Frequently asked questions
for Jason Kallsen and Twin Cities Wine

How much do your services cost?
Every event and tasting is different. Please see the details page for a slightly more detailed breakdown of costs.

What is your wine background?
I started in the wine business in Minneapolis and Saint Paul initially by working for some of the best restaurants of the early to mid 1990's, including California Cafe', W.A. Frost, Tulips, and the opening year of The Vintage (along side good friends Chuck Kanski, founder and owner of Solo Vino and Brian Mallie, now of Kowalski's Wine Shop in Eagan, MN). From there I was a Wine Consultant for Surdyk's Liquor in Minneapolis for three years and half wonderful years, where I led the start of their successful and continuing wine education classes. For the past five years I have been in the wholesale / distribution / import side of the business with the best fine wine distributor in Minnesota, World Class Wines. Since 2004 I've been the wine instructor for the University of Minnesota's Compleat Scholar program. In addition I lead wine education programs for the service staff of many top notch local restaurants.

I travel extensively around the world, always seeking to gain wine knowledge ... and never believing I've got it aced (that can get you into so much trouble!).

Do you review wines?
I used to, but no more. I have personal opinions, and I know I'm a good taster, but I stay out of trying to impose my views on the world. I follow all the major reviewers very carefully, and can tell you that my tastes match with certain writers for certain wine regions and styles, but not all. Also (and if you've been in my classes you've heard my 'soapbox speech'), the whole idea of putting a numerical score on something as elegant, detailed, beautiful, subjective and alive as wine is just crazy. You don't read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and say "Very entertaining. Balanced. 89 points." Wine is the same thing. Personally, I have importer Terry Theise to thank for shaping my opinions on this subject. Thanks, Terry!

If I hire you to do an in-home wine tasting for me and my friends, what do you provide?
I'll bring the wine (that I've arranged for your purchase through a local retailer), the stemware, handouts and maps, buckets, clipboards, pens, and tons of information and enjoyment. Basically, everything but the food. I am not a caterer, and therefore I stay out of the food business. (Though I can suggest and arrange great cheese platters at key local shops, or team up with any of the chefs I know for an unforgettable evening at your home or office!)

How do your services differ from the many wine classes and tasting services being offered around town?
There are a proliferation of wine classes around town, and most are outstanding ways to taste great wine and educate yourself. The main difference would be the experience I bring, and with experience comes knowledge. It takes years to develop the ability to 'work the crowd' while still conveying information in a fun and unintimidating way. From feedback I get from my students, I know I achieve the goal of education first. I take great pride in my ability to teach a complicated subject like wine. Secondly, I bring a worldly perspective to wine education, to which the main goal is for you to find your own perspective, rather than me forcing my ideas upon you. It is through this idea that my classes at the University of Minnesot have been so successful.

Can you suggest some great wines for my wedding/party/gathering?
I prefer to stay out of the basic 'please suggest something' questions. Not because I'm lacking in good ideas, but more importantly a good local retailer will have a much better handle on what's in stock, what's tasting good for your type of party, and can relay information on delivery charges, etc. If I suggest a wine as 'perfect for you wedding' and you can't find it anywhere in town, it's bad for all involved.

We're thinking about hiring you but have not figured out how many people will be there or what we want to learn. What should we do?
The most important thing is to first establish a date. Contact me to find out availability. I have no problem 'penciling in' your name with no obligation. You can then approach your friends and family to settle details.