Pear with hints of lemon grass and apricot. Blackberry with overtones of chocolate and spice. The descriptions alone can awaken your taste buds and generate endless ideas of what entrees or appetizers should be paired with a wine.
 We all have our favorites, whether it be a rich buttery chardonnay, a cabernet sauvignon with depth and long-lasting flavors, or a crisp sauvignon blanc on a hot summer afternoon. But how often do you break out of your pattern and try a new wine?
Jackson Hole is home to an incredible array of wine shops where experienced wine lovers and even those who want to learn about wine can explore and expand their horizons. And even better, there a number of free or affordable wine tastings each month where one can enjoy a variety of wines depending on your budget.
Dornan’s, located north of town in Moose, has a long history of being one of the premier wine shops in Jackson Hole. With a renown wine selection, one of the best this side of the Mississippi, Dornan’s has received accolades from the wine industry for decades. Last year we lost a giant in the man behind the wine, Bob Dornan, but he left us with many incredible memories, one-liners and of course, fabulous wine recommendations. Manager Dennis Johnson and Assistant Manager Jennifer Stumpner can answer any questions and are carrying on Bob’s legacy.
Dornan’s holds monthly “Wine On A Budget” tastings as well as wine dinners. The next tasting will be held February 12th from 3-6 PM and is $10 per person. The next wine dinner is February 18th at 6 pm with 5 courses and pairings. $85 per person. For more information on Dornan’s events, visit their website.
 Jackson Hole is also home to the highest winery in the world, Jackson Hole Winery. The winery grows its grapes in Sonoma and Napa but production, fermentation and bottling are all completed at the winery on the southwest edge of Jackson. You can sample their award-winning wines by appointment and small groups are welcome. 307. 201.1057
www.jacksonholewinery.com
Other wine tasting opportunities in the valley include:
The Westside Wine Store:
Weekly free tastings on Fridays, 4 – 6 pm.
4015 N Lake Creek Drive, Wilson
307.733.5038
www.westsidewinejh.com
The Liquor Store:
Weekly free tastings on Fridays, 4 - 7 pm.
115 Buffalo Way, Jackson
307.733.4466
www.theliquorstoreofjacksonhole.com
The Pearl Street Market
Wine Down Wednesdays are free and held the first Wednesday of the month, 4 - 6 pm.
307.733.1300
www.pearlstreetmarket.com
Diehl Gallery
Mix art and wine at Apres Ski & Tastings, Thursday-Saturday, 5-8 pm during the winter season.
307.733.0905
www.deihlgallery.com
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