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“A great wine education class. I was amazed by the instructor's wealth of knowledge, the great wines to taste and talk about, and the small, intimate class size. A fun way to learn a lot about wine.”

—Will, Ritchie Creek Vineyards

Nevada City Varietal Classes

6 Single Sessions, in the Sierra Foothills

~ $425 per person with season pass; $795 per couple.
~ 2nd Fridays of the month at 7:00 pm

Great opportunity to see the world’s finest wines, as well as excellent bargains for everyday. This Series features a different grape each night. The lecture, slide show, and handouts will explain what makes the variety different, and why it is highly prized. Wine comparisons will show effects on taste due to topography, weather, vintner decisions, and bottle age. You can’t really appreciate a great $20 wine discovery until you’ve at least tried the $100 world-class version! Come see these comparisons side-by-side with an expert explanation of what makes them different. Come to the Sierra Foothills to ski, shop, see the sights. Start your getaway properly with a great wine class on Friday night.

Varietal Series Tickets Prices (transferable; not refundable)
		SINGLE		COUPLE
Syrah		$75		$139
Pinot Noir		$85		$159
Aromatic Whites		$65		$119
Zinfandel		$70		$129
Chardonnay		$75		$139
Cabernet		$95		$179
Total individual sessions price		$465		$864
SEASON TICKET		$425		$795

Space is limited, so click below to enroll now for the season discount.
Save on all 6 events, or scroll down and purchase individual classes.

• See a sample wine list
• See suggested places to stay in Nevada City
• See recommended places to eat in Nevada City
• Wine Tasting in Nevada City
• See more things to do in Nevada County

Varietal description compared to Petite Sirah, and discussion of clones. History of Australian Shiraz. Regional comparison between northern Rhône Valley and districts in Australia (Barossa, Margaret River) and California (Santa Barbara, Sierra Foothills). Value at low-price end; characteristics at high-price end; aging potential. Styles and source of specific features, such as peppery nuances. Blending potential – particularly with Sangiovese, with Malbec, with Grenache, and with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Unique characteristics of the variety versus other red grapes. Variability of vineyard sites in Burgundy compared to Oregon and Sonoma or Santa Barbara. Applicability of French clones to CA. Quality levels in Burgundy. Historical traditions in Burgundy. Emerging regions such as New Zealand. Price-to-value ratio and the economics of high-end Pinot Noir. Winemaker style and the influence of micro-biological fauna. Food match-ups.

Survey of the genre and discussion about marketing in America. Historical economics of the Rhine tributaries. Role of Asian cuisine on Pacific coast. Comparison to varieties such as Grűner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Climate in Mosel Valley, Finger Lakes of New York, Rocky Mtns, Australia’s Great Southern district, and British Columbia. Ripeness levels in Germany. Aging ability. Botrytis vs. Icewine in dessert categories.

History in Europe and California. Description of berries and clusters. The economics of quality. Field blends with other varieties. Premier CA districts. Vine age; pruning techniques. Role of elevation in the Sierra Foothills. Styles: from White Zin to port. Cultural utility and matching to BBQ. Taste characteristics at different price levels.

History of Burgundy classics compared to recent expansion of acreage around the world. Extensive role of the winemaker: skin soak, yeast, malo-lactic fermentation, barrels. Ageability as a function of picking date. Comparison of price levels and quality characteristics. Terroir vs. winemaker-style. Variations on the Chardonnay theme, such as Pinot Blanc, Condrieu, and aged Semillon. Pairing with food and restaurant wine lists.

Unique aspects of Cabernet berries. Comparison to Cab Franc and Merlot. Role of blends, both in Bordeaux and today in Tuscany. Ageability and the auction market. Establishing a personal cellar. Taste signatures for districts in Bordeaux and in Napa Valley. Faddish styles in CA over forty years. Vintage variability. Pricing and the personality of the marketplace. Medoc First growths and the CA cult Cabs. A place for Meritage wines in the progression of a meal.

Schedule

Fall Semester - Northern Queen Inn, Nevada City
~ $425 per person with season pass; $795 per couple.

For couples price: place 2 enrollments in the shopping cart and enter
the coupon code VSSToct09NC in the checkout window.

• Session 1: Varietals ~ Syrah, Oct 9, 2009
• Session 2: Varietals ~ Pinot Noir, Nov 13, 2009
• Session 3: Varietals ~ Riesling & Aromatic Whites, Feb 12, 2010
• Session 4: Varietals ~ Zinfandel, Mar 12, 2010
• Session 5: Varietals ~ Chardonnay, April 9, 2010
• Session 6: Varietals ~ Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, May 14, 2010

Enroll Now »