After a brief hiatus to Florida I am here once again to partake and share my opinions and information about our local libations. The latest tasting event I attended took place at Newk’s Express Cafe in The Avenue.

Sir Eric Bates from Lipman Brothers presented, along with Newk’s owner Philip O’Reilly.

I’ll say it again: attending one of Bates’ tastings equals good times and on this occasion, some delicious wines.

2009 Blufeld Riesling from Germany (the vineyard of the same namesake) whetted our palettes. It was surprisingly not too sweet, but possessed a nice Granny Smith Apple crispness. This is a beautiful summer wine with a medium finish.

La Vieille ferme Cotes Du Luberon from the Rhone Valley in France is an extremely aromatic white wine. It reeks of florals but is actually so dry I could barely taste it. One must keep in mind the wine before—the sweet Riesling. Phillip told us it is served with just about any kind of food and often used in cooking because of its neutrality. In contrast to my tablemates, this was my least favorite of the evening.

I was excited to try a Sauvignon blanc—PKNT from Chile… but I was disappointed. It was full of smokey body and lacked the gooseberry and tartness that I so look forward to. It was like a bad New Zealand imitation.Hello again, Murfreesboro!

“Viva La Chica!” was a lovely red blend of 55 percent Tempanillo and 45 percent Garnacha from Spain. Full-bodied and filled with raspberry goodness, I suggest this chilled.

We also tried a bit of the house sangria with fresh fruit, which was fantastic.

Newk’s is a full service restaurant offering a menu from 11am to 9pm with beer and wine. The thing I love is that Phillip changes up the wine menu according to the feedback of tastings like these. Newk’s also caters and if it’s not on the menu, they will make a go of creating your vision. Go to www.newks.com or call (615) 494-1979 for more information.

Bates’ next tasting will be at The Parthenon on Church St. on Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. for $15, which includes a light hors d’oeuvres and a stein glass to take home with you.

Come on out to eat, drink and be merry with us!