Wine Course




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Wine Course

What: We offer two wine courses each year. Both are taught by Sommelier Joel Mitchel.

The Full Course - This is a 9-week introductory wine course that goes into much more detail than the short course. The current class started is in progress, and the next class will not be offered until the fall of 2012. There is NO PREREQUISITE for the full course. Each session includes a lecture followed by a tasting and discussion. The course assumes no real wine knowledge, just a palate for dry wines and a thirst for knowledge (and wine!). We may start with the basics, but we cover a lot of material, so even if you have some wine knowledgeable, you won't be bored. After the first week (introductory topics - how grapes are grown and how wine is made, etc.), the course is organized geographically. If you would like some references, I can put you in touch with several people who survived the course.

   Week 1 - Introductory Topics
   Week 2 - American Wines (Part 1)
   Week 3 - American Wines (Part 2)
   Week 4 - French Wines - Bordeaux and Loire
   Week 5 - French Wines - Alsace, Burgundy, Rhône, etc.
   Week 6 - Italian Wines
   Week 7 - Wines of the World (Part 1) - Spain, Germany, Australia, Chile, etc.
   Week 8 - Wines of the World (Part 2) + Dessert Wines
   Week 9 - Sparkling Wines - Champagne and other bubblies

How Much: The cost for the full course is approximately $240. The tuition portion is about $115. In addition, please bring a check or cash ($125) to the first class to cover the cost of the wines we'll be tasting as well as some cheese and bread.

When: The full course will be on Monday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 PM beginning October 3rd, 2011. There will be no class on October 10th, but we will then meet every Monday through December 5th. Keep December 12th open in case we have a cancellation.

How to enroll: Enrollment is handled by the Ridgewood Community School (201-670-2777). Registration begins August 22nd. The class is limited to 25 people, so don't wait until the last minute to enroll.

Where: Classes will be held at Christ Church, 105 Cottage Place (corner of Franklin Ave, across from the Stop 'n Shop), Ridgewood, N.J. The closest entrance to the "Great Hall" is on Cottage Place directly across from the Stop 'n Shop.

What else:
1. Bring your own wine glass to each class!
2. Please arrive promptly. We will start at 7, not wait for people to arrive.
3. Some cheese and bread will be provided, but don't count on dinner.
4. Please DO NOT BRING YOUR CELLPHONE to the class. Leave it in your car, or at least remember to turn it off before the class starts.
5. Etiquette: Wine tasting is a sensory experience that requires concentration and a minimum of distraction. Auditory distraction (too much talking) and olfactory distraction (cologne and perfume) are potential problems. Please be considerate of others.
6. If you have further questions, e-mail Joel at beekman@conversent.net or call at 201-445-0712.

The Short Course - Offered in the spring, it provides lots of basic information, answers frequently-asked questions, and gives an introduction to the traditional wines of Europe as well as the modern wines of California and Australia. Each session includes a lecture followed by a tasting and discussion. The short course assumes no prior wine knowledge, but it does assume an open mind and an open palate. The next class will be in March, 2012.

   Week 1 - Introductory Topics + tasting of French vs. American Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernets
   Week 2 - Introductory Topics + tasting of French vs. American Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs
   Week 3 - Introductory Topics + tasting of European vs. American Pinot Gris and Rieslings as well as American, Australian, and French Syrahs

How Much: The cost for the mini will be approximately $130. The tuition portion is $65. In addition, please bring a check or cash ($70) to the first class to cover the cost of the wines we'll taste as well as some cheese and bread.

When: The short course will be held on successive Monday nights. Keep the 4th Monday open as a "rain" date.

How to enroll: Enrollment is handled by the Ridgewood Community School (201-670-2777). The class is limited to 25 people. Enrollment will begin in January, 2012.

What else:
1. Bring your own wine glass to each class!
2. Please arrive promptly.
3. I will bring some cheese and bread, but don't count on me for dinner.
4. Please DO NOT BRING YOUR CELLPHONE to the class. Leave it in your car, or at least remember to turn it off before the class starts.
5. Etiquette: Wine tasting is a sensory experience that requires concentration and a minimum of distraction. Auditory distraction (too much talking) and olfactory distraction (cologne and perfume) are potential problems. Please be considerate of others.
6. If you have further questions, e-mail Joel at beekman@conversent.net or call at 201-445-0712.

Tasting Group

E-Mail: beekman@conversent.net