happenings
SOMMELIER sERIES
2025 Somm Series
"When I signed up for the course (my first one) I was expecting tost and around with a group of people inside a cellar, holding a plastic cup. Instead, I was greeted with (and astounded by) the magazine-worthy setting you created; white tablecloths, flowers in vases, stemmed glassware and your grandmother's china! And then for you to go to the trouble of making a carrot soup and panna cotta- in addition to a cheese and charcuterie plate that was better than man I've had in restaurants- was the epitome of good hostessing. In sum- the experience greatly exceeded my expectations I enjoyed your wines; I enjoyed learning about them and I enjoyed discovering your vineyard." --- First time guest at the 2023 Somm Series
Ready to become a wine expert? Interested in learning more about the creation of Vineyard Grant James Wine? Or just hoping to be able to give more wine tasting feedback than "this one is white" and "this one is red"?
Join us as we welcome back a Vineyard favorite
Sommelier Series!
2025 Sommelier Series
We will be joined by 3 certified Sommeliers who will spend Sunday mornings educating us on all things wine.
Price: Member- $30 per class or $80 for all three
Non-Member - $40 per class or $100 for all three
Classes will run about 90 Minutes
For individuals new to wine, this level provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You'll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings.
April 6 | 3:00 PM
Lisa Redwine
Lisa Redwine brings a whole new level of food and wine knowledge to the San Diego community. Lisa passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Exam in 2010 and is pursuing her Master Sommelier certification. She is one of four women in San Diego to hold Advanced Sommelier accreditation. And having worked as a professional chef and general manager for some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco, Lisa elevates the dining experience to an art form, where service, atmosphere, food and wine intermingle to form a feast for all the senses.
She brings with her multiple food and beverage certifications, including: Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine from Society of Wine Educators, Certified Wine Professional and an AOS Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
Lisa is a leader in the wine industry and in her hometown of San Diego, she has trained hundreds of individuals to become better beverage professionals. In 2006, she began teaching "Exploring Wine" in San Diego State University's Business of Wine Program. She has expanded her role at SDSU as she serves as an Advisor and teaches multiple wine classes each year. She has been involved for more than a decade with the San Diego Wine & Food Festival and serves as an advisor and Head Lead for SommCon USA. She is a wine judge for the San Diego International Wine Competition, Sommelier Challenge, Toast of the Coast and Lum Eisenman San Diego County Wine Competition. In 2011, after seeing a need for educational opportunities for women wine professionals she created the nonprofit organization, Women’s Wine Alliance. She currently serves as the organization’s President and leads seminars for its members.
April 13 | 1:00 PM
Tami Wong Quinn
Join us for an exclusive evening with award-winning sommelier Tami Wong Quinn as she leads our latest Sommelier Series class: What IS San Diego Wine?
This engaging and educational tasting will explore what defines a true San Diego wine, featuring a curated selection of local varietals, including Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Negroamaro, Cabernet Sauvignon, and our Volantis blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel). To deepen the discussion, we’ll also pull a tank sample of Tannat for a side-by-side comparison with Ramona Ranch’s bottling, offering insight into the region’s distinct expressions.
A Certified Sommelier since 2007, Tami Wong Quinn is a leader in San Diego’s wine scene, known for her roles as Wine Director at La Valencia Hotel and Juniper & Ivy, as well as for founding Stay Classy Selections, the first distributor dedicated to San Diego County wine and cider. She is a Best New Sommelier award winner (Wine & Spirits, 2014), a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient (2015), and a founding member of both Nat Diego, San Diego’s natural wine festival, and the Women’s Wine Alliance.
April 27 | 1:00 PM
Brooke Sapier
Aged to Perfection: The Art of Pairing Wine & Cheese specializing in White, Rose, & Sweet Wines
Brooke Sapier is the resident Sommelier of Vineyard Grant James who is well-versed in French wine and cheese. She also happens to be the eldest daughter of Jacques and Susanne!
With an extensive background in Corporate fashion design and trend forecasting, Brooke made the transition into wine when Covid hit in 2020. She spent the next couple of years traveling with her parents and learning the in’s and outs of the family business. She is WSET Level 1 & 2 certified, passing both with distinction, and is currently working towards her WSET Level 3 certification.
With a passion for fine wine, food, and luxury travel, Brooke founded BWS Travel & Tours in 2024. Her travel company specializes in all-inclusive luxury wine tours throughout California and Mexico. Be on the lookout for her trip with VGJ this June to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico!!!
She exhibits the same warm personality, charisma, and hospitality as her father, especially when working the tasting room, making her a great fit for the Vineyard Grant James team.