Level 1 Introductory

Who is this course aimed at?

Our beginner’s course is aimed at the enthusiastic beginner and no previous wine knowledge is required.

Our Goal

This course will give you an excellent basic knowledge of the main grape varieties and benchmark styles from around the world.

We teach you how to taste wine professionally and give you the tools to fully understand the structure and nuances of any wines that you taste.The course will impart the knowledge necessary for you to break free from your wine rut and will introduce you to new and exciting styles.

Our tutors will pass on insider tips to help you navigate the pitfalls of buying wine in shops or restaurants giving you more confidence when entertaining clients or friends. After only six weeks, you'll be able to talk, taste and spit like a professional!

Course Content

These structured classes follow the systematic approach to wine tasting and cover all the main grape varieties, styles and regions of the Old and New World. Wines are tasted “blind” or unseen so that you learn to judge the quality of a wine on merit, without any preconceptions. You will taste and discuss six different wines each week. Grapes, regions, production methods, ageing potential, food matching, storage conditions, wine faults and other important issues will be covered.

Syllabus/Agenda

• Week 1Introduction to wine tasting How to taste wine – Using carefully selected wines, which demonstrate the key elements of all wines (fruit, sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol) , we teach you the fundamental theory behind the systematic approach.
• Week 2Chardonnay from around the World Love it or loathe it, we will show you benchmark styles from around the planet of the world’s most popular white grape. We will show you that there is life after Jacobs Creek!
• Week 3ABC, "Anything but Chardonnay" (other white grapes) White grapes belong to one of two different families: neutral and aromatic. We will show you whites with huge personality from around the world
• Week 4Bordeaux styles around the world (Cabernet/Merlot wines) Bordeaux used to be unchallenged as the finest region for red in the world. We teach you its history and also discuss its many imitators from around the globe
• Week 5Other red grapes (Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese etc...) While the Bordeaux blends are international, Spain and Italy grow varieties that grow nowhere else in the world. We will teach you the wonders of Tempranillo, Sangiovese plus Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel and more
• Week 6Sparkling Wine & Champagne Champagne is probably the most famous wine in the world, but does it really live up to the hype. We show you other wines made by the same ‘traditional method’, but also other exciting sparkling wines which aren’t trying to be Champagne at all. 6 wines are tasted per session

Time(s)

London 7 – 9pm (six consecutive weeks)

Marlow 7.30 - 9.30pm

Equipment

Tasting glasses will be provided for the course.

Dinner/Lunch

If you join our Level 1 course at the Peasant, you will have the option to stay and enjoy a sumptuous dinner afterwards... the perfect way to get to know your fellow students and make new friends! There will be an express menu to choose from. Please see sample menu below.

The Peasant
‘London Gastropub of the Year 2008/9’ The Great British Pub Awards
 
Express menu
1 course £9 per head
2 courses £13 per head

  Haddock with Welsh rarebit crust and bubble and squeak Risotto of smoked butternut squash, celeriac and char grilled courgettes Pure venison sausages with creamy mash, savoy cabbage and jus
******
British farmhouse cheeses with selection of biscuits and quince

Please note, staying for dinner is totally optional and does not have to be pre-arranged. You can book your dinner each night directly with the venue/tutor!

Other Information

Courses in Marlow
Join us for an optional pre-tasting dinner between 6.30 and 7.30pm

Course starts at 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers can be purchased over the phone or online, either for a specific course date or as an open voucher. These can be used towards any of our workshops.

Testimonials

Click here to read what previous students have said about this course.

Timetable

Date	Time	Location	Status	Price	Buy Online
Wednesday, April 21 2010	7-9pm	Hilton London Paddington Hotel	Space Available	£249.00	Enroll Buy as Gift Redeem Voucher
Tuesday, May 25 2010	7-9pm	London Wine Academy Office	Space Available	£249.00	Enroll Buy as Gift Redeem Voucher

How to Book

You can book online or alternatively please return our booking form via email or fax 0845 5551100, along with your payment. We accept Visa, Switch or MasterCard. We aim to acknowledge receipt of your booking via email, as soon as possible, but no later than within 3 working days.

Venues