Introduction to Wine Series
What better way to learn about wine … than to taste wines? Over the course of 3 sessions, we explore the factors that define the variations we find in the bottle: grape variety, where grapes grow (terroir), and the winemaker's hand.
If you want to better anticipate what you'll find in the bottle and better understand what you do -- and don't -- like in a glass of wine, this three-part series is for you!
Session 1: Big 7 Varieties — The Fundamentals of Tasting
We start with the foundation. You're likely familiar with "the big 7 varieties," but in this session, we dig deep into how they influence wine style as we lay the foundation for our course. In learning simple techniques practiced by wine professionals, you will begin distinguishing wines based on aroma, acidity, sweetness, body, and tannin.
Session 2: The Impact of Place -- Tasting Terroir
More tasting! Building from the previous session, we will expand on techniques you’ve learned to better understand how place shapes the wines we love. In this session, you'll taste the impact of latitude, slopes, aspect, soils, and "lake effect." Discover your "climate preference" for wine and find new styles to love based on factors other than grape variety.
Session 3: Putting the Pieces Together -- The Winemaker's Hand
In our final session, we add additional tasting skills to our arsenal as we discuss and taste the impact of the winemaker. Discover how decisions such as whole cluster fermentation, skin contact, blending, oak contact, and extended maceration impact the resulting wine.
Sessions:
Thursdays, January 9, 16, and 23, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
The Wine & Spirit Archive, 3319 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR.
What better way to learn about wine … than to taste wines? Over the course of 3 sessions, we explore the factors that define the variations we find in the bottle: grape variety, where grapes grow (terroir), and the winemaker's hand.
If you want to better anticipate what you'll find in the bottle and better understand what you do -- and don't -- like in a glass of wine, this three-part series is for you!
Session 1: Big 7 Varieties — The Fundamentals of Tasting
We start with the foundation. You're likely familiar with "the big 7 varieties," but in this session, we dig deep into how they influence wine style as we lay the foundation for our course. In learning simple techniques practiced by wine professionals, you will begin distinguishing wines based on aroma, acidity, sweetness, body, and tannin.
Session 2: The Impact of Place -- Tasting Terroir
More tasting! Building from the previous session, we will expand on techniques you’ve learned to better understand how place shapes the wines we love. In this session, you'll taste the impact of latitude, slopes, aspect, soils, and "lake effect." Discover your "climate preference" for wine and find new styles to love based on factors other than grape variety.
Session 3: Putting the Pieces Together -- The Winemaker's Hand
In our final session, we add additional tasting skills to our arsenal as we discuss and taste the impact of the winemaker. Discover how decisions such as whole cluster fermentation, skin contact, blending, oak contact, and extended maceration impact the resulting wine.
Sessions:
Thursdays, January 9, 16, and 23, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
The Wine & Spirit Archive, 3319 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR.
Who should take this class:
Though open to all levels, this is a great starter course for hobbyists and enthusiasts to really hone their own palate.
Refund policy:
In order to provide high-level wines for tasting in a small & interactive class, please note that we are unable to accommodate refund or transfer requests. We understand life gets busy and conflicts arise, so we happily accept transfers of enrollment. Please gift your registration to a friend or family member!
