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
- Introduction 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.
- Chardonnay 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!
- ABC, "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
- Bordeaux 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
- Other 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
- Sparkling 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)
Courses run the same day of the week and time as the start date for 6 consecutive weeks
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
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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
Time
London 7 – 9pm
Marlow 7.30 - 9.30pm
Courses in Marlow
Join us for an optional pre-tasting dinner between 6.30 and 7.30pm
Marlow Courses start at 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Maidenhead Courses
Course fee = £190. Pay a non refundable £50 deposit online and the balance is payable on the first evening.
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
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
Maidenhead - Belmont Area
all saints ave, SL66LY
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Hilton Paddington Hotel
146 Praed Street, W2 1EE
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