Exotic Wines: The Wine Tasting Class
2024-11-07 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Wine School Of Philadelphia, 127 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
**The Quest for Rare and Remarkable Wines**
The pursuit of the exotic is as old as the hills, but when it comes to wine, the quest takes on a particular charm. As we uncork these bottles, a simple question lingers: Are these wines deliciously exotic, or exotically delicious? By the end of this class, you might find yourself pondering why the world at large has overlooked these hidden gems, and you’ll be grateful that we have not.
In this gathering, obscurity and rarity are the themes of the day. We’ve traversed continents—both in spirit and in person—to unearth wines that are as uncommon as they are intriguing. Here, you’ll be introduced to wines from the most unexpected corners of the globe, wines whose names you may not recognize but whose flavors will leave a lasting impression. Yet, their exotic origins are only part of the story. These wines must stand on their own merit—they must be undeniably good.
If you are one to relish in discovering something new, something extraordinary, this class is your calling. But if you find contentment in the familiar embrace of a buttery Chardonnay, you might find yourself a bit out of place. Some of these wines hail from far-flung regions, others from grapes that defy the norm, and some marry both in a way that is nothing short of magical. No matter how seasoned you are in the world of wine, this experience is bound to expand your understanding of just how vast and varied that world truly is.
This class also offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a cellar master and sommelier. You’ll be privy to wines and regions long before they become the next big thing. Take, for example, the very first “Exotica” class at the Wine School back in 2002. Among the wines featured was a then little-known Malbec from Argentina, a wine that has since found its place on the world stage. How the times have changed, and how fortunate we are to have been ahead of the curve.

Discover Your Wine Style: The Wine Tasting Class
2024-10-31 19:30 - 21:00
This class is meant to gently remove the shroud from the familiar yet daunting question: will I like that wine? Through a series of enjoyable and lively tastings, you’ll discover the kinds of wines that naturally speak to your palate.
After this class, you’ll no longer find yourself tethered to the same predictable brands and varieties. You’ll be equipped to make more adventurous, informed choices when selecting your next bottle. You’ll come to understand your very own wine style, a revelation that will forever change the way you shop for wine.
When faced with the vast array of bottles in a wine shop, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. You might wonder, will this wine please me? Or, as has happened to so many before, will it leave me regretting my purchase? You’re not alone in these musings. For centuries, wine enthusiasts have wrestled with the same uncertainty. Our unique tastes mean that no wine is universally loved, and therein lies the beauty of the quest.
To truly savor wine, you don’t need to master every grape or memorize every region. There’s no need to aspire to the knowledge of a sommelier. What you need, quite simply, is to know your own wine style.
This class will reveal the four essential keys to understanding your personal wine preferences. Drawing on a decade of research, including insights from the Monell Chemical Senses Center here in Philadelphia, we’ve distilled their findings into a delightful two-hour experience. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned sipper, you’ll find this class both enlightening and enjoyable.

Artisanal Wine & Cheese Pairing: The Tasting Class
2024-10-26 17:00 - 18:30
The union of wine and cheese is a time-honored tradition, as old as the earth itself—and far more delightful. Mastering the art of pairing these two is a simple yet imaginative skill that everyone should possess. It’s a craft that, while less daunting than cooking, offers just as much room for creativity. In this class, we’ll explore pairings that span from the tried-and-true to the intriguingly unconventional. Together, we will uncover the distinct qualities that make each combination special and savor some of the most surprising and exhilarating tastes you can encounter.

Spain Vs. France: The Wine Tasting Class
2024-10-24 19:30 - 21:00
We find ourselves on the brink of a grand and flavorful contest, where two illustrious wine countries stand opposed, each eager to showcase its finest offerings. In this wine-tasting class, Spain and France will meet on the battlefield of the palate, with Bordeaux squaring off against Rioja, and Chateauneuf du Pape facing the bold Priorat, among other spirited matchups.
Here, amidst the clink of glasses and the swirl of aromas, you will step into the role of the peacekeeper. The outcome of this vinous duel rests in your hands, as you weigh the merits of each sip and decide which side shall emerge victorious.

Bourbon! The Whiskey Tasting Class
2024-10-18 19:30 - 21:00
Bourbon, that amber-hued elixir, has long been a beloved companion to those who appreciate the finer things in life. In this class, we invite you to journey through the world of bourbon, discovering the secrets behind its creation, the qualities that define greatness, and the brands that stand out in a crowded field. Once dismissed as mere “brown liquor,” bourbon has since earned a reverent title—the angel’s share.
What do all exceptional spirits share? Time. These liquids rest for years, sometimes decades, in charred white oak barrels, gathering complexity and character.
This class is a celebration of barrel-aged spirits, tailored for those with a discerning palate and a thirst for the extraordinary. Whether it’s a Tennessee Bourbon or a locally crafted version from Philadelphia, you’ll explore—and taste—a carefully curated selection of some of the finest examples. Alongside this exploration, we’ll also delve into the art of crafting cocktails, guiding you through the process of transforming white spirits into your very own signature whiskey.

Classic American Wine: The Wine Tasting Class
2024-10-17 19:30 - 21:00
Step into the world of American wines, where each bottle tells a story as old as the land itself. This class invites you to discover the vineyards that stretch across the vast and varied landscapes of the United States. From California’s sunlit valleys to Oregon’s gentle hills and New York’s charming countryside, you’ll find that every region offers its own tale, steeped in history and rich with the character of its soil.
As you taste your way through these iconic wines, you’ll come to know the hands and hearts that crafted them. The winemakers, with their dedication and ingenuity, have shaped these regions into some of the most respected in the world. Whether you’re well-versed in the language of wine or just beginning to learn, this class provides a thoughtful journey through the essence of American viticulture. Here, in each glass, tradition meets innovation, and the result is nothing short of a celebration of America’s wine heritage.

Up & Coming Wine Regions: The Wine Tasting Class
2024-10-05 19:30 - 21:00
Join us for a 90-minute exploration into the lesser-known corners of the wine world with our class, “Hidden Gems: Discovering Up-and-Coming Wine Regions.” In an industry that never stands still, fresh territories are rising to prominence, catching the discerning eye of sommeliers and winemakers alike. This class is your invitation to step into these emerging areas, where tradition meets innovation, and to savor the unique wines that are quietly making their mark.
You’ll be guided through a selection of varietals from regions not yet household names but brimming with potential. As you sip and discuss, you’ll uncover the stories behind the soils, the climates, and the hands that craft these wines. Our instructor, with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for discovery, will lead you through the trends and techniques shaping these promising regions. With each taste, you’ll find your understanding—and appreciation—of the wine world expanding, as you witness the birth of tomorrow’s great wine destinations.

Accelerated Sommelier Course
2024-08-05 18:30 - 2024-08-10 22:00
The Accelerated Sommelier Wine Course is an intensive, one-week program at the Wine School of Philadelphia, held from August 5-9 with a final exam on August 10. This course offers high-caliber education in wine, combining fundamental and intermediate knowledge in a condensed, immersive format. Participants will learn advanced techniques to identify wine varietals and explore global wine styles, including those from regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Tuscany. The program features rigorous wine tasting sessions, interactive workshops, and collaborative group discussions. Graduates will earn a Level III certification and a sommelier pin from the National Wine School, recognized alongside prestigious institutions like the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This transformative course is designed for both seasoned professionals and passionate enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled journey into the world of wine.

Core Sommelier Course (Spring Semester)
2024-06-09 13:30 - 18:00
The Core Wine Course provides a comprehensive wine education experience combining our Foundation and Intermediate programs into a week of intensive learning. By enrolling in this course, students gain a complete wine education and enjoy significant cost savings compared to taking the Foundation and Intermediate programs individually.
Course Highlights
Master the techniques and knowledge necessary to become exceptional wine tasters in the Foundation portion of the program.
Develop the ability to identify major wine varietals in blind tastings, a remarkable accomplishment for wine professionals.
Explore the intricate world of wine in the Intermediate section, delving into various wine styles, climates, and varietals from major wine-producing countries.
Suitable for individuals pursuing sommelier qualifications, aspiring winemakers, and wine enthusiasts seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Earn your sommelier pin from the National Wine School in a single semester.

Bourbon! The Whiskey Tasting Class
2024-05-17 19:30 - 21:00
Bourbon! is a tour-de-force of one of our favorite drinks. Learn how it’s made, what makes for a great bourbon, and some brands to look out for while tasting some fantastic examples. A generation ago, they called it brown liquor. Now, we call it the angel’s share. Do you know what all great liquor has in common? They are aged for many years –sometimes decades– in charred white oak barrels.
Barrel-aged booze is what this class is about. This is the class for boozehounds looking for the next great experience. From Tennessee Bourbon to Philly-made Bourbon, you will learn about (and taste) a fantastic selection of barrel-aged booze. This class features some of our favorite bourbons but includes a how-to to make great cocktails. We’ll even show you how to turn white spirits into your signature whiskey.

Learn About Wine
2024-05-11 17:30 - 19:00
If you are new to the study of wine — or simply new to the Wine School of Philadelphia — this class is for you. Here, you will experience the hallmarks of the Wine School: dispelling industry rumors, banishing popular wine myths, and delivering information in an easy-to-understand manner. Developed by a U.C. Davis winemaker and honed over ten years of teaching experience, it represents a singular view of wine education. Want to learn about wine? Allow us to share our knowledge with you!

Walla Walla & Beyond | The Wine Tasting Class
2024-03-21 08:00 - 17:00
Embark on a journey with “Walla Walla & Beyond, The Washington Wine Masterclass,” a 90-minute exploration into the heart of Washington State’s wine country. Delve into the rich tapestry of wine regions, spotlighting prominent varieties like Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon, each shaped by unique climates and soils. This immersive experience will guide you through the expansive Columbia Valley, the lush Yakima Valley, and a special focus on the renowned Walla Walla Valley.
