Discover the Best Wine Tasting Classes in Seattle
Evidence of a wine-like substance was found in a 60-million-year-old fossil. Discussing the quality of wine dates to ancient Greece when philosophers noted the taste of wine in their writings. Today, wine tasting is a fun activity for wine enthusiasts. At a wine tasting class, you’ll consider the aroma, appearance, taste, and aftertaste of several different wines. These classes also serve as history lessons, as instructors typically discuss the history behind the wines being tasted.
Wine tastings can be done formally, through classes, or informally at home with a group of friends. Wine tasting classes will typically provide you with several bottles of wine (the price of which is covered by your enrollment fee) and wine-friendly snacks. You can, however, host a wine tasting yourself. You’ll want to purchase several bottles of wine, both white and red, and research what snacks go well with the wines you’ve decided on.
Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world and is only growing in popularity. Within the US, it’s estimated that the average wine drinker consumes 2.8 gallons of wine a year. The number of wine drinkers may continue to grow as affordable wines become more accessible through online delivery services and the US wine industry grows.
Why You Should Learn Wine Tasting in Seattle
Wine tasting classes are a great opportunity to meet others in the Seattle area who have an interest in the drink. Wine tasting classes are often advertised as social events. You’ll get to meet others with a range of experience and knowledge about wines if you attend a class by yourself. They also make fun events for a date night or anniversary celebration.
Like any hobby, getting into wine can be expensive, especially if you lean toward pricier vintages. Attending a wine tasting class can help ease you into the world of wines. You’ll be able to taste several different wines that are marked at different price points. This will allow you to see what flavor profiles you enjoy before you commit to purchasing a bottle of wine that you’ve never tried before. You can also use the knowledge you learn at a wine tasting class to order a drink the next time you’re out having dinner.
In-Person Wine Tasting Classes in Seattle
The state of Washington is the second largest producer of premium wine in the US, with 20 defined wine-grape growing regions across the state. Within Seattle, there are dozens of urban wineries that you can visit.
There are also in-person wine tasting classes hosted by wineries, restaurants, and schools in and around the Seattle area. You can check out wine tasting classes available to you on CourseHorse.
These classes are taught by wine experts or trained wine professionals, also known as sommeliers. Your instructor will guide you through the tasting, including information about the wines you are tasting, such as where it's produced and what wine grapes are used. Your instructor can also answer any questions you have and offer tips and tricks for tasting and serving wine.
Virtual Wine Tasting Classes
If there are no in-person wine tasting classes in your area or if you can’t commute to one, you have the option of taking a virtual wine tasting class. Virtual wine tasting classes are hosted over an online video conferencing platform, so you’re welcome to take a class from the comfort of your own home.
Most online wine tasting classes will direct participants to an online retailer to purchase wine tasting kits. These kits will include all wines being tasted during the class. Before signing up for a class, you can check the class page to see how many wines you will be tasting and, therefore, purchasing samples of.
Although virtual classes take place through a computer, you will still be able to interact with the instructor and other participants. Many classes encourage you to share your thoughts on the wines being tasted with your classmates and encourage general socialization.
The San Francisco Wine School offers virtual wine tasting classes that might be of interest to you. If you have no or little prior wine tasting experience, sign up for their introductory course. This class will guide you through tasting six different wines along with a discussion of their histories. You’ll also learn general information about wine, like how it’s made, how to buy it, and how to store it.
The San Francisco Wine School also offers classes that will introduce you to wines from specific countries or regions. They offer an introduction to French, Italian, and Californian wines in particular. For a wider range of wines, they offer the class, Intro to World Wines. This class will focus on five to seven different wines, with a focus on New World vs Old World.
Private Group Wine Tasting Classes in Seattle
Would you like to book a wine tasting class for a group? CourseHorse can deliver private group wine tasting classes that fit a variety of needs. These classes can serve as a fun activity to plan with friends, or as an unwinding event for members of your business or organization.
There is a three-bottle wine tasting workshop and a four-bottle wine-tasting workshop available on CourseHorse. Both classes will feature several wines from around the world. Your group will learn the basics of wine and wine tasting as you work your way through the highlighted wines.
You’re also welcome to book CourseHorse’s virtual wine and cheese workshop. Each group member will be sent a French Sauvignon Blanc and an Argentinian Malbec, as well as a French goat cheese and a sharp cheddar for tasting. Your instructor will discuss the pairing of wine and cheese as well as how to serve them together during the class.
CourseHorse has a contact form on their website which you can use to inquire about wine tasting classes. You can ask how many people their classes accommodate and what wines will be featured. Bottles of wine and other materials necessary for the class will be shipped to each participant by CourseHorse’s fulfillment team.
CourseHorse does not charge booking fees. They also allow free cancellations up to two weeks before your class is scheduled. If you need to reschedule your class and provide less than 48 hours’ notice, you will be charged a $150 rescheduling fee.
CourseHorde classes are hosted using an online video platform. It’s recommended that your group uses Zoom to take CourseHorse classes, but they can also accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx if you provide them with the meeting details.