Wine Confidence 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Tasting Wine

Description

Build your wine confidence in just four weeks. Whether you are new to wine or already a
connoisseur, this approachable course will give you the knowledge, tasting skills, and
vocabulary to enjoy wine more fully—and choose it more confidently. Throughout this 4-week course, you will explore the world’s primary grape varieties and discover the many styles of white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines. We will break down the basics of viticulture and winemaking so you can understand how grapes, regions,
and production choices shape the flavors, aromas, body, and texture in every glass. You
will also learn what makes the major wine-producing countries distinctive and how to
recognize key differences among grape varieties and wine styles.

Each session includes guided tasting practice, from visual assessment through aroma,
flavor, structure, and finish, helping you evaluate wine and learn why you like or dislike
different wines. Durin the 4 weeks, we will taste 20–25 wines from around the world,
making this class both educational and delicious. By the end, you will feel more
comfortable ordering, buying, discussing, and enjoying wine in any setting.

Facilitator

Jeff Rayner is a recently retired business professional. He has a BS in Management from Binghamton University, an MBA from NYU, and accreditation from Wine Spirits Education Trust (Levels 2 & 3). He is currently enrolled in The Wine Scholar Guild Bordeaux Masters and French Scholar programs. Jeff has traveled to wine regions in France, Italy, California, Washington and New York meeting many vineyard owners and winemakers during the trips. He recently taught an introductory wine class at Rutgers University and has given lectures on wine for charity.

Important Information

Students will be required to purchase one instructor-selected bottle of wine (approx. $20) for tastings per class (any wine that hasn't been tasted can be taken home).

THIS EVENT IS 21+ Students will be required to show a government ID to the instructor
upon arriving at the first session.