Vol. 3, No. 2, 2007 • Page 10

Bar Apprentice Trainees enjoyed a new component of the wine studies unit when they took bus trips to the Pahrump Valley Winery in late April. One bus per day left Local 165 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the weekend of the 27th. Trainees got a look at the vineyard and facility during an informative tour conducted by owner Bill Loekken. The Apprentices obtained hands-on enrichment to the previously covered classroom material. In addition, a delicious light lunch and guided wine-tasting on the patio capped off a great morning. Trainees had fun strolling the grounds or browsing in the gift shop for bottles of wine they had enjoyed during lunch. Several cases were purchased and brought home for “further research”. Everyone gained a new-found understanding and appreciation of wine. This trip will be repeated during future sessions as a permanent part of the curriculum.