The Champagne Challenge with Diego Meraviglia | Arts District: Sunday, September 27th at 3PM

Now: $179 | Sept 1: $199 | Day Of: $250

Twenty-one guests. Twenty-one exceptional Champagnes. One unforgettable tasting.

We will begin with Rosé Champagne, move into the Brut selections, continue through the Vintage cuvées, and finish with the extraordinary Tête de Cuvée wines.

The class also includes a gourmet cheese selection chosen to complement great Champagne, along with the ultimate high-low pairings: crispy potato chips and a Howlin’ Ray’s chicken tender.

Throughout the tasting, Diego will explore the story of Charles Heidsieck, the legendary “Champagne Charlie,” whose charisma, ambition, and adventurous spirit helped introduce Champagne to a new generation of drinkers around the world.

Come Champagne thirsty—and help us open all 21 bottles.

THE WINE LIST:

ROSÉ

Billecart-Salmon, Le Rosé, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $112.00 | 94 Points – James Suckling

Paul Bara, Rosé Brut Grand Cru, Champagne, France, NV
 $69.00 | 92 Points – Wine & Spirits

Charles Heidsieck, Rosé Réserve Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $106.00 | 93 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

BRUT

Charles Heidsieck, Brut Réserve, Champagne, France, NV
 $60.00 | 94 Points – James Suckling

Francis Boulard & Fille, “Le Murtet,” Brut Nature, Champagne, France, 2018
 $88.00 | 93 Points – CellarTracker

Guy Larmandier, Vertus Brut Zéro, Premier Cru, Champagne, France, NV
 $54.00 | No score listed

Aubry, Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $52.00 | 92 Points – James Suckling

Billecart-Salmon, Le Réserve, Extra-Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $77.00 | 95 Points – Decanter

Bérêche & Fils, Brut Réserve, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France, NV
 $78.00 | 95 Points – Decanter

Champagne Gremillet, Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $58.00 | 94 Points – Ian Blackburn

Champagne Paul Launois, “Monochrome,” Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $86.00 | 93 Points – The Wine Palate

Chartogne-Taillet, Cuvée “Sainte Anne,” Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $81.00 | 93 Points – James Suckling

Clotilde, Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne, France, NV
 $65.00 | 94 Points – The Wine Palate

Dehours & Fils, Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne, France, NV
 $59.00 | 92 Points – Wine Advocate

Costco Champagne
 Cheap and Cheerful

VINTAGE

Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs Vintage Brut, Champagne, France, 2014
 $166.00 | 96 Points – Ian Blackburn

Charles Heidsieck, Brut Millésimé, Champagne, France, 2018
 $145 | 92 Points

Stéphane Coquillette, “By Louis,” Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne, France, 2013
 $98.00 | No score listed

TÊTE DE CUVÉE

Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires, Champagne, France, 2014
 $340 | 98 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Krug, Grande Cuvée, Champagne, France, NV, 172ème Édition
 $340.00 | 98 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Dom Pérignon, Vintage Brut, Champagne, France, 2015
 $325.00 | 96 Points – Wine Spectator

About Diego Meraviglia

Diego Meraviglia was born and raised in Northern Piemonte, on the border with Switzerland and France, and has lived and travelled across a great portion of the world, including Dubai, Japan, Europe and North America.

Surrounded by wine since birth, his professional studies began in 2003 when he attended the 3-Level Certified Sommelier School in Milan, Italy, with the Italian Sommelier Association, obtaining the “Master Sommelier” qualification in early 2006 before relocating to Los Angeles, California, that same year. He is one of the writers of the Sommelier course book “Food&Wine,” utilized throughout the world, and has written a total of four published books and numerous press articles throughout his career.

In 2008, he began his training as a course teacher, public speaker and educator. Between 2008 and 2011, Diego Meraviglia became a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators in the United States, as well as receiving certification from the U.S.-based Court of Master Sommeliers.

In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious international prize “AIS – Villa Sandi,” given to only 15 sommeliers worldwide for “innovation in the profession of Sommelier.” In 2013, at the Worldwide Sommelier Association’s “Best Sommelier in the World” competition, which took place in London, England, Diego Meraviglia ranked fifth. The competition involved 21 countries and 26 semifinalists.

Based in Malibu, he is currently the President and one of the founders of the North American Sommelier Association and has worked in numerous restaurants and hotels throughout Italy, Dubai and Los Angeles, both as a Beverage Director and consultant. He has also been an international freelance educator, public speaker and events coordinator throughout Europe, the United States, Canada and China, and has been featured extensively in the beverage industry and general press.

He leads national business development, consulting and education for numerous brands, PR entities, consortiums and producers, including four-and-a-half years with Dom Pérignon Champagne. Since 2026, he has represented the iconic Charles Heidsieck Champagne full time throughout the Western United States.

ABOUT HOWLIN’ RAY’S

Howlin’ Ray’s brings authentic Nashville-inspired hot chicken to the West Coast with serious culinary precision and unmistakable Los Angeles energy. Founded by chef Johnny Ray Zone and Amanda Chapman, the concept began as a food truck in 2015 after Zone discovered Nashville hot chicken while cooking in Tennessee. Its first permanent restaurant opened in Los Angeles’ Chinatown in 2016.

Known for exceptionally crispy chicken, deeply layered seasoning and heat levels ranging from approachable to wildly intense, Howlin’ Ray’s has become one of Southern California’s most celebrated fried-chicken destinations. Its signature offerings include jumbo tenders, bone-in chicken, chicken and waffles, and the iconic Sando topped with slaw, pickles and comeback sauce.

*We reserve the right to change the wine line up without notice. The price of this event is not based on any one champagne or sparkling. We open 21 Champagne at sold out (21 guests).  

RECOMMENDED TIP - Only if earned -  This ticket does not include service tip.  Should the team deliver an exceptional experience - please tip accordingly. 

Location

Located in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles, next to Bavel, Girl and the Goat and Blue Bottle Coffee,  The Private Event Classroom is the home of LearnAboutWine.com. The 2000 square foot loft space at 530 Molino (number #214) provides an intimate and modern setting to accompany the next steps in your journey into wine. Here you will explore the nuances and bold flavors of wines from all over the world, in a relaxed and discerning environment led by Ian Blackburn. Come and explore a new experience toward gaining an unparalleled appreciation of wine.  Please note:  there are no tickets available at the door.  All tickets to the learnaboutwine.com classroom events must be purchased in advance on the website and your name must be on the guest list for admission.  Please bring your id, no one under 21 years of age is permitted in the space.  

530 Molino St #214, Los Angeles, CA 90013

View our new classroom here!

Our Policy

All tickets are non-refundable.  We can adjust your menu for dietary needs up to 72 hours prior without any additional cost.  Wines can change without notice, failure or corked wine at the dinner does not result in any type of credit or refund.  We open one bottle minimum per paying guest, and can reduce the total number of bottles being opened so that the dinner does not have to cancel should ticket sales not reach the minimum.  Fewer bottles  / larger pours - you will get the same quantity of wine and we always open the best wines for the quality of the event.  Cancellation due to illness is not allowed, you may however take food to go - or assign your seat to someone else without fee.  The perishable nature of our product requires no cancellation, no credit, no refunds for any reason.