Highland Springs' New Wine Tasting Club Takes Off

Although residents of Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., have dozens of groups and activities to choose from, they're always welcome to start new clubs that reflect their unique interests.

That is exactly what Pat Golomb decided to do, shortly after she and her husband Dick moved to the community last February.

A lifelong wine enthusiast, Pat started the Grape Expectations wine-tasting group as a way of sharing her love of wine with her new neighbors.

"It's a pretty special group. Anyone who loves wine is encouraged to join us," Pat says. "Highland Springs is all about welcoming and helping others. We have such a great culture here.”

Something for everyone

Pat fell in love with wine and all its complexities during a college summer trip to Europe. That appreciation only grew as she and Dick traveled the country for their careers.

"Dick was exposed to wines through his international customers, and we also spent 30 years in California visiting wineries and tasting wines," Pat recalls. "It just took off from there.”

Based on her personal experiences with wine tastings, Pat organized Grape Expectations to emphasize learning and socialization.

"We started small, with two tables of eight, and have now grown to five groups of eight," Pat says. "Each month, we focus on one varietal, or wines made from one grape variety. Currently, we're sticking to strictly domestic wines.”

Last year, the group tasted wines from so-called noble grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Red Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling.

Members are paired up, with each pair responsible for bringing one bottle of the month's chosen varietal. As a result, each table has four bottles from four different wine makers. Bottles are kept anonymous in plain wrapping, so the tastings are truly blind.

"That really helps everyone to recognize the nuances and the differences between them," Pat says.

Those nuances include variations in color, nose (aromas), viscosity, mouthfeel (body, texture, balance, and finish), and the many different flavors on the tongue. The tasting process is often abbreviated as sight, smell, swirl, sip, and savor.

Developing palettes

"Our goal is not just to drink wine. Our goal is to educate--develop palettes and learn about wines," Pat says. "So many of us get in the habit of buying our favorite wine and not expanding too much. We give members the opportunity to try different wines.”

Pat notes that learning about wines, grapes, and terroir has become easier, considering that many domestic and international wines are becoming much more affordable. Members are encouraged to purchase wines between $15 and $40.

During the blind tastings, members collect data about the wines, including the winery, type of grape, and percentage of alcohol, which can impact flavor.

"We hand out an information sheet that goes over all the common grape varietals, with a little description, to help members understand what they are tasting," Pat says. "For our tastings, we have a strict rule: No cheese, chocolate, sausages, or salamis. You can enjoy those things after you taste. The reason for this rule is that these foods can change the taste of the wine.”

Members also rate every wine, from one to five, then all information from each member at each tasting is recorded on a spreadsheet.

Making things happen

"Grape Expectations is such a fun group and just one of so many interesting gatherings here at Highland Springs," says Molly Mann, the community's sales manager. "Whether it's wine tastings, art classes, pickleball, or book clubs, there's practically something for everyone here.”

She adds, "I love watching residents find new interests they didn't have the time or the opportunity for before moving here.”

Pat appreciates the "phenomenal" support the group has received from Highland Springs staff members and administration, which she believes has contributed to making Grape Expectations so successful.

For Pat, the act of getting people together for a positive and fun learning experience is exciting.

"I really enjoy making things happen. I like to share the wines I love with friends; if you have a good bottle of wine, you want people to enjoy it with you," Pat says. "That's the attraction of being part of Grape Expectations. My fellow wine tasters make it such a rewarding and fun group!”

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Highland Springs, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Susan Ingram