Virtual War and Wine: Grand Cru of Wine Classes

During World War II the Nazis took control of France and began to systematically plunder the cellars of France’s most revered wine regions; Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux. We will take a walk through history while drinking wines from these regions as we unfold the story of French resistance as the German wine Weinführers attempted to pillage the cellars of hundreds of wineries.

In this virtual class, sommelier Christophe Bakunas will discuss the history of World War II through the lens of vignerons, the battles that raged inside the country and the power of the French resistance in the world of wine. You will have a new understanding of a unique struggle that occurred in WWII as well as an introduction to three of the most prominent appellations of France. Six different wines, including a reserve Champagne, will be sampled in class today.

To enhance your experience, we recommend you’re tasting the same wines with Christophe during class. Reserve your wine package now, and indicate when you would like to pick it up at Lincoln Square prior to the class. We'll have it ready when you arrive, and you'll pay for the wines at pickup. This wine package is priced
at $242.55, and that price includes tax.

We also recommend you have on hand the same snacks we’ll be serving in class for a full tasting experience; details about the food are included in the class packet. 

Wines Featured in Class:

• Macon Blanc, Thevenet et Fils “Pierreclos”, 2018, Burgundy, France
• Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux, Bourgogne Rouge, 2018, Burgundy, France
• Bordeaux, Chateau la Tonnelle, 2017, Bordeaux, France
• Chateaux La Rame, 2019, Bordeaux Blanc Sec AOC
• Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Pierre Moncuit-Delos, NV, Champagne
• Laherte Freres NV Brut 'Ultradition' Champagne AOC

If you’re unable to pick up the wines from TCB, we recommend you procure bottles featuring the same region and grape. This includes:

• 2 varieties of Champagne, from Champagne, France
• A White Burgundy and a Red Burgundy from Burgundy, France
• A Dry White Bordeaux and a Red Bordeaux from Bordeaux, France

* If you wish to streamline the number of wines for this class, we recommend you have on hand 1 Champagne, 1 White Bordeaux and 1 Red Burgundy

You can choose to join this demonstration class virtually from the comfort of your own home where you'll be able to see and hear the instructor and ask your questions via the chat feature in Zoom. Or, experience this class in person in our state-of-the-art kitchen at the Merchandise Mart: Sign up here. Taste the wines as you enjoy noshes and a delightful evening expanding your vino knowledge. Ask your questions of the instructor yourself during this interactive class.

Learn more about Sommelier Christophe here.

Got questions about our virtual classes? Check out our FAQs.