We are thrilled to welcome Samuel Tinon, one of Tokaj’s most important winemakers to Soif for a tasting of his exceptional wines.  Tokaj, with a documented history that dates back to 1561, is Hungary’s most prized wine region.   Tokaj made its debut on the world stage in the 1500s, when the first aszu wines were made from grapes affected by botrytis, the noble rot that shrivels and dehydrates the grapes allowing for exceptional sweet wines.  In 1737, it became one of the first classified wine regions in the world, was the wine drank by royals, and was even named “the king of wines, wine of kings” by Louis the 14th .  Sadly the region, along with the rest of Europe,  was devastated by phylloxera in the late 1800s.  The 1900s weren’t too bright either as the region struggled through world wars and communism until 1989 when the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a new era.   In 2002, Tokai was named a World Heritage site, honoring its rich past and exciting future.
Since 1989, Tokai has seen a resurgence of quality and for the first time, serious dry wines from all over the region.   
Tinon, a Frenchman born in Bordeaux, is the fifth generation vigneron in his family.  He made his first wine at just 10 years old, and moved  to Tokaj in 1991.  After a short stint at the Royal Tokaj company he moved on to make wine all over the globe – Australia, Chile, Texas, Italy and others, yet Tokaj had captured his attention,  and in 2000, he established his own estate in the town of Olaszliszka
From the first wave of foreign investments 25 years ago to his own private operation today, Samuel can speak to how the world's first classified wine region has the potential to re-position itself as one of the great classics again. Tokaj is no longer static or just exalting past greatness but actively moving forward.     Let’s taste it!
We will be pouring:

NV Patricius Pezsgö Brut Furmint, Hárslevelű, Yellow Muscat
2014 Tinon Furmint “Birtok”
2014 Tinon Hárslevelű Olaszliszka
2015 Tinon Furmint Szent Tamás (Single Vineyard)
2015 Tinon Furmint Megyer (Single Vineyard)
2007 Tinon Szamorodni Száraz (dry)
2007 Tinon Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos  (Sweet)

The Cost for this event is $15 per guest.  As always, wine club members are allowed one free seat. Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Please email alyssa@soifwine.com or call 831-423-2020 to reserve a seat.