Rocks & Acid Wine Shop

With its blazing Mediterranean sun, thousands of years of tradition, and very active volcano, Sicily is one of Italy's most exciting wine regions. In this class, Paula will take you through the wines she tasted on her trip this summer so you can explore the island's remarkable diversity. Indigenous grapes, passionate producers, and a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth make Sicilian wine a journey unto itself.

Beneath a delicate veil of yeast called flor, some of the world's most singular wines are born. In this class, we dive into the fascinating, mysterious world of flor-aged wines that turn traditional fermentation literally on its head. Explore the fortified and unfortified wines of Jerez, the Jura, and beyond. Nutty, oxidative, complex, and unlike anything else in your glass, these wines reward the curious and challenge the uninitiated.

From sweet and smoky to searingly hot, peppers can be one of the most dynamic (and challenging) ingredients in the kitchen. In this class, we’ll look at the full spectrum of the pepper world and find the wines bold enough, bright enough, or cool enough to keep up. Discover why a crisp white wine loves a shishito, what stands up to the heat of a habanero, and how smoked paprika transforms a pairing entirely. To all the cooks in the kitchen, this one’s for you.

New to wine, or just want to sharpen your skills? This class is your crash course in tasting, talking about, and truly enjoying wine. We’ll cover the basics—how to swirl, sniff, and sip with intention—while exploring the major grape varieties and styles that form the foundation of the wine world. Expect a fun, approachable session that will leave you more confident choosing bottles, pairing with food, and finding what you actually like to drink. No pretension or intimidation—just good wine, good company, and the start of a lifelong love affair with wine.

Every era has its outcasts: grapes abandoned, forgotten, or out of vogue. In this class, we celebrate the ultimate underdogs: ancient varieties pulled back from the brink of extinction and once-ridiculed grapes reclaiming the spotlight. From rare indigenous survivors rescued by dedicated winemakers to the triumphant rehabilitation of Merlot and beyond, these wines prove that wine has a long memory. Second acts never tasted so good.

Everyone reaches for red the moment the leaves turn, and they're leaving some good stuff on the shelf! Autumn belongs to a wide array of whites that the crisp-and-cold summer obsession overlooks! From white Burgundy to textured Italian sippers, we're exploring white wines that taste like walking through an orchard in October. Enjoy a lineup built for Autumn's cooler evenings...and the heavier dishes that come with them!

The classic high-low pairing! Taste five cuvées from Champagne Billecart-Salmon, one of the few major houses that's still family owned, alongside Taiwanese popcorn chicken. Billecart built its name on elegance and precision, and that's exactly what fried chicken wants: acid to cut the oil, bubbles to reset the palate, and freshness to meet the five-spice and white pepper. Five cuvées, including the house's celebrated rosé. Caviar upgrade available, because the "low" half can go high too!

Fall is the perfect time to take a ride down the Danube, exploring the wines & flavors of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. From Furmint & Welschriesling to Blaufrankisch & Pinot Noir, we will venture through the Alps to the Dalmatian Coast and explore any Czech, Slovak, or Romanian wines we can source. A bowl of "Ghoulish" Goulash will be served alongside these wines, bringing the warmth & spice from these cultures together. NOTE: We are not able to accommodate dietary restrictions for this event.

France has been the pioneer for the modern wine industry for centuries, so when taking a deeper look into the wine world, it’s the perfect place to start! Join us to talk about the bright, beautiful wines of the Loire, the rustic, robust wines of the Rhône, the ripe, aromatic wines of Alsace, and so much more!

Drop the PSL and grab your wine glass. It’s time to level up your fall drinks from pumpkin spice lattes to beautiful reds with delicious baking spice undertones. Explore how grape variety and production methods can impart notes of anise, clove, and black pepper in this seasonal class. Get into the fall spirit with some red wines that were made for autumn!

The Greeks have been making wine for four thousand years, and the last thirty have been a full-blown revival of indigenous varieties, small family growers, and a mind-boggling diversity of wines. We're going on an odyssey through vineyards from the mainland to the islands, exploring salty Assyrtiko, flowery Moschofilero, savory Xinomavro, and more—MUCH more! Unfamiliar names, unbeatable value, and a healthy dose of our Rocks & Acid nerdiness to tie it all together.

The Iberian Peninsula gets a lot of love at our shop, but Portugal is still overlooked as a country with incredible wines. Best-known for their fortified Port wines, Laura will be pulling out all the stops. Featuring the bold wines of Dão & Douro, the plush & approachable selections from Alentejo, and espumante options from along the Atlantic like Vinho Verde & Bairrada. "Reserva" your excitement—if you're lucky, we might even toss in a wine from the islands of Madeira or the Azores! Saúde!

One town on top of a hill. One grape. Six very different wines. We'll unpack what Brunello di Montalcino requires, including aging minimums and the Riserva classification, then cover what the rules can't dictate. From altitude and sun exposure to winemaker decisions and soil composition, this class will cover everything you need to understand the complexities of one of Italy's most famous DOCGs. This is serious Sangiovese, finally decoded.

You know them, you love them: Bordeaux and Rioja have long been the classic examples of a big bold red. Learn the characteristic differences in profile and the shared history between these two regions in this head-to-head matchup of the world’s most prolific red wines.

Two of the world's great luxuries were made for each other, and this class will show you exactly why. Join us for an evening with Champagne Bliard, a small organic grower tucked into the hillside village of Hautvillers. And of course, our Champagne classes are never complete without caviar pairings! We'll taste through five luxe cuvées alongside bright and briny caviar, exploring how bubbles cut through fat, how salinity sharpens flavors, and why the classic pairing has held its ground for a century. Come with an appetite for the finer things in life, and we'll handle the rest.

Wine importer-turned-writer Jeff Bramwell is coming to Rocks & Acid to launch his latest project, half a decade in the making: "On the Road in Piemonte"! This two-volume set is an immersive, approachable exploration of the wines, cuisines, and personalities of Italy's Piedmont region. Wine education unfolds naturally through thoughtful conversations with winemakers, farmers, and chefs. The book also celebrates the local ingredients that make the Piemontese cuisine one of the world's major culinary powerhouses with nearly 100 recipes. This hour-long event includes a Q&A with Jeff, a book signing, and a two-wine flight featuring selections from the book. Capacity is limited to 14 guests at 4pm on Saturday 10/10. **additional sessions may be added due to demand**

$55 Early Bird Ticket: May 2–September 30 $65 General Ticket: Oct 1–October 31 *Points redemption is not available for this event. Tickets are transferrable up to 48 hours prior to the event but not refundable.*

Your neighborhood wine shop is turning 4, and you know what that means: it's party time! Since we share a birthday week, we're partnering with our neighbors across the Village, Xolos Cantina Mexicana, who will be celebrating their second birthday a few days before. Join us for phenomenal wine, authentic Oaxacan cuisine, and a fiesta to remember!

Crush Tastings start at 4PM and go until 7PM. Allow yourself a minimum of 30 minutes to enjoy the full experience.

We’ll be hosting Sean Sutton of Vinovi&Co, one of our favorite importers from Spain! Join us for an immersive journey through the diverse, vibrant world of Spanish wine. This guided tasting explores the regions, grapes, and winemaking traditions that make Spain one of the most exciting wine-producing countries. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Spanish terroir and a few new favorites to seek out. Expect engaging storytelling, hands-on tasting, and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Crush Tastings start at 4PM and go until 7PM. Allow yourself a minimum of 30 minutes to enjoy the full experience.

Crush Tastings start at 4PM and go until 7PM. Allow yourself a minimum of 30 minutes to enjoy the full experience.

Crush Tastings start at 4PM and go until 7PM. Allow yourself a minimum of 30 minutes to enjoy the full experience.

Point Reyes Toma Truffle is a creamy, semi-hard cheese infused with earthy truffle flavors, offering a rich and savory bite. It's perfect for elevating your cheese board or melting over your favorite dishes for an added touch of indulgence.

Vinet, Maleco Brut is a sparkling wine known for its crisp and refreshing taste, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Its lively bubbles and balanced flavor make it a popular choice among those who enjoy a classic brut.