Regional Classes

Learn about the history of wine in California, and the pivotal events that catapulted California wines into world-class status.  Discover the key wine growing regions and what makes each one unique.  There will be a guided wine tasting of 5 different California wines that highlights different regions and styles.  California is truly a unique experience.

There are over 10,000 different wine grape varieties in the world, and Italy grows over half of them!  Learn all about Italy's long and prestigious wine history, primary wine regions, and their classification system.  There will be a guided tasting of 5 different Italian wines that highlight the important regions of the country. Come and enjoy this wine tour of Italy!

Learn how Germany started out as a mead-drinking country to the King of Riesling in an overview of this country’s long and war-torn history. We look at some of the important wine regions and wine grapes in this country.  You will get an explanation of the somewhat confusing German Wine Classification System, learn some key German wine terms, and uncover the mystery of the German Wine label. Included is a guided tasting of 5 different German wines that will demonstrate the country’s special classification system. You will be able to navigate the German Wine section like a pro after this course!

The first wine grapes planted in New Zealand were eaten by the farmer’s goats! Learn more about New Zealand’s interesting wine history, along with other fun facts about that beautiful country in this course. New Zealand has encouraged its winemakers to bottle wines with screwcaps instead of corks, but is that really better for the environment? Explore how cork is made, and if it is superior to screwcaps. There is a brief overview of some of the major wine regions, along with an in-depth tasting of 5 different New Zealand wines. Come and see why New Zealand is a Southern Star!

Learn how this region started out as monks making sacramental wine to one of the largest wine producers in the world! This course primarily focuses on the 4 main wine producing countries in South America. There will be a brief overview of each of those four countries, along with their history, key regions and wine grapes. You will taste 5 different wines that represent the best of South America. Discover the Hidden Gems of that continent! 

Despite the region being conquered and re-conquered throughout the centuries, Spain remained a wine-making powerhouse.  Discover how this hot and dry peninsula became the second-largest wine producing country in the world.  Learn about Spain's two types of wine classification systems, its key wine-growing regions, and the native grapes that make Spanish wine so special.  You will get to taste 5 different wines that highlight that country's uniqueness.  Find out more about this Iberian Peninsula wine powerhouse!    

Starting from vine clippings brought by the first free settlers, to the 6th largest wine producer in the world, Australia has wine regions as diverse as the country's landscape.  Look beyond the kangaroo labels, and discover the complexity and uniqueness of these wonderful wines from Down Under!  In this class, you will learn some Australian wine history, get a brief overview of the key wine regions, understand the difference between Syrah and Shiraz, and hear about the brilliant marketing strategy of Yellow Tail that put Australia on the USA wine map.  You will have an opportunity to taste 5 different wines that highlight some of their best regions.  Come take a wine tour Down Under!

Learn about All But California (ABC) of the top three most influential states in the United States wine industry. Take a quiz and test your knowledge about US wine history, and learn what historic events caused the demise and the rise of U.S. wine production. You will learn about the top three wine-producing states outside of California and briefly explore their wine regions and history. Additionally, you will also learn about Colorado’s up-and-coming wine region; you may be inspired to take a weekend wine tour around Palisade! Included is a guided tasting of five US wines related to this course.  For the California wine fans, there is a dedicated California wine class just for you! Come and explore some different US wines and break away from the California wine habit. 

Quality Wines:  $250 minimum for up to 8 guests.  $25 per person over 8. 

Premium Wines: $450 minimum for up to 8 guests.  $50 per person over 8.