By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Conversation is flowing even before the wine at this Center for Continuous Learning program at Tallgrass Creek.

Travel is discussed at one table, introductions are made at another, and plans for living in the community are shared nearby.

“I visualize meeting all sorts of people who have traveled like we have,” says Judy Osterberger, from Kansas City, Mo., who is sitting at a table with other Priority List members. “We have suitcases ready and we will travel to anyplace in the world.”

This day the world came to Tallgrass Creek in the form of wines in different styles from Australia, California, Italy, and Chile.

Free and far-ranging
Center for Continuous Learning programs are offered free of charge to anyone who is interested. They are on a wide range of topics, including travel, weather, food, and music. Registration is done in advance for each hour-long  presentation.

“The Center for Continuous Learning offers entertaining and informative sessions,” says Mark Meisenheimer, who coordinates the programs at the Center for Continuous Learning at Tallgrass Creek. “In other words, attendees learn and have fun at the same time. Mostly, they get the chance to meet their neighbors. I’ve even been told that folks are connecting with people who will live right next door to them.

“Imagine that, getting to know your next-door neighbors months before you move in!” he says.

Four senses involved
Today’s program is all about wine. Todd Klaus, a local wine expert, leads the participants through the tasting of five wines of different styles from Australia, California, Italy, and Chile. To adequately taste wine requires using sight, smell, touch, and taste.

“Feel free to just experiment,” Klaus tells his audience.

Wine continues to gain popularity, and if present trends continue the United States will surpass France  in wine consumption in 2009, he says.