Bucket list wine dinners by Learnaboutwine.com
An excuse to visit Los Angeles for a special once in a lifetime dinner or two.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LearnAboutWine.com continues its evolution as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. Founded in 1995 as the first digital platform for wine education, the organization remains a pioneer in high-end wine entertainment. Sommelier Director Ian Blackburn is unveiling a curated series of dinners designed to fulfill the bucket list dreams of international collectors. Ian notes, "Our mission is to present the most coveted labels in the world with absolute polish and passion."
By hosting intimate gatherings of 8 to 14 guests, we focus on uncorking the finest historical vintages. While many collectors keep these bottles in cellars, we ensure they are enjoyed alongside other legendary "unicorns" at Los Angeles' most elite culinary venues. This format allows for a side-by-side comparison of legendary wines paired with multi-course seasonal menus. "The caliber of our guests is a primary draw," Ian adds, "complemented by our rigorous standards for wine selection and service. We pride ourselves on the trust collectors place in our handling of these treasures."
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2026: PÉTRUS VS. THE FIRST GROWTHS - A bordeaux dream dinner
Thursday, September 10 at 6:45 PM | 71Above — 633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor, Los Angeles
LearnAboutWine presents Pétrus Vs The First Growths at 71Above, Los Angeles. A night designed for serious Bordeaux enthusiasts and collectors.
We start with a set of celebrated white bordeaux, and move to an expansive flight of treasured reds, all tasted blind: Flight includes two Petrus (1983 and 1975) and expands into a comprehensive horizontal of 2000 vintage First Growths! Ian says "the ability to taste them side by side and blind is the experience!" "When wines are revealed, we love to hear the sound of applause and celebration!"
The PETRUS and Friends dinner takes place at 71Above, one of Los Angeles' most distinctive dining rooms, located nearly 1,000 feet above Downtown. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, and features amazing service, combined with sweeping 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
SEPTEMBER 24th - CALIFORNIA ULTRA LUXURY TABLE WINES (AKA THE CULT WINE DINNER) FEATURING HARLAN, SCREAMING EAGLE & SCARECROW
Thursday, September 24 at 6:45 PM | The Peninsula Beverly Hills - 9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard
For an ultra-luxury CULT wine dinner featuring three of California's most coveted producers—Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, and Scarecrow—our chosen venue is Belvedere Restaurant at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Hosted in the private dining space, this intimate evening is scheduled for 8 guests and will showcase 9 exceptional wines.
Founded in 1928, The Peninsula Hotels group is celebrated for its flagship properties in key global cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, and Beverly Hills. Executive Chef Luis Cuadra directs the hotel's renowned culinary program, including The Belvedere and The Roof Garden, bringing refined precision and high luxury standards to every aspect of the dining experience.
DRC & FRIENDS: THE GREAT BURGUNDY DINNER
Thursday, October 8th at 6:45 PM | 71Above — 633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor, Los Angeles
LearnAboutWine is thrilled to return to 71 Above, highlighting its outstanding cuisine and top-tier service for The Great Burgundy Dinner Featuring DRC & Friends. Limited to just 14 guests, this exclusive event showcases all 10 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti expressions (spanning 9 Grand Crus and 1 Premier Cru) drawn from exceptional vintage releases, with an estimated combined retail value of $70,000. While enjoying a single bottle of DRC is a memorable occasion in itself, sampling and evaluating all 10 side-by-side offers a truly remarkable and rare opportunity.
Perched on the 71st floor at 1,000 feet above the city skyline, 71Above provides a breathtaking setting. Culinary operations are directed by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, who crafts a modern American dining experience with menus that continuously evolve alongside the seasons.
SINE QUA NON AND FRIENDS DINNER
Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 PM | Providence - 5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038. Providence is one of two 3-Michelin Star restaurants in Los Angeles.
The label Sine Qua Non stands as arguably the pinnacle of collectible California wines.
Established by Manfred and Elaine Krankl, Sine Qua Non represents California's most distinctive winery. This special event celebrates their craft alongside legendary bottles from friends, including Jean-Louis Chave (featuring the 1990 Hermitage Rouge and 2011 Blanc) and sweet selections from Austrian icon Alois Kracher.
The culinary experience is crafted by Providence, a premier landmark in Los Angeles fine dining. Directed by Executive Chef and proprietor Michael Cimarusti—recipient of the 2019 James Beard Award for Best Chef: West—Providence holds three Michelin Stars, a Michelin Green Star, and widespread national acclaim.
Tailored for connoisseurs seeking intimacy and substance, this event is one of the most exclusive offerings in the LearnAboutWine lineup. Strictly capped at eight guests in a private dining space, the gathering follows a meticulously planned structure: eight distinct courses paired with at least eight fine wines, guaranteeing focused consideration for every single glass.
Restricted to a single table of eight, this unique, one-night affair offers a completely captivating setting where food and wine pairings unfold dynamically throughout the evening.
Vega Sicilia - Spain's Ambassador to the World of Fine Wine
Thursday, February 25th at 6:45PM | 71Above — 633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor, Los Angeles
Join Sommelier Director Ian Blackburn and LearnAboutWine for a prestigious evening highlighting the legendary vintages of Vega Sicilia. We are thrilled to welcome Dennis Fassett, Vega Sicilia's Worldwide Ambassador, as our guest of honor. This exclusive event offers a rare taste of Spain's premier estate, showcasing a thoughtfully selected portfolio from across their European and Spanish vineyards.
To complement these world-class Spanish wines, Executive Chef Javier Lopez has created an exquisite seasonal multi-course menu, tailored to elevate each pairing. Attendees will also enjoy the unique privilege of acquiring estate wines directly throughout the dinner. *Please note that the menu is crafted around seasonal availability for an optimal gastronomic experience.
ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN - Sommelier Director https://learnaboutwine.com/pages/about
A pioneer in wine education and event production since 1995, Ian Blackburn first entered the wine world in 1989 as a student at Cal Poly Pomona during a life-changing visit to Napa Valley. Mentored early on by industry legends Robert Mondavi and Joseph Phelps, Ian developed a lifelong passion for global viticulture. Today, he is widely recognized as one of the region's leading wine educators. To explore Ian's complete calendar of tastings, masterclasses, bucket-list dinners, and exclusive wine travel experiences, visit Learnaboutwine.com.
For reservations and additional information:
LearnAboutWine.com or call 310-451-7600 for questions and service.
SOURCE Learnaboutwine.com
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