July 19th – The post pandemic trend of “doing/experiencing more and buying less” continues…. LearnAboutWine has always been adventurous and built a reputation for opening some of the most collectible wines ever made. ““What good is it to own something you have no idea about & no idea how it tastes! I say “let’s taste them all!”” – says Ian Blackburn, Wine Educator and Host.
Taste over $40,000 worth of Burgundy and Champagne at one of LA’s most sought after restaurants “71 Above”. This prefix only restaurant is the best location for a serious wine event – Says producer Ian Blackburn. Join us as we taste (2) Richebourg by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) next to other top quality Burgundy like A. Rousseau, C.G. de Vogue, R.Chevillon, C. Roumier, Domaine Leflaive , and P.Y.C.M! We even start the night with a taste of SALON Cuvee S – 1997.
71 Above is located In the heart of downtown Los Angeles and almost 1,000 feet above ground level, 71 Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi and the food is on point. Executive Chef Javier Lopez prepares elevated seasonal modern American cuisine coupled with spectacular 360º views. From Malibu to Laguna Hills and the surrounding mountain ranges, guests can enjoy an uninterrupted panorama in an upscale, romantic atmosphere.
See the full menu and wine list (watch it grow) as we open 1-bottle per paying guest. (21 wines plus dessert at sold out – 20 people) Get tickets here!
ABOUT IAN TODD BLACKBURN
Wine Educator, Professional Sommelier / Host and Master of Wine Student – I discovered the wine industry while working with Chef’s Thomas Keller and Joachim Splichal in the top dining rooms of Los Angeles. My passion redirected my career from restaurants/hotels to vineyards and wine-education. Now with over 25-years of experience hosting events; leading trips around the wine world; I published a wine book; produced my own wine called Beekeeper Cellars and sat for the difficult Master of Wine Exam! Today, I am considered one of the region’s best wine educators and work for my 100,000 total followers (follow me), visiting vineyards and wine regions and producing over 100 wine classes and events a year for my businesses and my team.
Timeline
- 1995 Learnaboutwine.com was created
- 2003-2005 TASTE on Two Rodeo – weekly tastings on Rodeo Drive
- 2005 LASupportsLA donated $250K to Hurricane Katrina Charities
- 2007 My wine class was featured on ABC’s The Bachelor
- 2010 Sold 5000 Groupons in one day to survive the great recession
- 2016 Appeared in the Movie “Sour Grapes” – Yes, Rudi was originally a student
- 2019 Surpassed 1 million dollars in Charity donations through our various events
- 2020 Pivoted to our own retail store called Merchantofwine.com & we still deliver!
- 2022 Appeared in the Movie “A Perfect Vintage”
Websites:
- ZoomIntoWine.com – virtual tastings and education
- MerchantofWine.com– procured wines and my wine of the month club
- LearnAboutWine.com– wine education and events
