skip to main content
Rated 'Excellent' on TripAdvisor

8-Week World of Wine Course 2023 - Spring

There are no upcoming dates for this event. Please view all events.

Starts at
7:00pm
Duration
2 Hours

Course Description

Our World of Wine course runs for 8 Friday evenings. No experience necessary and the emphasis is upon learning by tasting lots of different wines!

What will I get from this course?

  • You’ll taste 50 different wines from over 10 countries, and over 20 different grape varieties.
  • You’ll learn how to sniff, swirl and sip like a professional and how to describe a wine to family and friends.
  • You’ll understand the flavour and aromas associated with the world’s major grape varieties.
  • You will know the world’s major wine regions and the wine styles they produce.
  • How wine is made, the importance of soils and climate and the influence of the winemaker.
  • How to identify a faulty wine.
  • How to read and decipher wine labels.
  • The best ways to store and serve wine.
  • You’ll learn all about pairing food and wine, giving you lots of ideas to try at home.
  • How to choose better wine in shops and restaurants.
  • A whole new wine vocabulary, plus you will meet like-minded people who enjoy wine.
  • And most importantly…you’ll understand which wines you like and why.

What if I can’t make one of the evenings?

Not a problem. You can either send a substitute, pick up the session on the next course or request a credit voucher.

Course Programme and Dates

Sessions run on 8 Friday evenings. They start at 7pm and last for approximately 2 hours, ending at around 9pm

27th January - Introduction to European Wines

Learn the basics of wine tasting and European wine labelling before journeying across Europe to taste 6 lovely wines, 3 white and 3 red from 5 different countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany & Austria.

  • Italy: Pinot Grigio
  • Austria: Grüner Veltliner
  • Germany: Riesling
  • France (Bordeaux, Right Bank): Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon
  • France (Southern Rhône Valley): Grenache/Syrah
  • Spain (Ribera del Duero): Tempranillo

3rd February: The Tour de France

The most famous wine-producing country in the world produces a myriad of styles and most grape varieties you've heard of are grown here.  In this special evening we taste seven classic French wines, and decode the mysterious word "Terroir".

  • Alsace: Riesling or Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris
  • Burgundy: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • Loire Valley: Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Bordeaux, Left Bank: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
  • Northern Rhône Valley: Syrah

17th February: Magnificent Italy

A real treat as we visit the largest wine producing country in the world, to sample seven from its multitude of famous wines.  We also explore the principles of ensuring your food and wine match perfectly.

Our Italian wines will be seven selected from the list below with at least one from each named region.

  • Veneto: Corvina or Gargenega
  • Piedmont: Cortese and/or Barbera and/or Nebbiolo
  • Tuscany: Sangiovese
  • Puglia/Campania/Basilicata: Primitivo or Negroamaro and/or Fiano or Aglianico
  • Sicily: Nero d’Avola

24th February: Discover Spain & Portugal

From super refreshing white wines, to oaky aged wines from classic indigenous grape varieties there is so much to enjoy here, all accompanied by some Spanish-themed snacks. We also explore some of the science behind ageing wines in oak barrels.

Our Spanish and Portuguese wine tour will be like this:

  • Galicia: Albariño
  • Duero Valley: Verdejo
  • La Rioja: Tempranillo
  • Catalonia: Garnacha
  • Alicante: Monastrell
  • Portugal: Touriga Nacional

3rd March: Introduction to New World Wines

An exploratory journey across the world tasting 6 lovely wines, 4 white and 2 red from 5 different countries, including Australia, South Africa and the USA.

  • Australia: Chardonnay
  • Australia: Semillon
  • Chile or New Zealand: Gewurztraminer
  • USA: Viognier
  • South Africa: Merlot
  • Uruguay: Tannat

17th March: Explore Australia & New Zealand

More than anywhere else, New Zealand and Australia are the flagbearers for the "Brave New World" of wine.  If you've only ever drunk mass-produced supermarket wines you're in for a treat, with six great wines that are uniquely from "Down Under".

  • New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc
  • New Zealand: Pinot Gris
  • New Zealand: Pinot Noir
  • Australia: Riesling
  • Australia: Shiraz
  • Australia: Cabernet Sauvignon

24th March: Chile & Argentina - The Beautiful South

Two of the UK's most popular countries for supplying wine, Chile for its dazzling array of fruity favourites and Argentina for its powerful Malbecs.  Join us for this tasting and discover both countries have more to offer than you might think.

  • Chile: Chardonnay
  • Chile: Merlot
  • Chile: Carménère
  • Argentina: Torrontes
  • Argentina: Cabernet Franc
  • Argentina: Malbec

31st March: South Africa and USA - A Grape Encounter

Six lovely wines showcasing the very old "New World" winemaking of South Africa and what Californian wines can deliver away from those supermarket brands.  Iconic Pinotage and Zinfandel backed by a host of other varieties basking in the sun.

  • South Africa: Chenin Blanc
  • South Africa: Pinotage
  • South Africa: “Cape Blend” – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Pinotage
  • USA: Chardonnay
  • USA: Cabernet Sauvignon
  • USA: Zinfandel

Professional ISO tasting glasses, all course materials including tasting sheets & water are provided, along with some suitable regional snacks to help the wine along.

How to get there

St Chads Church Hall
1 St Chads Terrace
SY1 1JX

View venue

Gift Voucher

Our Gift Vouchers for fun Tastings and Courses make a perfect gift for any occasion.

  • Choose an event or £ value
  • Add your message (optional)
  • FREE Email Gift Vouchers
  • Or upgrade with a gold-embossed Gift Voucher delivered in stylish wallet
  • Valid for 24 months
  • Redeem easily at all our wine schools UK-wide – over 40 locations!
Gift Vouchers

We're part of the Local Wine School Network

The world's fastest-growing network of independent wine schools, teaching fun, accessible wine courses at all levels – ‘wine tasting for everyone’. We also offer professional courses and qualifications for those wishing to start or develop their wine careers.

Wine Schools Franchises
Local Schol Network Map
Top