Pogo's Wine Education Series with Master Sommelier James Tidwell — Backroads of France: The Roads Less Traveled

We're thrilled to introduce the Pogo's Wine Education Series, a new monthly educational program created in partnership with Master Sommelier James Tidwell.

Whether you're just beginning your wine journey or have been collecting and enjoying wine for years, this intimate series is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the world's great wine regions, producers, grape varieties, and traditions. Each class will explore a topic selected by James through a carefully curated lineup of wines accompanied by artisanal cheese and charcuterie.

We'll kick off the series on June 18 with Backroads of France: The Roads Less Traveled, an exploration of exceptional French wines beyond the familiar names of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before settling into a classroom-style tasting as James guides the group through ten remarkable wines from regions including the Loire Valley, Alsace, Jura, Beaujolais, Bandol, and the Languedoc. Along the way, attendees will explore the history, geography, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions that make these regions some of the most fascinating and rewarding places in France today.

Seating is intentionally limited to just 18 guests to encourage discussion, questions, and interaction throughout the evening.

Featured Wines

• Domaine Huet Brut Pétillant Vouvray 2019
• Jérôme Bretaudeau Clos des Bouquinardières Gabbro Muscadet 2022
• Château Pierre-Bise Roche aux Moines Savennières 2021
• Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé 2020
• Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Clos Windsbuhl 2022
• Domaine du Pélican Chardonnay Arbois 2022
• Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2024
• Domaine Olga Raffault La Fraîche Chinon 2024
• Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge 2023
• Domaine Tempier Lulu & Lucien Bandol Rouge 2023

About James Tidwell, MS

James Tidwell is one of the most accomplished and respected wine educators in the United States. He earned the Master Sommelier Diploma in 2009 and is the founder of TEXSOM, widely regarded as the premier wine education conference in North America. He is also the co-founder of the TEXSOM International Wine Awards and serves as a Regional Chair for the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Known for his engaging teaching style and remarkable depth of knowledge, James has spent decades educating wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, helping make the world of wine more approachable, understandable, and rewarding. We're honored to partner with him to bring this new educational series to Pogo's.