Where: The Montclair Women's Club at 82 Union Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
When: October 9th 7:30 – 10:00
7:30 – Guest arrival, check- in and aperitif
8:00 – 10:00 Guided Tasting
Join RCA members along with the Essex County Wine Society on October 9th for the first tasting of the 2025 – 2026 season: Willamette Valley Chardonnay. Named for the river that bisects the 60-mile wide valley, the Willamette Valley is the largest of Oregon’s AVAs and it is known for its world-class Pinot Noir. Often cited as having a Burgundian style since the two wine regions share similar latitudes and climate, it’s no surprise that many of the top winemakers in the Willamette Valley also make incredible Chardonnays (and have for years).
We invite you to experience a line-up of Chardonnays from some of the top producers in the Willamette Valley. You’ve likely heard of or had a pinot noir from Lingua Franca, Bergstrom, Evening Land, or Walter Scott, but have you enjoyed their chardonnays?
We’ll be featuring the renowned producers listed above along with several others you'll want to know in a blind tasting format. And now is the time to get to know Willamette Valley Chardonnay. Jancis Robinson, one of the foremost wine critics has referred to these wines as “thrilling” while longtime Wall Street Journal wine writer (and Montclair, NJ resident) Lettie Teague has called them “beautifully balanced.”
Guests will be greeted with an aperitif upon arrival and an educational guided tasting of 9 wines and food pairings sponsored by several RCA member companies.
A special "Thank You" to RCA food pairings Sponsors:
Come try these exceptional wines for yourself and you may find your next favorite Chardonnay.
Important Details:
- Please note that space is extremely limited and registrants can purchase a maximum of 2 tickets.
- There is plenty of parking in the back of The Montclair Women's Club
- This event is worth 2 CEUs, reach out to Jessica if you need a certificate
About the Essex County Wine Society:
The Essex County Wine Society (“ECWS”) is a member-based organization founded in New Jersey in 1972 and incorporated in 1973. The purpose of the society includes the education and instruction of its members in the wines and vineyards of the world.
About The Presenter:
Alli Meyer is a marketing professional with a long history in both the packaged foods and wine & spirits industries. Currently, Alli is with Unity Imports, the new alcohol imports division of Allied Beverage Group and is a long-time RCA member.
Alli holds an advanced certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET, Level III) and has spent the last 20+ years traveling to and studying various wine regions. At any tasting she leads, Alli guides the group with knowledge, curiosity, humor, and joy.
Questions? Reach out to Greater NY/Philly Metro Regional Chair for more information: Jessica@nu-spice.com
RCA Disclosures:
Contact Information: By registering for this event, you consent to the sharing of your contact information (such as name, email address, and company) with the event’s sponsors. This information will be shared exclusively with sponsors for purposes related to the event and will not be shared with other attendees or third parties.
Photographs and Videos: During this event, RCA may take photographs and/or video of you which may be posted to social media and on the association’s website. By registering for and attending this event, you agree to the use of image in photographs and/or video for this purpose. Additionally, other event attendees may take photographs and post said photographs to social media. RCA shall not be responsible for photographs taken and/or shared by other event attendees.
Session Recordings: This session may be recorded for the purpose of education, training, and use in RCA’s Learning Library. The recording will be used for this stated purpose and shall not be used for any other purpose. Do not share information that you do not wish to be recorded. If you are uncomfortable being recorded, please refrain from speaking and submit questions via email.