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Class Descriptions
Total Wine & More's wine, beer and spirits education courses are a fun and relaxed way to learn about the products in our store. Every month, our trained staff will help lead you through selections specially chosen to help you identify the similarities and differences between them. Held in our store's specially designed Education Centers, these classes will have you tasting like the experts do. Every class includes tasting sheets, educational materials and special product discounts (where allowed by law).
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Wine Class Descriptions
Wine classes available at most locations. All months are approximate. See store for details.
See local classes in the Event Calendar
Wine 101: You be the Judge!
This seminar is ideal for learning the basics of tasting wine. Attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a wine, how to score a wine like the experts, the proper temperatures to serve wine and how to identify the style of a wine that is most appealing to their palate. Oh... and the eight wines featured are delicious too.
Brown Bagging It … An Enlightening Blind Tasting
This fun and thought provoking class offers a blind tasting of eight delicious wines. These wines are paired off and tasted blind for all to compare. Each pair, crafted from identical grapes but grown in different parts of the world, will battle to see which is preferred by all in attendance. Have a great time contrasting Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and one mystery grape which will only be revealed on the evening of the class. Hope to see you there … don’t miss the fun!
California Wines … they’re Undeniable!
This popular class features stellar wines from California’s most famous wine-growing areas. Sit back and enjoy an array of wines, which will include selections from the famed appellations within the Napa Valley and Sonoma Counties, but also extend into Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and the Sierra Foothills.
Brown Bagging It … An Enlightening Blind Tasting II
Back by popular demand! Blind taste wines battling for the top honor of the ultimate wine of summer. This extremely fun and educational class offers a blind tasting of eight delicious wines. Each pair, crafted from identical grapes but grown in different parts of the world will go head to head for your favorite summer wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Pinot Noir and one mystery grape which will only be revealed on the evening of the class. Hope to see you there … don’t miss the fun!
Salute Italia!
Cheers to Italy for producing such impressive vino for hundreds of years. This exciting tasting and seminar includes crisp and refreshing whites from prestigious winegrowing areas in the north, and then transitions into some of the most renowned red wine appellations within Italy, including Brunello, Barolo and Amarone. You are certain to find the perfect wine during this class to accompany your favorite Italian cuisine.
Show Your Pride ... Drink American Wine
No passport needed to taste through these incredible wines produced in Washington State, Oregon and California! Join us for a tasting of the elegant Pinot Noirs produced within Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley accompanied by the wonderfully balanced wines of Washington State and the lush and bountiful wines of California.
America’s Love Affair with Malbec
This fun and educational tasting seminar focuses on Malbec, which is quickly becoming one of America’s most popular red wines. Five stunning Malbec or Malbec blends will be tasted along with a few surprisingly delicious whites and reds from Chile and Uruguay. Discover why the world is now looking to South America for more than just value wines!
Vive la France!
Experience the Most Famous Appellations throughout France from the stunning and food-friendly wines of Alsace, to the marvelous wine crafted in the Loire Valley, to the elegant and refined Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Burgundy. This seminar and tasting will take you on an unforgettable tour of France’s most famous wine growing areas. Discover why Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the reigning king of the Southern Rhone Valley and why Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive in Bordeaux.
Romancing the Rhône
With famous cities such as Avignon, Orange and Nimes, the Rhone Valley not only offers amazing cities to visit, it also offers dazzling vistas and some of the best wines produced in the world. It continues to be a favorite region among wine aficionados. Exquisite selections from the Northern Rhone Valley including Côte-Rôtie and the king of the Southern Rhône Valley, Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be presented.
Napa Valley Rocks!
Napa Valley offers amazingly diverse climates and soils within its 30-mile stretch between Napa and Calistoga. Discover dazzling white and red wines from the valley floor to the famous Cabernet Sauvignon thriving in the mountains. Napa Valley accounts for only 4% of all of the wine grown in California. Join us to see what makes this tiny piece of heaven so special! This class sells out quickly … sign up early!
Bordeaux, How do I love thee … let me count the ways
One would be hard pressed to list the countless ways to fall in love with the wines of Bordeaux. After all, it is the most famous winegrowing region in the entire world. This tasting and seminar will certainly assist in your journey as you taste through eight stunning wines. Each elegant wine will reflect the prestigious commune in which it is grown and crafted.
Sparkling and Champagne…because Every Day is a Celebration
Nothing says “festive” more than a bottle of bubbly! This tasting and seminar is perfect for those looking to discover a sparkling wine that best suits their budget and palate. Eight sparkling wines will be tasted, including Crémant de Bourgogne and four stunning selections from Champagne such as stunning Grand Cru selections!
Beer Class Descriptions
Beer classes available at select locations. All months are approximate. See store for details.
See local classes in the Event Calendar
Tap These!
An enlightening, flavorful exploration of extraordinary beer styles you must try. These styles are not commonly found on tap at your usual watering holes. Bring your desire to discover something new, and be ready to tap these brews!
Classic Ale Styles of Belgium
Taste a variety of classic Belgian beer styles. Authentic Trappist and Abbey ales of Belgium will be featured along with beers from other countries whose brewers are offering accurate renditions of these timeless brews of Belgium.
What’s Your Style?
We’re bringing our book, "Total Guide to Beer," to liquid life! What’s your favorite beer style? Discover it while enjoying a tasting tour of different beers from the style categories discussed in this handy, easy-reading book.
A Good Kick in the Can!
Craft beer in cans? Oh yes, they’re the real deal and there are many choices! This class explores many of the canned craft brands and beer styles available on the market. Cans offer advantages for flavor and more, including the ability to take the beer to places where glass bottles are not allowed. It’s time to stop kicking the can down the road and join in a taste of some great canned craft beer!
Summer Solstice: The Seasonal Beers of Summer
Although the calendar says the start of summer is still a month away, we’re feeling the warmth of the sun and getting ready to cool down and stay refreshed this season with our huge selection of summer seasonal brews. This class takes a thirst-quenching tour of the myriad summer offerings from craft breweries.
Hooray For IPA!
America’s love affair with hops cannot be satiated, but we’re going to try! For existing hop lovers and thrill seekers alike, prepare your taste buds for an India Pale Ale (IPA) excursion. Styles on the menu include: English IPA, Belgian IPA, American IPA, American Double/Imperial IPA, and other hoppy goodness.
Lagers and Ales beyond Pilsners and Pales: Big, Bold, Bodacious Beers
We’re pulling out some strong, flavorful beers for this class. This journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum.
Dog Days of Summer
It’s HOT during these dog days of summer, but the dogs are cool and we’re letting them out! This class is all about the many craft beers that have “dog” in their name.
Autumn Equinox – A Fall Harvest of Beer
Fall is the wonderful season that brings us Oktoberfest Lager and Pumpkin Ale. This class is an exploration of the many interpretations of these classic fall beer styles, plus a taste of some other flavors breweries offer for the bounty of the autumn season.
Beerrelevance: Old World Meets New World
A classic ‘Old World’ vs. ‘New World’ beer style comparison and taste of brewing history. Savor classically-brewed beers from Germany, Belgium and England alongside North American beers brewed with inspiration from these Old World brewing styles. The past meets the present in this fun and flavorful beer matchup!
Winter Warmers & Holiday Brews
Get in the mood for the colder weather and holidays by savoring the spice of winter seasonal and special-release beers. Satisfy your winter palate with an array of beers that can even warm a snowman’s heart.
Spirits Class Descriptions
Spirit classes hosted in Delaware, Florida, Arizona, Maryland, Texas and Nevada only. All months are approximate. See store for details.
See local classes in the Event Calendar
The Sweet Life: The Exciting World of Cordials and Liqueurs
Liqueurs and cordials are near and dear to our hearts. Come share our love for these diverse spirits as we taste through their unique history and complex production methods. We will explore everything from the myth-information about Absinthe to the innovative cocktail culture that cordials inspire.
Salute the Fruit: An Exploration of Fruit-Based Spirits
This world tour of spirits was inspired by our loyal wine enthusiasts. Together we will explore the orchards and vineyards of the world and taste eau-de-vie and brandy made from grapes, apples, cherries and more! Savor the unforgettable classics of Cognac and Armagnac and discover other delicious distilled creations.
Tantalizing Tequilas: From Pulque to Añejo, Exploring the World of Mexico’s Great Spirit
Come enjoy an in-depth class on tequila that brings to life the rich history of this distilled spirit from Mexico. This seminar and tasting will focus on a variety of tequila types and styles of production and will feature several great selections ranging from easy-sipping value tequilas to richly flavored añejo.
Yo, Ho, Ho and (a tasting) of Rum
Hawaiian shirts are optional for this fun exploration and tasting of this classic spirit of the Caribbean. We’ll explore rum history and why location matters while tasting and discussing the differences in character and fl avor varieties. Learn some classic rum cocktails and taste a couple too!
The Cocktail Lab: Cocktailing Basics for the Home Bartender
Step behind the bar and learn the basics for creating classic cocktails like the Martini, Daiquiri and Manhattan. From spirits to mixers, bitters, syrups and fruit, you’ll learn everything you need to entertain at home.
For the Love of Vodka: Exploring the World’s Most Popular Spirit
Learn about the origins of vodka and its role in creating classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule, Vesper, Cosmopolitan and others. We’ll be tasting several super-premium vodkas from around the world; you’ll be sure to leave with a new favorite!
Bourbon Essentials: Discovering America’s Spirit
This seminar and tasting will review the history of whiskey making in America, as well as answer the questions “What is bourbon? Who makes it and where? What does ‘small batch’ mean?” This class will answer all of these questions and expose a few myths in the process. Come see (and taste) why bourbon is America’s greatest home-grown spirit!
Introduction to Scotch Whisky
This seminar and tasting is geared for the Scotch novice. We’ll be exploring the rich history and fascinating processes that transform ordinary barley malt into a compelling and classic spirit. Enjoy the special pleasures of classic blended and rare single malt Scotches!
Great Scotch! Sensational Single Malts
This seminar and tasting is geared for the Scotch whisky novice and relays the history, production and special pleasures of classic blended and single malt Scotch whiskies. Attendees will enjoy a full range of classic blends and rare single malt whisky expressions.
