Become a Great Wine Taster

Do you cower when presented with the wine list? Feel at a loss while walking the wine aisle? You are not alone! Many of us struggle to differentiate between the subtleties of the world’s oldest beverage. But wine is not destined to be difficult! Join Master Sommelier Richard Betts for a fun and informative guide to buying, tasting, and enjoying wine.

Become a Great Wine Taster is your guide to wine varietals, trends, and tastes. You’ll learn Richard’s “wine is a grocery, not a luxury” approach to wine while exploring the differences between regions and the history behind them. Richard will teach a simple method for looking at, smelling, and tasting each wine so you understand the nuances and the provenance of the drink in your glass. You’ll study the important factors and features of winemaking by exploring ideas through related varietals. Richard will discuss:

• Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc – the impact of climate and oak
• Riesling, Viognier, Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel – balance, sweetness, and alcohol content
• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio, Gruner Veltliner, and Chenin Blanc – important grapes, small subtleties
• Cabernet Sauvignon and it’s subjects – regional expression of the ubiquitous reds
• Pinot Noir – temperamental grapes and growing in France, California, Oregon and Australia
• Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo – wine production in Italy and Spain
• Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache and friends – blends and winemaker’s intent

You’ll also learn about the unique ways we modify wine, like making it sparkle, heating it, turning it into Port, and so much more! This class will help you get more comfortable with wine, remove much of it’s mystery, and show you how to integrate it into your everyday life.

Pair your appreciation for wine with knowledge in this accessible and educational class. Join Richard for Become a Great Wine Taster and never fumble over wine selection again.

• Intro to Becoming a Great Wine Taster
• Mapping Your Desires
• Tasting Wine: Context & Method
• Exploring Varietals: Whites with Oak
• Tasting: Comparing Whites with Oak
• Exploring Varietals: Whites without Oak
• Tasting: Comparing Whites without Oak
• How Wine is Grown & Made
• How Wine is Shipped & Sold
• Wine Q & A
• Caring for Wine
• How to Open a Bottle of Wine & Champagne
• How to Serve Wine Properly
• How to Pair Wine
• Exploring Varietals: Tasting Reds with Lighter Skin
• Tasting Method: Smelling The Light Skin Reds
• Tasting Method - Lighter Skin Reds Conclusion
• Exploring Varietals: Tasting Reds with Darker Skin
• Tasting Method - Darker Skin Reds Conclusion
• How to Shop for Wine
• Blind Tasting - Testing Your Skills