- Chardonnay + Citrus Scallop Canapés
- Riesling + Sweet & Spicy Brie Bites
- Rosé + Pesto Baguette Bites
- Pinot Noir + Dried Cherry & Bacon Bites
- Malbec + Berry Shortcake Bites
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, June 5, 2026
Little Shop of Olive Oils has 2 events Jun 5 & Jun 18
Monday, May 25, 2026
Franklin Wine Club: Exploring Bodegas Luzón - Thursday, May 28
Join the Franklin Wine Club for an exclusive sit-down educational tasting as we explore the rugged beauty and bold flavors of D.O. Jumilla, Spain. We are honored to host José Requena Abellan, Head of International Sales for the historic Bodegas Luzón, for an evening dedicated to the "soul" of Spanish winemaking.
The Story of Bodegas Luzón Founded in 1841, Bodegas Luzón is one of the most storied producers in the Jumilla region. The winery’s name carries a unique history: its founder, Don José Molina, was a military commander stationed on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Upon his return to Spain, he named the estate in honor of his journey. For over a century, the winery was famously passed down through the female side of the family, maintaining a legacy of tradition that continues to evolve today.
Today, Luzón manages 415 hectares of vineyards, including prized plots of 40-year-old, ungrafted, and non-irrigated vines. They are pioneers in environmental stewardship, being the first in their region to produce organic wines and one of only 40 wineries in Spain to hold the "Wineries for Climate Protection" certification.
Meet Our Guest: José Requena Abellan Born and raised in Jumilla, José’s connection to the land began in his grandfather’s Monastrell vineyards. After earning his WSET 3 certification and building a career in the wine trade, he joined Bodegas Luzón in 2026. Now leading their international team, José brings a lifetime of local heritage and professional expertise to our wine room.
The Tasting Experience We will focus on the region’s native superstar: Monastrell. These sun-drenched grapes produce wines of intense color, dark fruit aromas, and sophisticated spice notes. Our exploration will include:
- The unique characteristics of dry-farmed Monastrell.
- Traditional, minimal-intervention winemaking techniques using large wooden barrels.
- A look at how Bodegas Luzón blends tradition with modern sustainability.
Event Details:
- When: May 28th at 7:00 PM
- Where: Franklin Liquors Wine Room
- RSVP HERE: Exploring Bodegas Luzón, Thu, May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM | Meetup
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Passport to the World Tasting Series –Free Wine Tasting @ Little Shop of Oils - Friday, May 8
Monday, April 20, 2026
Franklin Fathers schedule Wine tasting evening, Thursday, April 23
Thursday, March 26, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, March 26, 2026 ???
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 26 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/577?fileID=8621
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Wine Labels Seminar - April 16
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Pour Richard's The First & The Last 1st Anniversary Grand Tasting Feb 7
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| Pour Richard's The First & The Last 1st Anniversary Grand Tasting Feb 7 |
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark (video & audio)
FM #1621 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1621 in the series.
We sat with Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi of the award winning Wonderful World of Wine show to explore wine tasting and podcasting. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.
The recording runs about 51 minutes
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The Wonderful World of Wine episodes can be found -> https:thewww.wine/
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Monday, December 8, 2025
The Franklin Wine Club Exploring J. Lohr Winery: A Holiday Tasting & Education Event
Monday, December 1, 2025
George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)
FM #1595 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1595 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with George Swartz on Thursday, November 20, 2025 in the Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions store.
We talk about
George’s road to this role
Wine tasting events, usually 6-8 tables, 6 wines each to sample before purchase (or not)
Floral arrangements, book club, and yoga are some events paired with wine testing
Pop up events bringing local crafts as well as cheese & prepared foods, charcuterie boards, etc.
The recording runs 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1595-pour-richards-events-with-a-twist-11-20-25/--------------
Web page -> https://pourrichardswine.com/
On Facebook at -> https://www.facebook.com/pourrichardswine
On Instagram at -> https://www.instagram.com/pourrichardswinema/
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| George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio) |
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Monday, November 24, 2025
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 303 - Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Food And Wine Pairing (audio)
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Sip, Taste & Create: Thanksgiving Grand Tasting + Floral Workshop Weekend
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