Master Class Online - Fall & Winter Wines

Introductory Class with Sommelier Tina Kanter

Missing our regularly scheduled Wine Events? Join Tina Kanter in this LIVE ZOOM class. For more information:

https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/2020/10/28/master-class-online-fall-winter-wines-tina-kanter

Fall and winter inspire all things cozy, like your favorite wool sweater, fuzzy socks, fires in the fireplace and most importantly - fuller, deeper, richer wines!

On Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m., learn more about Fall and Winter wines and break away from your old standbys! Join the Ames Free Library's generous friend, Tina Kanter, Sommelier of Happy Being Clean, in a virtual wine Master Class focusing on Fall and Winter wines. You'll learn about exceptional wines to select for whatever the holiday season may bring, and how to best pair them.

If you wish to taste these wines along with Tina, consider purchasing them in advance, with special delivery to your door (based on availability)! You can email her directly and she will manage the entire transaction: tina@happybeingclean.com. She has pre-selected two incredible whites or two reds ($40), or all four ($75) for you to order.

Have your curiosity or your clean, empty wine glasses at the ready. The discussion will include:

• Seasonality of wine

• Classic holiday pairings

• Modern takes

• Tina’s seasonal favorites

• Cheese pairing options

• The program will also include question and answer time.

All viewers of content must be aware that drinking alcohol is illegal for those under the age of 21, and that all viewers must drink responsibly. Neither Tina Kanter, nor Happy Being Clean or the Ames Free Library takes any responsibility for viewers drinking alcoholic beverages.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqfuioqTguE9WyXzJVtdtKRU5h3reB5uDi 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Visit our Tutorials page for step by step instructions on using Zoom!

For those of you that have missed our monthly Wine Tastings, we now finally have a solution since the weather has improved! We will offer an outdoor, physically-distanced, yet very social Wine Tasting focused on Rosé!

The set up will be a bit different, but while different it should be just as fun!

There will be room for 4 couples, or groups of 2 (since we still can’t gather in groups larger than 10) and each couple will have their own outdoor station set up 10 feet apart from all other stations. Each station will be prepared in advance with 4ft table, 2 chairs, all the papers necessary, glasses pre-poured with wine, water, and a few snacks/nibbles. All these items will be properly sanitized prior to your arrival. Please bring your own writing implement. Tasting will be rescheduled in case of rain.

Join us for this fun, informative evening and taste your way through 4 unique Rosés; each driven by a different grape, from a different region, or vinified in a different way. You will gain understanding of how grape varietals, regions and even wine making differences impact the taste of your Rosé!

You will learn from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for Rosé wines. Light snacks will be served.

You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

Please note the change in time from out previously scheduled Monthly Wine Tastings as we need to account for the sunset as we will be outdoors. Please wear proper attire as the evening may get cool.

$70 per couple. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 8 spaces (4 groups of 2) available for this class, so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

If this particular class doesn’t work for your schedule or appeal to you, please reach out for more information on our other offerings including Virtual Wine Tastings and Private Wine Tastings.

Master Class Online - Essentials of Wine

Introductory Class with Sommelier Tina Kanter

Missing our regularly scheduled Wine Events? Join Tina Kanter in this LIVE ZOOM class. For more information:

amesfreelibrary.org/events/master-class-online-essentials-wine-class-sommelier-tina-kanter

Are you stuck in a wine rut and getting bored drinking the same wine just because it’s easy and on hand?  Now that you have a little more time on your hands, take the opportunity to learn more about wine, and how to best invest in a bottle that you will enjoy- and that won’t break the bank! On Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m., Tina Kanter, Sommelier of Happy Being Clean, in an Essentials of Wine Introductory Class will introduce you to the basics, including how to choose a wine, store it, open it and how to best enjoy! This Zoom class is being offerer by The Ames Free Libray as part of their Master Class Online Series.

After this class, you will have a better understanding of the most famous regions, varietals and styles and be provided with tips for becoming a better wine shopper and taster.  When restaurants finally open back up again, you can be a pro with the wine list by making better selections. 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrfuChqDsvGdO0c4AU2HceaZiXaEP3Jh3Q 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Visit our Tutorials page for step by step instructions on using Zoom!

Unfortunately, due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and our need to social distance in order to slow the spread of this virus, we are canceling this class and will not resume having Cooking Classes or Wine Tasting Events until further notice.  

This is a difficult time for everyone (especially small businesses!) but it is important that we all do our part by hunkering down at home and limiting our contact with others until the CDC tells us it is safe to resume life as we have known it.  Hopefully that will not be too long from now!

In the meantime, enjoy your meals and your glass of wine, and hopefully we will be able to get together soon.  

I very much appreciate all of your patronage.


Thank you, and hope to see you soon!  Stay safe.

We will up date you with the rescheduling of this class as soon as possible.

March has us dreaming of spring and summer, but still craving those homey, soul warming dishes of the colder months. What better way to fulfill those cravings than authentic Mexican Cuisine!  We will prepare rustic Mexican salsa, salsa verde and avocado crema to complement our delicious meal using a variety of proteins. Additionally, we will add a lesson in Instant Pot use!  This will be paired with complex new world wines. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

This month we are going to do our own version of the infamous Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 also know as the Judgement of Paris (recounted in the book, Judgement on Paris, by George Taber and dramatized in the movie Bottle Shock)!

Our adaptation, will be an Old World versus New World Showdown. We often reference ”terroir” in our wine journey and this is a great way to see how terroir impacts some of the most common varietals. We will use our senses and taste 2 Chardonnays, 2 Sauvignon Blancs, 2 Pinot Noirs, and 2 Cabernet Sauvignons blindly to see if we can decipher which is Old Word (European) and which is from the New World (For our purposes California or Oregon)! Join us for this fun and informative event. You will learn and from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for inexpensive yet delicious wines. Light snacks will be served.

You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 15 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

For this very short and cold month of February we will be bringing back one of our most requested classes- fresh, homemade pasta! Additionally we will make 2 different sauces to compliment our pasta. This meal will be paired with classic Italian wines.  Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

This class is currently SOLD OUT, thank you! Please check out both cooking and wine classes scheduled for March!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

This month our wine journey will focus on Rhône, which is known for its uninhibited, fearless, and untamed flavors that the wines possess. The region is divided into two distinct parts which focus on reds with fierce, spicy, dark flavors. Nuanced, delicious and ranging from easily accessible to extraordinarily expensive, this tasting event is a great entre into the region and its spectacular wines, some of which are among my favorites including Rasteau, Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Join us for this fun and informative event. You will learn and from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for inexpensive yet delicious wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 15 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

The cold month of January calls for nice homey classic Italian cooking that warms the soul. This month we will focus on making a perfect Parmesan Risotto (which in my opinion is the star of the meal) paired with scrumptious Braised Pork Chops. You won’t need to be afraid of risotto anymore, all it takes is a little know how and a lot of love to make a craveable meal. We will pair these dishes with rich red from Verona, and nice Pinot Grigio that will make you rethink everything you know about “Italian water”. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

This month our wine journey will focus on Rioja, which for centuries has been considered Spain’s preeminent wine region. The wines from this region, which have long been influenced by Bordeaux, are continuing to evolve. The modern natural and bio-dynamic movements and the traditional methods coexist well and make for a fantastic study and experience. Side-by-side tastings of traditionally Tempranillo based wines, with some outstanding exceptions, aged in a multitude of manners will help you understand the region well and will start you on your journey with some spectacular wines. You will learn and from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for inexpensive yet delicious wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 15 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

We are introducing a special event this month in place or our regularly scheduled classes!

Cookies & Wine will feature a fun, informative and interactive class during which you will be guided by Pastry Chef Evelyn Dillard Herman of acclaimed Vee Vee in Jamaica Plain to create spectacular and delicious Holiday Cookies. These cookies will be paired with fun, unique wines hand-selected by Tina, who is a Sommelier and ISG Certified Wine Expert! Come enjoy a great afternoon with us and learn skills you can use to replicate these delicious treats at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 15 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

*you must be 21 years of age to attend

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Getting family and friends together just to eat, drink, and enjoy one another. But, it is easy to get into a food rut always preparing the same thing or bringing the same dish. This month we will focus on unique, re-invented fall classics that can inspire you to do Thanksgiving (or any other fall get together for that matter) in a fresh new way, but with all the “Hygge” that makes fall so special. You will learn to prepare fresh options for appetizers, sides, mains (meat and veg) and dessert that will be instantly crave-able. Also, we will pair these dishes with a new take on Thanksgiving Wines- move over Pinot Noir there is a new kid in town! Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

This class is an annual favorite, but we keep it fresh and new so you can always learn something new and be introduced some fantastic, seasonally appropriate wines! Silky, smooth, elegant, highly complex and riveting Pinot Noir is a wine drinker’s dream wine and winemaker’s thorn. Pinot Noirs make up some of the most expensive and coveted wines in the world, but some are so exquisite in their pureness and simplicity. A perfect pairing for Thanksgiving turkey and a beautiful sip on a cool fall evening. This month we will discuss and discover amazing Pinot Noirs of the New World and the Old World. Though truly understanding Pinot Noir can take a lifetime, we will start you on your journey with some spectacular wines. You will learn and from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for inexpensive yet delicious wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 15 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

The falll season, with its aromas of dried leaves in the air, calls for homey comfort dishes that pair well with rich earthy wines. Stuffed roasts can be intimidated, but with this class you will quickly become an expert. In this class, you will learn to make a fennel stuffed pork loin with parmesan roasted cauliflower. We will pair our meal with a rustic Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, and an aromatic white wine. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

This month our wine journey will focus on Southern Italy and Islands. This hot climate is known for bold, fruit forward wines that are well balanced with medium acid and great rustic notes. Some of Italy’s most ancient grapes both white and red, grow in this region and make for exceptional wine that pairs wonderfully with the fantastic food.

Join us for a fun and informative evening, and taste your way through 8 wines; both white and red!  You will learn from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for these wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

This Class is SOLD OUT. Thank you so much! Please check out events scheduled for the remainder of October and for November

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

For our first class back after a wonderful summer vacation, will focus on our most popular and often requested class- sushi! Japanese food and food culture is simultaneously steeped in tradition yet feels so modern and fresh. Nutrient rich, delicious and very social! In this class, you will learn to make sushi rice, gyoza (Japanese dumplings) and prepare a sushi platter including maki rolls, sushi and some modern takes on classic Japanes food. We will pair our meal with crisp, mineral Grüner Veltliner from Austria as well as Sake. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

This class is currently SOLD OUT, thank you! Please check out both cooking and wine classes scheduled for October!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Welcome back everyone, I hope it has been a wonderful summer! The wine marketplace is changing and there is so much information available regarding wines and how they affect health & wellness. There is also a ton of misinformation! The focus for September will be off-the-beaten path, exceptional and interesting West Coast wines that focus on natural, organic, or biodynamic winemaking. All your questions will be answered and you will be able to decipher what is important to you when you invest in a bottle wine. Join us for this fun, informative evening and taste your way through unique wines including, white, orange, red, and even a Pet Nat!  You will learn from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for natural wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

For this last regulary scheduled class of the season, (we take the summer off in order to focus on private events- so message us if you want to plan an event!) it is time to see how much you have learned this year! In this fun, super interactive wine tasting event, you will taste 8 different wines, and using all of your senses and tasting techniques that you have learned, try to identify the wine. Don’t worry, there will be clues & hints if necessary. Some prizes will be awarded- and the wines will be delicious! Join us for this fun evening of wine and great company! You will be guided by an ISG Certified Wine Expert, and hopefully learn even more about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu  wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Everyone loves a great glass of Rosé, but how do you pick a great one in the sea of options? Learn how grape varietals, regions and even wine making differences impact the taste of your Rosé ! Join us for this fun, informative evening and taste your way through 8 unique Rosés; each driven by a different grape, from a different region, or vinified in a different way! You will learn from an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for Rosé wines. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Southeast Asian cuisine reflects the diverse and complex cultural crossroads and link between Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Traditional recipes incorporate Chinese ingredients with the aromatic herbs and spices of India; modern menus are influenced by Colonial French and Spanish cuisine. Foods are incredibly balanced with sweet, spicy, sour, salty and bitter notes, sometimes even in the same bite! We will focus on the delicious and healthy foods of Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, which share many core similarities, however each have unique regional differences. We will pair our meal with crisp, aromatic German Rieslings. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Greece and Moldova have an incredibly rich history of Viticulture and wine making, and are producing amazingly complex and approachable wines. These off-the-beaten-path wines, will inspire you to search for these phenomenal aromatic, dry whites and incredibly balanced reds every time you see a wine list. We will taste our way through, and discuss 8 fantastic wines (red & white) of Greece and Moldova and discuss what makes them so unique and incredible. You will be guided by an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for delicious wines within your budget. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

This class is currently SOLD OUT- please email to be added to waitlist. Also, check out our class in June, that will feature Rose! Register early for a space!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Spring weather inspires a cleaner, healthier diet full of delicious, nutritious and seasonal foods. The Mediterranean Diet is heart healthy, focuses on plant-based proteins, legumes, healthy fats and is just delicious. Authentic Greek food is one on my absolute favorites and will be our focus for April. We will pair our meal with exceptional Greek wines. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Argentina and Chile both produce amazing under the radar wines. Argentinian Malbecs are fabulous and gaining quite a bit of notoriety, but they also produce other wonderfully bold, fruity red blends and surprising off-dry white styles. Chile, which is a cool climate region is known for excellent Bordeaux style blends, and exceptional Burgundy style Chardonnays. We will taste our way through, and discuss 8 fantastic wines (red & white) of Argentina & Chile and discuss what makes them so unique and incredible. You will be guided by an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for delicious wines within your budget. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Everyone is talking about the Instant Pot, but is it really worth the investment both in budget and counter space? The answer is a resounding YES! Come to learn to make the most for your Instant Pot with a handful of great recipes that will help you use, and love it- or persuade you to purchase one! We will make a variety of different recipes, which we will pair with one of my favorite Australian wines! Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home! If you already have an Instant Pot, please reach out to me vie email, I would love if some participants would bring theirs so that we can do several recipes at once! Thanks

This class is currently SOLD OUT- please email to be added to waitlist. Also, check out our class in April, that will feature Greek Cuisine! Register early for a space!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Portugal is the last frontier of wine in western Europe, and extremely exciting right now. While Portugal has been known for well over a century for making spectacular Port Wines, they also make magnificent dry wines- both red and white. There are over 250 indigenous varietals, many mostly unknown outside of Portugal until recently. If you are looking for an incredible wine experience that is completely affordable, look no further than Portugal. We will taste our way through, and discuss 8 fantastic wines (red & white) of Portugal and discuss what makes them so unique and incredible. You will be guided by an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for delicious wines within your budget. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

This class is currently SOLD OUT- please email to be added to waitlist. Also, check out our Wine Tasting Event in April that will feature Wines of South America! Register early for a space!

To RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

Back by popular demand- Paella! The last time we offered this class it sold out almost immediately, so don’t miss out this time!

 Once you learn the basics of how to make a simple, yet impressive paella, there are endless ways to customize. We will prepare a classic, traditional seafood paella, and discuss how to make customizations to incorporate seasonal ingredients. You will be an expert and know not only what socarrat is, but how to create the delicious phenomenon!. We will pair our meal with exciting Spanish wines!  Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

This class is currently SOLD OUT- please email to be added to waitlist. Also, check out our class in March that will feature Instant Pot Recipes! Register early for a space!

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

With 3 distinct climates, a multitude of wine styles, and recently being identified as the most exciting region for wine right now, Spain is a fantastic wine region that is not to be overlooked. Known for full-bodied, fruity reds with persistent earthy notes and crisp refreshing and nuanced whites- you will love to enjoy these excellent and age worthy wines! We will taste our way through, and discuss 8 fantastic wines (red & white) of Spain and discuss what makes them so unique and incredible. You will be guided by an ISG Certified Wine Expert about regions, grapes, tasting notes, and tips for ordering from a menu or shopping for delicious wines within your budget. Light snacks will be served. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.

There are a total of 14 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.

The cold month of January makes you think of warming, comforting food that feeds your soul. But, if you are like most people, you also want to balance that with healthy options after having allowed yourself more treats than usual during the holiday season. This month we will focus on balancing both of those ideas- we will featuring a healthy twist on a delicious, homey pot pie! We will be making individual Mushroom-Thyme Pot Pies, which will be paired with a robust Portuguese red blend. Come enjoy a great evening with us and learn skills you can use to replicate this meal at home!

This class is currently SOLD OUT- please email to be added to waitlist. Also, check out our class in February that will feature Paella! Register early for a space!

$30 per person. Buy tickets here.
Please indicate which event you are registering for in the notes.

There are a total of 12 spaces available for this class so register now!

to RSVP, please email:  tina@happybeingclean.com

*please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.