Popular Tasting Classes
Food Pairings
Food pairings can be a complicated subject. Many people ask which wine styles go with which foods. The answer is not as straight forward as it might seem. The classic food paring people talk about is a big Cabernet with a steak. But why does a cab go with a steak?
In this class, we will learn how the elements in food affect the wine that is being tasted with them. You will learn if a Cabernet is truly the best choice for a steak. You will also learn how to figure out which wine might go best with your meal based on what you’re eating. After going through this class, you will feel confident in being able to choose a wine to pair with meals, whether it’s at home at the dinner table or out entertaining clients.
This class works well for private tastings of up to 20 or for couples that enjoy fine food and wine on a regular basis.
Beyond the Liquor Store
Are you feeling a little bored with the selections at your local liquor store? Have you gotten to the point where you are ready to explore new wines beyond what’s available in your town? Many people feel this way, but choosing from the vast number of wine clubs on the internet can seem daunting.
This class helps you understand where to find great wine that will supplement the stuff you buy regularly. We will taste wines that are not available in your area but are easily accessible by shipment.
This class is extremely popular for those folks wanting to expand their general wine knowledge. It’s pretty cool to bring a wine that nobody has heard of to your next party, especially when everyone enjoys it.
A Journey through Napa and Sonoma
There are over 800 wineries in Napa and Sonoma County. That can be overwhelming for sure. Let’s take a journey through the counties and figure out what stands out.
In this class, we will taste wines from Sonoma and Napa. We will explore the best they have to offer and learn to understand which wineries in Napa and Sonoma you will love.
This class is popular for people planning a trip to wine country, or for those that want to know more about American wines. It works well for a group of couples planning to take a trip to the area. John has been there many times, and he can help you plan your visit!
Back to Basics
Many people love wine. Many of those same people wish they knew how to better describe and dissect the wine they love. Wine is complex. There are many elements to interpret, such as aromas, flavors, texture, body, acid, sugar, and alcohol.
Would you like to confidently say that you get a hint of candied pineapple when you nose a wine? Would you like to know whether a wine is high or low in acid? In this class, you will learn how to identify the elements of wine, and we will begin to learn how to detect flavors and aromas.
This class works best for small groups of no more than 10. Guests will be tasting a variety of liquids in addition to wine, which requires extra preparation and time during the tasting.
A Journey Through France
French wines are some of the most complicated in the world to understand. There are so many regions, sub-regions, and classifications of French wine, and they all mean something different depending on where that wine originates. It can be confusing and frustrating to decode.
The truth is that many French wines are delicious, but some may not choose to buy them, being unsure of what the labels mean.
This class is extremely popular, and it is designed to help everyone understand and enjoy French wine. Choosing this class will help you to understand French labels, regions, and styles. This experience is designed to help you become more confident in choosing French wines and gain an understanding of which regions are your favorite.
We can journey through all of France, or I can do a deep dive into Bordeaux or Burgundy. This class works great at a private wine tasting with up to 20 people or for a small group of couples.
Aging Wines
People often ask me if the vintage of a wine really makes a difference. The answer to that question is yes . . . Most of the time. There are some winemakers who strive to make their wine taste the same year after year. There are others who allow the growing environment - known as terroir - express itself in in the wine differently each year.
In this class, we will taste the same wine from different vintages, which is known as a vertical tasting. We will explore how to tell the age of a wine by looking at it., and how the wine changes and develops with age.
This class is unique, and it is truly one of my favorites. It is always fun to learn about the differences in wine, but exploring different vintages from the same winemaker is a whole different level of exciting!
Custom
Is what you want not listed here? Would you like to combine two or more classes? I am happy to customize an experience for you. Contact me today to begin a conversation. The possibilities are endless!
Become a Wine List Expert
Have you ever been handed the wine list at a restaurant and thought to yourself “I have no idea what to pick or how to pick it?” Then you point at one that matches your budget, right? I have done that in so many restaurants, I’ve lost count. Now that I know how to read a wine list, I can make an educated decision on what wine I would like to go with my dinner.
In this class, you will learn to decode wine lists and pick the right wine for you. We will look at several typical wine lists and taste different wines that come from those lists. I will help you understand what most restaurants are hoping to achieve with their wine lists, and you will learn the right questions to ask your server or sommelier.
This class is very popular with people who often entertain clients at dinner and with couples who enjoy dining out on a regular basis.
Typical Flavor Profiles
You can learn a great deal about what a wine is supposed to taste like by learning which grape or grapes it’s made from and where it is grown. For example, Chardonnay flavor profiles vary significantly based on where they are grown.
In this class you will learn about typical flavor profiles in wines from different growing regions. We will sample a wide variety of wines and discuss what they a typical example should taste like. Having a solid foundation in what a wine should taste like will help give you confidence when you order or purchase a wine.
This class is popular for groups of 10-20 or for couples wanting to gain a solid footing in which wines to purchase.