Wine
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The Essentials of Great Wine

Our 8-session ‘Great Wines’ program is designed to help wine enthusiasts broaden their wine knowledge with expert instruction and tastings. The course includes an in-depth look at all the major grape varietals and winemaking regions around the globe... plus the culture, history, and personalities that bring the world of wine to life!

Over 110 wines worth $4,000 will be shared in class – a complete wine experience for beginners and experts alike. After this class, you'll buy wine more confidently, serve it with greater enjoyment, and take much more satisfaction in your own wine tasting.

Register online for the complete 8-session course. On a limited basis, we make Part I (sessions 1 – 4) or Part II (sessions 5 – 8) available independently for $329. Call for availability.



Class 1: Naughty French versus California Clean
An introduction to the important themes of the series. Discussion focuses on the classic, but different perspectives on what makes a great wine. Should a wine be the pure expression of the region it comes from, or the expression of the winemaker's art? What are characteristics of New World versus Old World wines? A diverse set of wines from major regions and varieties will be selected to demonstrate the importance of region, variety, and winemaker choices.

Class 2: Aromatic White Wines
Men, are you confident enough in your virility to wear pastel? Then this class is for you! It's the cold climate conditions and high elevation locations that confer the delicacy of aroma to these wines. We will discuss the rise in popularity and the historical value of Riesling. The class will review food pairings to “West Coast” cuisine and taste Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Viognier and Icewine.

Class 3: Burgundy and Champagne
Our focus this evening is in France where regionality reigns supreme! Discussion centers on the historical development of the region and wine culture in both Burgundy and Champagne. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from this distinctive region are our featured varietals.

Class 4: Italy
Tonight we focus, on the history and attitude toward wine in Italy, one of the top growing regions in the world with thousands of years of experience. Italian cuisine and its relationship to the regional styles of Italian wine will be extensively explored. Features Italy's unique varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Soave, Dolcetto, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo.

Class 5: Chardonnay and Winemaking Technique
Chardonnay demonstrates the hand of the winemaker more than any other wine. We will use side-by-side examples to tease apart the taste affect of different winemaking decisions, and clearly illustrate the concept of winemaker style.

Class 6: Syrah: Australia and the Rhone Valley
The ascendancy of New World wines is most evident in the rise of Australia and the popularity of shiraz. We'll consider topics of faddishness as well as the role of creativity in New World wine attitudes. A geographic review of the Rhone Valley as well as Australia's wine growing regions will pair with a discussion of syrah and spicy foods.

Class 7: California
Did you know, if you pick up America by Long Island, everything that's loose rolls into California? But seriously, tonight we'll look at the history of wine development in the U.S. and California—and contrast it to Europe, Australia and South America. We'll look at how the wine regions of California differ from each other culturally, geologically, climatically and in wine style.

Class 8: Cabernet Sauvignon & Wine Collecting
A highlight of the series for many, we conclude with Napa and Bordeaux. We'll take a closer look at the influences of history and geography in Bordeaux. We'll review how Cabernet Sauvignon differs from the other Bordeaux varietals, and the significance of blended wines in general. Featured wines are Cabernet and Bordeaux varietal blends, including cellar aged selections, plus an appearance by white Bordeaux and Sauternes.

Schedule

Fall Semester - San Francisco , Fort Mason Center
Fall Semester - Menlo Park, Burgess Recreation Dept