Los Angeles - July 27, 2004

The Sipping Point

Wine tasting with Allison Robbins

There are two kinds of people in this world.

Those who can say “It’s a perfectly structured wine, with smooth tanins, notes of white pepper, and a long finish” with a straight face. And those who can’t.

Allison Robbins belongs in the first group, but she understands that the rest of us feel a little intimidated. Which is why she left her career as a TV writer-producer to get a certification in vintage wine (yes, there is such a thing) from UCLA and hold private wine tastings. She’ll tailor the selection to suit you, whether it’s a survey of great wines under $10 or the world’s greatest vintages. And, thankfully, there’s nothing stuffy about it. Allison brings props, including up to 50 sensory components — everything from grapefruit slices to a slab of concrete, fresh-cut grass to strongly brewed tea — to help you describe what you’re smelling and tasting. Her engaging manner and obvious enthusiasm may even empower you to offer a description or two of your own.

And by that, we mean something other than “Yummy, gets me drunk, minimal hangover.”

To plan a tasting, call 310-487-1210 or e-mail asrobb@verizon.net.