Anyone from the Central / Northern NJ area interested in starting a local wine club and tasting group? I'd love to have a group of similarly-minded neophytes with whom I could learn more about wine.

I'm thinking that if we had a group fo folks interested, we could approach local winemakers and merchants to set up private tastings, maybe even a class or two hosted by local wine gurus (Wine Library guys, Gary from Gary's wine, etc.)

It's a possibility. Where are you located?

Morris Plains...

I've moved our West but traditionally Stage Left restaurant offers an 8 or 10 week wine class starting in January--did it a few years ago and it was a great deal of fun. Might consider that option.

I meant out west, and Stage Left is in New Brunswick!

Wow, that's EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Thanks!!!!!

Hi CaliCab...I am actually in Morristown. Unfortunately, I have 2 small kids and can't get enough much these days so I am not able to join any wine clubs/classes right now.

Have you ever been to Pierre's Restaurant in Morristown? It's my husband and I's favorite place in NJ. They have a nice wine selection and a great wine bar. They offer tastings and classes. Here's the website:

http://pierresbistro.com/

I would love to be part of a club in a few years when the kiddos are older and I have a little more experience with wine.

Yeah, I have a 4 month old at home and can totally sympathize.

I'll definitely look into those tastings at Pierre's...Thanks!

CaliCab: I suggest checking out the winelibrary forums. WL is based in Springfield NJ and there are many local tasting events as well as group gatehrings for forumites.

I actually just went there for the first time this week (if you can believe it)...Honestly, I was surprised that there wasn't a much wider selection, but maybe my expectations were just too high. Definitely best in the area, no doubt.

I'll definitely check out their forums, thanks for the heads up!

Other nice "local" stores are Gary's Marketplace in Madison and Wine Legend in Livingston, but WL is by far my favorite. I relly was suggesting you check out the forums because there are a lot of local (small) gatherings arranged through there. They are having a tasting this Saturday - why not stop by?

I'll definitely check it out, but I'm on Baby Duty saturday. Is it bad form to show up at a tasting with a 4 month old?

I'm actually forging a relationship with Mahesh over at Wine Legend, he is a very nice guy and open to helping out the educated customer. He might be inviting me to join him for some tastings in the area as well.