Wine Tasting at Back Alley Wine Bar:
Exploring the Legacy of Curt Schalchlin’s Sans Liege and Groundwork

If you’re a wine lover in Prescott, mark your calendars for a truly exciting afternoon! This Monday at 2pm, July 28th, Back Alley Wine Bar will be host to a curated tasting experience featuring the expressive wines of acclaimed California winemaker Curt Schalchlin. Four select bottles from his Sans Liege and Groundwork labels will be poured, offering a rare chance to discover the depth, balance, and complexity that have made Schalchlin’s wines favorites among critics and enthusiasts alike.

Meet the Winemaker: Curt Schalchlin

Based on California’s Central Coast, Curt Schalchlin has made a name for himself as a pioneering force in the region’s modern wine renaissance. With a philosophy rooted in hands-off, vineyard-driven winemaking, Schalchlin focuses on Rhône varietals and blends that capture both the unique terroir of coastal California and the wild personality of each harvest. His approach melds minimal intervention with bold vision: letting fruit speak for itself, embracing natural fermentations, and seeking out vineyards that express dynamic, site-specific flavors.

Schalchlin’s two prominent projects, Sans Liege and Groundwork, are celebrated for their adventurous spirit and consistently high quality.

• Sans Liege translates to “without allegiance”—a nod to Schalchlin’s commitment to innovation over tradition.
• Groundwork is his exploration of single-varietal bottlings, crafted with precision to show purity of fruit and character.

The Wines You’ll Experience

Sans Liege “Côtes du Coast” 2023 (Santa Barbara, CA)

This aromatic white blend (typically Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc) entices with white flowers, citrus, stone fruits, and almond layered beautifully over a zesty backbone. Expect a rounded mouthfeel, vitality from bright acidity, a touch of honeyed richness, and subtle mineral tones that speak to the coastal vineyards of Santa Barbara. Previous vintages have charted 90-92 points with critics for their complexity and approachability.

Groundwork “Old Potrero Vineyard” Grenache 2021 (San Luis Obispo Coast, CA)

Crafted from the windswept Old Potrero Vineyard, this Grenache is vivid and vibrant. Look for aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, framed by a lively palette of pepper, dried herbs, and gentle earthiness. It’s a wine known for its energy, fine tannins, and a spicy, satisfying finish. While not widely reviewed vintage by vintage, Groundwork Grenaches routinely score 88-91 points, often praised for their pure fruit and drinkability.

Sans Liege “Offering” 2021 (Santa Barbara County, CA)

This signature Rhône-style blend (predominantly Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre) is a standout, offering luscious dark berry, plum, lavender, and baking spice notes, plus hints of wild herbs (garrigue) and subtle oak. Its plush, silky texture and long, fruit-driven finish make it a crowd favorite, regularly earning 92-94 point accolades for complexity and seamlessness.

Sans Liege “Long Way Home” Syrah 2021 (San Luis Obispo Coast, CA)

If you crave depth and savory intrigue, this Syrah delivers. Expect black plum, roasted meat, cracked pepper, and violet on the nose. On the palate, the wine expands with flavors of black olive, espresso, and smoked herbs, underpinned by fresh acidity and supple tannins—a testament to the Syrah grape’s powerful expression on the Central Coast. Critics rate this cuvée 91-94 points, highlighting its structure and age-worthiness.

About Sans Liege & Groundwork

• Sans Liege is Curt Schalchlin’s avenue for crafting blends that channel the essence of Rhône varietals through the lens of California’s coastal vineyards. His hands-off methods let the grapes and terroir shine, resulting in wines that balance opulence with finesse. Each bottle tells a story of place and vintage rather than a formula, reflecting Schalchlin’s philosophy that “no allegiance” leads to discovery.
• Groundwork is designed as an exploration—showcasing single varieties such as Grenache in pure, expressive form. With careful sourcing and minimalist winemaking, Groundwork bottles give drinkers an unvarnished snapshot of the vineyard and the vintage.

Both labels have helped define the “New California” wine movement: braver blending, thoughtful farming, and a willingness to break with tradition for the sake of flavor and authenticity.

Event Details

• Date and Time: Monday July 27th, 2025. 2pm until we run out
• Location: Back Alley Wine Bar, Prescott, Arizona
• Wines Poured: Four acclaimed selections by Curt Schalchlin

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about today’s leading Californian wines, this event is an excellent chance to sip, learn, and enjoy.

Come swirl, taste, and experience why Curt Schalchlin’s artistry in winemaking puts Sans Liege and Groundwork on the map for any serious wine lover. See you at Back Alley Wine Bar!