Food for thought. A collection of talks & tutored tastings taking place at the Los Angeles fair, all free with your ticket. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so make sure you turn up early to avoid disappointment.

(Full biogs and talk information being loaded this week, so check back soon!)

12:30 – 13:30

What’s a ‘Pet Nat’ and why should I drink it?

With Manel Aviñó (Clos Lentiscus), Ismael Gozalo (MicroBio Wines), Noel Tellez (Bichi Winery), in conversation with Lou Amdur (Lou’s Wine Shop)

Pétillants naturels (meaning ‘natural sparklings’ in French), or pet nats as they are known for short, are all the rage and understandably so. Often delicious and highly quaffable, they are a very accessible bubble alternative to the likes of Champagne. But what exactly is a pet nat? Are they just fun, easy drinkers or are they capable of complexity, depth and even age? Is it in fact a distinct category or a generic term for natural bubbles? Hear from a collection of proper pet nat producers, find out more about how their creations are grown and made, and join them and Lou Amdur (of Lou’s Wine Shop fame) for a tutored tasting of the end result.

14:00 – 15:00

Bugs – the More, the Merrier

With Marc Barriot (Clot de l’Origine), Sebastian John (Frank John) & Federico Stefini (1701 Franciacorta), in conversation with Ninette Paloma (Santa Barbara Independent)

Understanding the importance of soil life for the making of great wine.

Understanding Austria – The Home of Biodynamics