Tasting Classes in Chicago, IL

If you've been looking to learn more about wine, look no further! We’ll begin with learning how to taste wine in proper fashion and then delve into the individual varieties. We’ll discuss prominent characteristics, a little history, build your wine vocabulary and basic wine appreciation tips. My goal is to help you learn what you...

Tapeamos! Take a virtual hour-and-a-half trip to Spain in your own kitchen. We’ll make three classically tasty tapas: Patatas Bravas & Paprika Aïoli Garlic Shrimp Warm Spiced Olives Materials needed to participate fully Garlic Shrimp ½ lb. medium sized shrimp (I like 21/26 size, but any will do, just make sure they’re thawed) ...

This hour long class will feature a selection of 4 local beers from NYC, giving the best there is to offer in IPAs. While IPAs may have had their start across the ocean, regaining popularity on the West Coast, there is no doubt some of the best Hop centric styles are being brewed right in our backyard. While there is no lack of IPAs in the Northeast,...

Can you create perfect pairings or are you paralyzed by the rules? Learn pairing theories and exceptions and the progression of flavors in multi-course meals. Come play with your food and wine as we taste 36 combinations and discuss each student's impressions and preferences.  Challenging food ingredients will also be reviewed and how to overcome...

Get answers to all of the questions you have been afraid to ask and learn the basics of wine, from how it's made, decoding wine labels, how to taste & talk about wine, important grapes and styles, how to buy wine, storage, service and food pairing. The tasting of 6 wines will focus on the structure of wine, various styles and main grape varieties.  ...

This is a great way to learn whiskey and develop your taste. In this session, you will learn how whiskey is made, the many differences between whiskies, how to taste, and practice. The goal? You will learn how to better enjoy whiskey. This is very interactive, quite fun and you can ask any question. Being at home is probably the best spot to learn...

Fermented grain is the focus this session as we present the origins of beer, ingredients, production and styles. We discuss the international standards and the rise of the craft beer movement.  Taste the spectrum from pilsner to stout and lambic to Trappist then dive into multiple parallel fermentations with the production and styles of sake....

Do you know your white spirits from your brown? Learn the bases and origins of several spirits, types of stills and global standards for vodka, gin, tequila, rum, brandies of the world, whiskies of the world and more.  Discover the tools, terms and traits of a good bartender and their world of cocktails. Taste a sampling of brown spirits to...

Are you skilled in the sensory evaluation of wine? The practice of wine tasting requires a formalized methodology that includes understanding perceived wine flavors, aromas, and characteristics of wine. Sommeliers understand and can explain the structure, style, balance and quality of wine, as well identify winemaking flaws.  This workshop is...

Travel the world of Syrah...  Explore the power, elegance and versatility of Syrah/Shiraz and its potential to challenge Cab & Pinot as king of CA reds. Learn its origins, other homes and characteristics.  Discover how Syrah varies based on climate, soils and traditions in various international regions through a guided tasting of 5-6...

Sonoma County will never accept second place to Napa. We explore the amazing diversity of Napa’s neighbor toward the coast. This dynamic workshop will provide students with the background necessary to understand its distinction and reputation in the wine market. With a variety of climate and soil conditions and a recently expanded number of AVAs,...

Who says Riesling is sweet?  Riesling thrives in cool climates and ages for decades but many only know the sweet and simple styles. It is made in many places from still to sparkling, bone-dry to dessert sweet. Learn its origins, other homes and characteristics. Discover how it varies based on climate, soils and traditions in various international...

Learn more about the many types of aromatic white wines in this workshop and how to recognize them in a blind tasting.  We'll help you discover how to identify and profile the similarities and differences of aromatic dry to off-dry white wines using the most challenging flights. Global wine regions are also considered as you learn to decipher...

France is one of the world's major wine-producing nations. In fact, their national Appellation d'Origine Controlee system is the basis for most wine labeling laws around the world and many of their grapes are grown throughout the world.  In this course, you will learn the cool climates, grapes and wine styles of northern France. We'll explore...

Continue enhancing your French wine knowledge. Journey with us in the classroom as we leave last week's cool climate wines of the north for this week's warm climate wines of the south. Study and taste the French wines that are often imitated but never duplicated. In this course, you will learn the warm climates, grapes and wine styles of southern...