Beyond Malbec: A South American Wine Masterclass (5/20)

What if everything you thought you knew about South American wine was just the tip of the iceberg?

Join us Wednesday, May 20th at 5pm for a South American Grape Varietals Masterclass with Brian Ravitsky, co-founder of Brazos Wine Imports—an evening dedicated to the lesser-known varietals, hidden sub-regions, and artisan growers who are quietly redefining what wine from this part of the world can be.

This is wine country off the beaten path. Forget the supermarket Malbec and big-brand Carménère. We're heading to old-vine vineyards in places like Itata and Maule, to growers working with grapes like Criolla Chica, País, and Pipeño—heritage varieties that have been growing in South America for centuries, often from gnarled, ungrafted vines that predate the modern wine industry. These are wines with stories, made by families who farm small parcels and let the land speak for itself.

About Brian and Brazos Wine: Brian Ravitsky has been in and around food and wine since he was 13 years old. After working in nearly every facet of the wine business—restaurants, retail, distribution, and supply—he founded Brazos Wine Imports with his friend and fellow food & beverage lifer Jon Chaplin, landing their first container of wine in 2009. What started as a focused project has grown into one of the most respected portfolios of South American wine in the country, now representing nearly 40 different producers across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.

What sets Brazos apart is their refusal to compromise. They work exclusively with small-production, single-vineyard, estate-grown wines from families who share a terroir-driven approach to vineyard management and winemaking. Every wine is shipped and stored in temperature-controlled conditions. Every producer is hand-selected. The result is a portfolio that feels more like a love letter to South America's hidden corners than a commercial enterprise.

Why this seminar matters: Brian rarely makes it out to San Francisco, and getting to taste through his portfolio with him is a chance to hear directly from someone who's spent over 15 years building relationships with growers most American drinkers will never encounter. You'll come away with a completely new map of South American wine—and likely a few new obsessions.

What we'll explore:

• The heritage grape varieties of Argentina and Chile—and why they matter now
• Old-vine Criolla Chica, País, and Pipeño: South America's overlooked treasures
• The sub-regions that are producing the most exciting wines today
• What "old world" winemaking looks like in a new world context
• Why small-production, terroir-driven wines from South America are gaining global attention
• Brian's journey from F&B lifer to one of the most respected importers in the category

Seating is limited to 16 guests. Tickets are $40 and include the full guided tasting.

This is essential education for anyone curious about where South American wine is heading—and where it's been all along. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a true voyage of discovery.