You’ve certainly heard of Chardonnay and Merlot, but what about Gewurztraminer and Nebbiolo? Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just want to impress your next date, “Get to Know it — WINE” at Hermes Vineyards and Winery, 6413 Hayes Ave., Perkins Township. is a great way to broaden your wine horizons. Get to Know it — WINE debuted in the winter of 2007, according to Millicent K. Estep, premise manager and liaison for Hermes Vineyards & Winery. “Hermes Winery wine tenders were receiving such an eager interest in the tasting room from our customers,” Estep said, “of what Hermes Vineyards was planting in the vineyard and pouring across the tasting room bar ... that Chaz suggested ‘Why not help our consumers to learn and appreciate our industry — especially here at Hermes Vineyards?’” After collaborating, Estep and Chaz (Chuck Stibil), aka “The Wine Guy”, initiated “Get to Know it —WINE”, now presented the last Friday of each month from October through April. “Chaz, a student of the American Wine School, Division of International Wine and Spirit Trust, is using his newly acquired training to present Hermes Vineyards’ Get to Know it — WINE,” Estep said. “He has been a great asset to our establishment and our attendees share in his enthusiasm.” Estep is also eager to share what she’s learned along the way. “Personally, when I started working for the owner of Hermes Vineyards, I can remember not even knowing how to open a bottle of wine — let alone the first thing about grape varietals,” she said. “The first class that was presented at our winery was called ‘How do you open a bottle of wine?’ “I was also given the advice of a wine consultant ... to stop reading and throw out the books. She told me that, with time, I will acquire the knowledge to pass along to my customers genuinely. She was right.” Now, Estep is thrilled that she got to know wine. “It is a great industry to be a part of ... growing grapes, hand harvesting, crushing, pressing, fermenting, racking, stabilization, filtering, bottling and selling ... an exciting experience to share with our attendees,” she said. “Get to Know it — WINE is coming from two wine enthusiasts who don’t pretend to know everything. We are proudly presenting what we have learned since being in the industry. She added that each presentation is different. “We ask our attendees what topics they would like to discuss — grape varietals, reading labels, ice wines, ports, food pairings, wine-making,” Estep said. Hermes Vineyards and Winery, owned by Dr. David Kraus, started planting in 2002. The vineyard currently plants about 30 acres with 25 European grape varieties. “We offer wine by the glass ($5), special made up cheeses, and wine tastings moderately priced to our attendees,” Estep said. The next Get to Know it — WINE event is Friday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. The session will last about an hour. But you’ll want to stick around Hermes after that. Acoustic guitarist Keith Stewart will be performing after this Friday’s Get to Know it — WINE. For information call 419-626-8500 or visit sandhillvineyard.com.