seats are limited, so hurry and buy yours! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uncorked-series-understanding-the-wine-lifestyle-wine-101-tickets-24881534339