South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, home to some of the most famous regions, best-known wineries and oldest vines in the country. In every South Australian wine region, you’ll find unique wines and terroir – from lush hillsides to dramatic coastlines. Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra and Eden Valley. Tasting of six (6) wines.

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$395 – Includes course tuition, study guide, postage for mailing of certificates and pins, and the final examination

This one day course meets in person at Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg on Saturday, April 27, 2024. There is no pre-study required; students will receive their study materials when they arrive for class.

Approximate Schedule
9:00am: Class begins
12:00pm: Short break for lunch*
12:30pm: Class resumes
2:15pm: Examination
*Lunch is not included in the registration fee. Students may bring their own lunch or visit one of the local eateries. 

6 Guided Learning Hours, including 45 minutes for the examination

This class covers the main types of wine, the most common grape varieties, wine service, storing and serving wine, tasting technique, how to describe the smell and taste of wine, and the basics of pairing food and wine. During the class, students taste eight different wines. Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

Click Here to Register - $395 per person
Please note: Registration is done through Capital Wine School

Cristom Vineyards was established in 1992 by the Gerrie family to grow and craft distinguished wines of place that honor individual sites and old-world techniques. Family owned thirty years later, the family remain stewards of their east-facing volcanic hillside in the Eola-Amity Hills focused on growing benchmark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Bringing together biodynamic and organic farming methods, they farm the land with the next 100-years in mind. Their winegrowing centers on the philosophy that the greatest expression of terroir produces the finest wines. The cornerstone of their winemaking is rooted in traditional methods – site selection, low yields, whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts – to produce balanced, dynamic wines of intensity, structure and length.

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The 600-mile stretch of the Loire River valley and its tributaries make up one of France’s top wine regions. Get to know the wines from famous regions of Sancerre, Vouvray, Touraine, Pouilly-Fumé, Chinon, Muscadet in the Loire Valley . Tasting of six (6) wines.

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Before there were glass bottles (1600’s and before), most wines were stored and sold in wooden barrels. And, while we’ve outgrown the necessity for barrels to store and transport wine, we’ve come to acquire a taste for it. A detailed peek into why wine barrels are such an integral part of modern winemaking. Learn about the different kinds of barrels that are used and how they affect wine. Tasting of six (6) wines.

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In 1973, with the introduction of the wine of origin system, South Africa was divided into a series of official regions, districts, wards and estates. South Africa's vineyards are mostly situated in the Western Cape, however even here there are considerable differences in climate between these regions, which determine the viticultural practices and wines styles of each region. Tasting of (6) six wines.

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Regions directly in range of a looming magmatic eruption, or soil filled with remaining expellants from volcanic explosions past, share something in common: the potential to grow some of the most mineral-laden and distinct wines on earth. And though Volcanic earth represents a mere 1% of the total surface of the planet, the grapes grown in this soil are vast and varied. Tasting includes 6 wines.

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The world’s most popular red wine grape is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Sauvignon is loved for its high concentration and age worthiness. In California, Cabernet Sauvignon has developed its characteristic style and reputation, which is recognizable in the world's market. Tasting of six (6) wines.

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Cava, Champagne and Prosecco are three names that are widely known internationally, especially when we talk about parties and celebrations, and also about the history and culture of wine. Today we propose a bubbly journey to find out the similarities and differences between these sparkling wines, and to understand and appreciate their unique characteristics. Tasting of six (6) sparkling wines.

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Cabernet Franc is a parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère and gives them a hint of mint or green bell pepper. It can be lighter or bolder depending on where it’s grown, but it is always tasty. Grown in Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Virginia, Italy, Chile and Canada to name a few. Tasting includes six wines.

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Cabernet Franc is a parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère and gives them a hint of mint or green bell pepper. It can be lighter or bolder depending on where it’s grown, but it is always tasty. Grown in Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Virginia, Italy, Chile and Canada to name a few. Tasting includes six wines.

Please note: The wine bar does not open until 3pm on Saturday but due to high demand we have added this class.

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There are 9 distinctive crus of the Southern Rhône Valley that truly express their individual “terroir” and are responsible for about 10% of the Rhône wine production. Understand the role of the rivers and the famous "Le Mistral" wind in this region. Regions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, Tavel ..just to name a few. Tasting includes six wines.

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Join us as we explore sweet, savory, sour culinary bites alongside wines to compare and contrast the art of food and wine pairing. Tasting includes 4 bites/samples with 4 wines. Note: This tasting is educational to explore the pairings and not intended to be a meal. We are not able to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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If you are thinking about Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, it is therefore impossible not to associate these two grapes with the Côte d'Or region of Burgundy. Côte d'Or (translated the Gold Slope) includes four wine areas, of which the most important and famous ones are Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Despite these two areas are famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, Côte de Nuits, in the northern part of Côte d'Or, is mainly known for its Pinot Noirs, whereas Côte de Beaune, in the southern part, is mainly known for its Chardonnays. Tasting of 6 wines.

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When you think of Italian wines, what probably comes to mind is what I'll call the Big B's; Brunello, Barolo, and Barbaresco and maybe Chianti We would like to take you off the beaten path to discover some lesser-known wines which may not have the ratings but will surely provide the enjoyment. Tasting includes 6 wines.

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There is a Spanish wine for every drinker. From the rolling hills of Rioja up to the high plains of Ribera del Duero. These bold red wines are a red wine lover's perfect match. Tasting of six wines.

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Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that grows mostly in Argentina. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, Malbec wine offers a great alternative to higher priced Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. However, there’s more to Malbec than just value. Tasting of six (6) wines.

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Located in northwest Italy, Piedmont sits at the foot of the western Alps. This unique geographical spot lends two key features that influence the region’s climate: the cool Alps and the balmy Mediterranean. Home to Barolo & Barbaresco, Piedmont offers stunning nebbiolo wines as a start to this majestic wine country. Tasting includes six (6) wines.

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Bordeaux style wine are made all over the world and include the key grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot. Join us to try Bordeaux style wines from all over the world. Tasting includes 6 wines.

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It's time to celebrate the New Year and no better way than popping some bubbly! Join us for a tasting of 6 sparkling wines and champagne that are perfect to celebrate the New Year. Purchase them at the class just in time to enjoy for your celebration!

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Grand Cru refers to the top-tier classification of French wine. In general, the term refers to a winery or vineyard with terrific terroir that produces consistently high-quality vintages.

However, it’s history and interpretation is different in each of the French wine regions. For example, in Burgundy, this wine term on a wine label refers to a specific vineyard, while in Bordeaux, it indicates a prestigious winery.

Join us and learn more of what a Grand Cru really means in each region of France. Tasting of six (6) wines.

Click Here to Register - $70 per person

California may be the most famous wine-growing state in the USA, but the entire West Coast produces wines of world-class quality. We would like to introduce you to the styles of the Pacific Northwest — specifically, Oregon and Washington. Tasting includes six (6) wines.

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Known as the “King of red wines,” also known simply as “Cab,” this grape is small, dark and thick-skinned. ... In America, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are three of the most popular red wines. However, Cabernet Sauvignon is older and more aggressive than both siblings. Explore why Cab is King. tasting includes six wines.

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Tuscany is famous for many things — the glorious art, architecture and culture of Florence and Siena, the photogenic countryside, its beautiful rolling hills and, of course, its food and wine. In terms of wine, “Tuscany” and “Chianti” are synonymous to many people. Not only is this incorrect, but the region’s wine landscape is far more complex and dynamic. Join us to learn more about this complex wine region. Tasting includes six (6) wines.

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Georg Riedel has transformed wineglasses from simple housewares to specialized tools tuned to bring out wine's nuances. Let us taste our way through different size glasses and explore glass vs crystal and see how it impacts the flavor of the wine. Tasting includes 5 wines.

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Everyone is talking about the amazing wine values you can find from Portugal. Well, what are they… exactly? Portugal goes way beyond the Port and the Vinho Verde you are used to hearing about. Here is a great overview of everything you need to get started with Portuguese wine. Tasting includes six (6) wines.

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner. What is the best wine to enjoy with your turkey? What are some wines that everyone will enjoy? What should I bring to that Thanksgiving celebration? Join us for a tasting of six (6) wines that go perfectly with Thanksgiving. Wines will be available for purchase after the tasting at special pricing.

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One of Italy's (and the world's) greatest wines, Brunello di Montalcino is small wine region in southern central Tuscany, producing particularly impressive wines from the Brunello grape – a local strain of Sangiovese. In Tuscany, its homeland, it perhaps ranks alongside Chianti Classico. On global markets it seems to command even greater attention. Tasting includes six (6) wines.

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Winter is a time of year to sit back and reflect, and also a prime opportunity to warm up by the fire at the end of a long day. Red wines are a perfect choice for even the coldest of winter nights, just begging to be drunk by the fire. We call these Fireside Reds, and they’re sure to keep you warm this winter. Tasting includes 6 wines.

Click Here to Reserve | $50 per person