In this in-person tasting class, participants examine how gin has evolved—from its Dutch production techniques to its influence on Manhattan cocktails. The course explores changes in gin styles over time, includes a demonstration of the gin-making process, and provides instruction in preparing a range of cocktails. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, it offers a […]
Wine School of Philadelphia has introduced a new course titled “Saved From Extinction: 7 Grapes That Rose from the Dead.” The class covers seven grape varietals from France, Italy, and Spain that were once nearly lost but have since been revived by winemakers. Today, these grapes are grown in vineyards worldwide. Participants will learn about […]
In this class, we explore grappa, one of Italy’s most iconic spirits. Distilled from grape pomace, grappa can range from young and fresh to aged and complex. Italy also produces other noteworthy spirits, such as acquavite (a broad category of fruit brandies) and brandy italiano, often aged in oak for additional depth. Although Italy is […]
Welcome to our VERSUS series of wine-tasting classes. This week, Italy squares off against South America in a friendly contest of corkscrews, pump-overs, and brix. Participants will sample wines from both regions and explore winemaking methods rooted in long-standing traditions and newer practices.
Join our 90-minute wine class for a straightforward look at winemaking and tasting. Centered on the six most common questions about wine, we’ll cover wine types, tasting methods, how terroir influences flavor, storage tips, food pairings, and the aging process. Whether you’re new to wine or already have some experience, you’ll learn from knowledgeable experts […]
Welcome to our VERSUS series of wine-tasting classes! This week, we compare France—an Old World staple—with the rising stars of South America. We’ll explore wines from Colchagua and the Rhone Valley, Mendoza and Bordeaux, and Bio Bio and the Loire Valley. At the end of the evening, you’ll decide which region comes out on top.
If you're new to studying wine or to the Wine School of Philadelphia, this class is for you. You'll see our core approach in action: debunking industry rumors, clearing up common myths, and presenting information clearly. Developed by a U.C. Davis winemaker and refined through a decade of teaching, this class offers a unique perspective […]
This wine class covers four main principles to help participants find their personal wine preferences. It draws on ten years of research, including work by the Monell Chemical Senses Center, and uses structured tastings to show how to pick wines that match individual tastes. Instead of requiring deep knowledge of grapes, regions, or flavors, it […]
Canaan is among the world’s oldest wine regions, spanning the lands of modern Lebanon and Israel, where winemaking has existed for over 5,000 years. Its vineyards once supplied wine to Egypt and Mesopotamia, and biblical texts mention its established winemaking traditions. In this class, we will explore that heritage through wines from Lebanon and Israel, […]
Philadelphia is home to America’s top-ranked sommelier school, and this program offers the chance to learn directly from its founders. The Core Wine Course merges the Foundation (L2) and Intermediate (L3) programs into an eight-week training that provides a comprehensive wine education. It prepares students for sommelier work, winemaking, or advanced wine appreciation. Through lectures, […]
The first South African wines we tasted came shortly after the fall of apartheid. Even then, the potential was obvious—ancient soils, a Mediterranean climate, high elevations, and a wealth of old vines. A rare combination in any winegrowing region. But it wasn’t until around 2010 that that potential truly began to take root. Today, names […]
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Central Europe’s most compelling wine regions. In this class, we’ll dive deep into the wines of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany—three countries that share more than a linguistic root. Their vineyards are shaped by ancient rivers, steep hillsides, and centuries of cultural exchange. Swiss wines remain […]
