ClassesWine
Classes

“I have taken both courses. The instructors tell it how it is, simply and eloquently without intimidation. This instills the confidence to explore wines on our own, as well as encouraging us to develop and express our own opinions and preferences. I really enjoy the personal stories about the different wineries and wine makers around the world. I was always entertained while learning at the same time.”

— Liz, Director of Trade & PR, Southcorp Wines

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Why Sign Up?

  1. World Class Instruction: Bruce Cass has spent 35 years teaching wine to novices and collectors alike. He can speak to the history, geography, viticulture and enology of wine and relates to his students at their level—whether it's explaining the fundamentals or the complex nuances of great wine.
  2. Great Wines: Taste some of the greatest wines in the world, and also some of the best values. Students in the Essentials of Fine Wine Course will taste over 110 wines—many acquired directly from the wineries' own cellars or at auction.
  3. Good Value: The “Essentials of Great Wine Course” serves over $4000 worth of wine in its eight weeks—you won't want to try this at home!
  4. Flexibility: We know how busy our students are. If you have to miss a class, just let us know. You'll have one year to make it up. No problem!
  5. All Ages and Backgrounds: The Bruce Cass Wine Lab attracts students of all ages and backgrounds. You will find aspiring wine collectors in their 20's and 30's discussing wine with novices in their 60's. A recent transplant from Spain will debate the merits of California cabernet with a 4th generation San Franciscan. Anything goes!
  6. Objectivity, not promotion: We have no financial connection to the wineries, and so are free to state personal preferences and—on occasion—to criticize. Our wines are purchased by experts whose only goal is to choose clear examples of particular taste characteristics. Wines are compared side-by-side so participants can easily note differences. This is a much better learning environment than tasting rooms or charity events where wines are tasted serially—and usually accompanied by a raft of questionable promotion.
  7. Improved Wine Savvy: You'll learn classic food and wine pairings that will enhance your wine drinking experiences. What are some safe bets on a restaurant wine list? Plus learn the best local retailers to match your wine preferences and shopping objectives—whether it's buying a couple of bottles to pair with cracked crab or building your wine cellar.
  8. Relaxed Environment: In his years of teaching, Bruce Cass has learned that the most important thing about wine is not to take it too seriously. The spirit of the class is fun, informational and entertaining. Not stuffy!
  9. Convenient Locations: Classes are conveniently located at Fort Mason Center and 425 Market Street making us a lot easier to get to than Napa or Sonoma.
  10. 9,000+ HAPPY GRADUATES! Become one of them now!