Description: Wine Authorities presents an evening of wine from a vine’s bud break in the spring to squeezing into the bottle. We cover how a vine grows, how wine is made, how to read a label, how to buy wine, how to store wine, how to drink, er, taste wine and we’ll debunk many wine myths throughout this short two hour class. Includes tasting wines, video presentation, and handouts. All jokes are free. ($36 per person)

4th Annual “Lovin’ Bubbles: Sparkling Wines and Chocolate class”
Thursday, February 17th

Description: Bubbles are terribly misunderstood… until now. Don’t know your Cava from your Sekt, or Spumante from Frizzante? Why is Champagne so French? Cremant give you the creeps? This class will take you through world of bubbles around the world. We’ll dispel myths, defy logic and drink fizzy drinks. The evening will end up with dessert sparkling wines and Dolly Mama & Michel Cluizel chocolates from around the world. If you have been afraid of the bubbled ones, fear no more. We’ll show you the good stuff that doesn’t cost you a monk and leg. $48 per person

Please call the class hotline to reserve your seat, (919) 489-2884. Classes start promptly at 7:33 pm.

From the WA e-newsletter:

You will explore wine cocktails using artisan vermouth, amaro, chinato, aperitivo & digestivo and other  wines that have not been readily available in the US for nearly a century.

These wines have been a revelation as the best bartenders in the country revive and reinvent drinks with flavors previously unimaginable. Join Seth and Craig as Eric presents the products that he has rediscovered and imports while he shows you step by step how to use them. Two of these wines, the Cocchi Barolo Chinato and the Cardamaro Vino Amaro will make their American debut at this event!

The class fee includes a package of recipes and information about each of the wines.

From their e-newsletter:

Wine Authorities presents an evening of wine from a vine’s bud break in the spring to squeezing into the bottle. We cover how a vine grows, how wine is made, how to read a label, how to buy wine, how to store wine, how to drink, er, taste wine and we’ll debunk many wine myths throughout this short two hour class. Includes tasting wines, video presentation, and handouts. All jokes are free.

The Menu

Serrano ham-wrapped Asian pear with watermelon-cucumber coulis
Blanc Pescador

Biscuits with local honey, ripe cheese, and basil oil
Cresta Azul

Sage-roasted chicken with tomato vinaigrette and crispy squash
Cresta Rosa

From the Southern Season website:

Is there a better combination than wine and chocolate? Joyce Fowler, Food & Wine Guru, and Virgile Rousseau, Wine Manager will walk you through a tasting of these delectable pairings. Joyce will delve into cacao agriculture from the bean to the bar and discuss free trade and fair trade terminologies. Virgile expounds on wine issues and they will both discuss each pairing as you taste.

From the newsletter:

Ever wonder what the difference is between an 89 & 91 point score? A major part of the quality of a wine is the interplay of its different qualities.

We can all say whether or not we like a wine, but this class will be beyond like or dislike. We will be teaching how to judge the quality of wine as well as tasting wines. Much of how we choose wines at Great Grapes is essentially assign a value to a wine when tasting & compare this to the asking price… and understanding the components of the wine is the first step.

“[U]ntil you experience a cupcake with a perfectly paired wine, do not pass judgment,” owner Brandy Finn writes in her newsletter. “You might find your new little heaven.” Cost is $15 per person, and advance registration is requested by calling (919) 405-3838.

Menu: Shrimp Celestial; Grilled Chicken Quesadillas with Guacamole; Tuna-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes; Peach Cobbler