Mainly Mozart Expands Innovative Wine Pairing Series for 2025/2026 Season

The San Diego nonprofit Mainly Mozart has announced significant expansion of its Wine Pairing Series for the 2025/2026 season, adding both Saturday performances and a fourth concertmaster to the innovative program that combines classical music with curated wine tastings. This growth following the series' successful 2024 debut highlights how charitable arts organizations are developing creative approaches to make classical music more accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.

The expanded series will feature four of America's leading concertmasters across four weekends: Jun Iwasaki of the Kansas City Symphony performing November 15-16, 2025; Nurit Bar-Josef of the National Symphony appearing January 10-11, 2026; Nathan Cole of the Boston Symphony scheduled for February 21-22, 2026; and Frank Huang of the New York Philharmonic performing April 11-12, 2026. Each concertmaster will be joined by distinguished principal players from their respective orchestras, creating exceptional musical collaborations that showcase the depth of talent within American symphony orchestras.

Presented by Jean-Charles Boisett Wineries, the series represents a novel approach to classical music presentation that has resonated strongly with audiences. The unique format begins with an open hors d'oeuvres reception before audiences are seated for an intimate concert and tasting experience where each musical piece is paired with curated wines specifically chosen to mirror the style and emotion of the music. Wines are poured and selection commentary is provided before each musical work, creating a multi-sensory experience that enhances both the auditory and gustatory elements.

Nancy Laturno, Mainly Mozart Co-Founder and CEO, explained the concept's appeal, noting that the enthusiastic response from attendees encouraged the organization to expand the series with Saturday concerts and an additional concertmaster. The expansion demonstrates how nonprofits can successfully innovate within the classical music space while maintaining artistic integrity and creating memorable experiences for patrons.

All performances will be hosted at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, with Saturday events beginning at 5:00 PM for wine reception and 6:00 PM for the wine pairing event, while Sunday performances start at 4:00 PM for reception and 5:00 PM for the main event. Tickets are available at https://www.mainlymozart.org/wine-series, with limited seating available for this expanded series that brings together world-class musicians and curated wine selections. The program's success and subsequent expansion illustrate how charitable arts organizations can develop sustainable programming that appeals to both traditional classical music enthusiasts and new audiences seeking innovative cultural experiences.