Hello Slik Skool students! This platform has been through many-a-iteration. When I first opened up Slik Skool, I committed myself to be more integrated by hosting virtual events and participating in every conversation as part of the monthly value. I got a bit of news that I’m letting you know first: I’ve accepted a Registered Nurse job here in Chicago. A new full time job, working on the book, and social media posts are enough for me in my life right now, so my participation will not be part of the monthly package anymore. Since students are still active on this page, I’ve decided to simply make the Chatroom free. I’ll make the Classroom free for everyone in here currently and I will likely add a small one time fee to the On Wine Online course from here on out. After reviewing the course again, it’s a great tool for beginners that I still stand by. These pricing changes will take effect July 15th. The goal is that this page will grow organically into a space where people from Slik’s social pages can trickle in and talk about wine in an approachable and welcoming way. I’ll hop on and respond to questions from time to time and assess what the Slik Skool could use. Thank you for everyone who has been here for the whole ride :) Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thank you, Marie

Howdy Slik Skool! I had the pleasure of hanging out with @Tammy Matlock on Friday, and we blind-tasted a wine together. One of her friends says she doesn't like "bitter" wine. I've heard this a time or two, so I started to go into detective mode to figure out what she meant. "Bitter" tastes in wine can come from a few places: - Tannins (those mouth-drying things in reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo) - Over-extracted grapes (when winemakers go hard on squeezing skins/seeds) - Unripe grapes (underripe = green, bitter vibes) - Oak aging (some barrels add a touch of bitter spice) If I had to lump it more generally, I think if people don't like an Old World red wine or a thick-skinned grape like Cabernet. They don't like earthy big reds with big tannin. Your Turn! Hit the comments and tell us: 1. Have you ever had a wine that tasted bitter? What was it? 2. Did you hate it… or did it grow on you? 3. Bonus: If you love bitter flavors (espresso, IPA beer, kale—no judgment!), drop your faves below!

What's going on Skoolmates? Getting a little quiet in here! So, to get the conversation going again, thought I'd drop a pic of what I am enjoying right now (not this second, as it is only 2:30 pm!) This is a fun and affordable (<$20) Sicilian red called Quater Vitis. Many of you know I like Sicilian reds, sometimes referring to them as a secret weapon. This one certainly fits that description. It is a blend of 4 varietals, two of which are better known: Nero d'Avola and Frappato. The other two you need to geek out a little bit to really know them. This can be a great pizza or pasta wine. The producer, Firriato, is large enough to where you should be able to find this. They have 6 estates across Sicily, but are still family owned. So...check back in and tell me what you are drinking. Skool is in session!

Howdy Squad! Happy Monday and I hope you're gonna KICK. SOME. BUTT. 1. I got more than a few DMs with wine questions, and I encourage you to ask these questions to the group! I guarantee that someone else has the same question too. I assume that people are a bit shy or don't want to flood the feed with questions but this is a good problem to have! I answer just about every question on here so I promise I'll get to ya (that's what you're paying for!). Go ahead, post the question, go bananas 🍌 2. If you haven't heard, we offer prizes for the chattiest, friendliest person here, which comes to accumulating points (see how to get points in the attached photo). The Leaderboards tab will report the people accruing the most points within a certain period. Every month we offer a prize to the #1 spot, and June is gonna be SAUCY. I've been on a Texas wine kick (did you know they make great wine in Texas?) so I'm offering a BEAUTIFUL rosé from an incredible winery called Bending Branch out of the Texas High Plains ($35 MSRP). I wouldn't be offering it if I didn't love it, plus I might add someone else to sweeten the pot... but I haven't decided yet 😈 3. I have some guests this month for Q&A and even teaching a virtual class. More details to come at next week's update 👀 PS: Happy Pride, Squad :) 🌈

Ok, so I know I’m supposed to report on the wines out here in NY but I found out one of the wineries on Long Island has a shop pug and obviously it’s now my favorite winery.