Wine 101

Wine 101 is not only one of the finest classes we offer, but it is also my personal favorite to teach. We delve into fundamentals, but beyond a simple rote review of grape varieties and wine regions, our primary goal is to make wine an accessible friend and companion for your enjoyment. In this comprehensive class, you will become familiar with what you personally like, and more importantly, understand why you like it. This knowledge will empower you to know what questions to ask, what to look for when reading wine labels, and how to confidently select wines that match your individual palate on a regular basis.

Throughout this learning experience, we help you identify and distinguish differences in body weight, discuss tannin structure and characteristics, break down the distinctions between sweet and dry wines, and develop a comprehensive understanding of why wines display such diverse and fascinating characteristics. While I will explain the scientific principles behind these concepts, the primary teaching tool throughout the class remains the wines themselves. We will taste 8 to 9 carefully selected wines, predominantly presented as comparative pairs, which allows you to evaluate and contrast different styles side by side. We will analyze them in detail, examine their characteristics closely, and, based on your personal taste preferences, help you identify which wines in stores or restaurants would best suit your palate.

As we engage in this exploration, we will visit numerous wine-producing regions across the world and discuss how grapes are cultivated and how wine is produced, perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the class. We believe that wine should be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone on a regular basis. We are here to help you achieve that goal.

As always, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from Murray's will be served, accompanied by breads and accompaniments. Thank you for joining us.