Wine classes NYC: wine tasting, wine and cheese, and sommelier

Wine tasting can be more of an art than a science, but it is also a skill that you can learn (or you can pretend to learn while sipping on some excellent local and international wines). In this guided wine tasting introduction, you’ll learn to think like a sommelier as you sample a collection of different wines to develop a nose and tongue for the subtle differences between varietals. You’ll be taught how different grapes are used to ferment different kinds of wines (what really is the difference between a merlot and a pinot noir), how different climates impact wine production (is a Greek wine really that different from an Argentinian wine) and how wine culture has developed (like why it is only truly champagne if it is from the Champagne region of France, otherwise, it's just a sparkling white wine).

NYC is one of the finest wine regions in the nation, second only to California in terms of output (and the wineries in the Finger Lakes are certain to contest that they are second in quality). In this introductory wine taste class, sample a collection of wines including bottles from NY, California and abroad. You’ll learn how to smell and taste wine for proper notes and you’ll learn the proper language for judging and describing wine (beyond ‘hints of grape’). By the end of this class, you’ll be ready for your own mini-wine adventure upstate and, at the very worst, you’ll have had an enjoyable evening sipping wine.

Experience a delightful journey through the unique flavors of Murray's Cave Aged cheeses, expertly paired with exquisite wines. You’ll sample three distinct cheeses, each a testament to the art of cheese craftsmanship. Join in this exclusive tasting adventure led by experts who’ll unravel the mysteries behind the ancient tradition of affinage. It's your chance to savor exceptional Cave-Aged cheeses, sip fine wine, and delve into the fascinating world of cheese aging while learning about the principles of pairing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to taste exclusive products and discover the art of affinage—a tradition spanning centuries. Murray’s caves have been a hub of cheese innovation in NYC since 2004.

While it isn’t the most famous wine producing region on the Mediterranean (Italy and France will fight over that distinction), Greeks will tell you that they invented wine and are the masters of it (this isn’t necessarily true, but it is one of the oldest wine making traditions in Europe). In this class, you’ll learn what makes Greek wine unique and what the climate of the Greek isles (and the mainland) brings to its wine production. Raise a glass to Bacchus and enjoy a selection of six Greek wines in this introductory wine tasting experience.

Enjoy the tastes of Europe in this exciting tasting course that pairs wines and cheeses from Italy, southern France, Spain and Greece. The varied climates and unique growing regions of Europe make it one of the most significant wine-growing regions in the world and the cheese produced across Europe represents a diverse array of traditions, from classics like Greek Feta and other goat cheeses to the sheep’s cheeses produced in southern Spain. This course will guide students through a series of wine and cheese pairings that will help students understand how these different growing and farming conditions have led to the diverse and fascinating wine and dairy cultures of Europe.

Chardonnay is one of the most popular varietals of wine in the world, in no small part due to the enduring quality of the grape and its ability to grow almost everywhere. As a result of this, almost every nation that makes wine has its own version of this white wine. In this masterclass, you’ll taste Chardonnays from across the globe, including the French wine regions to which the grape is native. This course is a great way to learn how climate and cultivation techniques can be used to transform the same grape into an incredibly diverse range of wines.

While most global wine traditions center fermented grapes, Japan has a long history of fermenting rice into saké, creating a unique flavored spirit that is as complex and rich as any European wine. In this class, you’ll sample six different varieties of saké, usually differentiated by their levels of filtration (and by extension their cloudiness). You’ll learn what makes different saké sweet or bitter and what saké is best served chilled or hot. In addition, you’ll learn about the history of the beverage, its place in Japanese culture and the ever expanding foreign markets for international saké.

Embark on a delectable journey through Spain's culinary heritage, exploring the perfect harmony of Spanish wines and Murray's top-notch Spanish cheeses. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Spain, where every corner offers a unique cheese-filled experience waiting to be discovered. This class is a captivating journey through the country's cheese and wine landscape, showcasing renowned favorites and hidden gems alike. This guided tasting of Spanish wines thoughtfully paired with Murray’s finest Spanish cheeses unveils the intricate tapestry of Spanish culinary history and pairing principles with every sip and bite.

Once you have developed a taste for specific kinds of wine, you can enroll in tasting courses that emphasize those particular varieties. For example, if you like the sweet, boldness of red wines, you can sample five rare wines from around the globe in this course. Explore the renowned regions of Bordeaux, Tuscany, and California and learn what makes red wine (particularly bold, flavorful red wine) different from other common types. You’ll learn the history of red wine, the process of growing the grapes, and how regional climates produce subtle differences in wines of the same broad family.

Embark on a journey through the renowned culinary landscape of France, where you'll learn to pair exquisite French cheeses with the perfect wines. Discover the secrets behind this harmonious fusion of flavors and experience the magic that occurs when the right combinations come together. This guided tasting of regional delicacies will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. Offering a taste of Paris without leaving town, this class promises a delightful exploration of French wine and cheese, showcasing both timeless classics and innovative creations. By the end of this experience, you'll have a deeper appreciation for pairing principles and a newfound eagerness to further explore the iconic culinary wonders of France.

Treat yourself to a sumptuous flavor adventure with this Chocolate and Wine Tasting Workshop at Roni-Sue’s Chocolates. Delight in the perfect pairing of luxurious chocolates and handpicked wines, expertly curated to tantalize your taste buds. Led by seasoned chocolatiers, dive into the artistry of craft chocolate making and uncover the diverse flavors of cocoa sourced from around the world. As you sip on exceptional wines that enhance the richness of chocolate, immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable experience that celebrates the finer things in life.

Experience a flavorful expedition through Italy's culinary wonders as you pair sensational Italian cheeses with carefully selected wines. You’ll delve into the secrets of Italian gastronomy with a guided tasting led by cheese experts. From creamy burrata to aged Parmigiano Reggiano, from tangy Gorgonzola to velvety Taleggio, Italy boasts an unparalleled array of cheeses. In this guided tasting adventure, you'll have the pleasure of sampling four exceptional Italian cheeses paired with wines ranging from crisp whites to bold reds. Gain insights into the diverse world of Italian cheese and wine, hailing from distinct regions across the country, and depart with newfound expertise in crafting the perfect pairings for an authentic Italian experience.

Uncover the delightful flavors that will ignite your passion for the magical combination of white wine and cheese at Murray's Cheese. Whether you prefer light and crisp or buttery and rich, the vibrant notes of white wine harmonize flawlessly with cheese. Led by an expert, this guided tasting promises an unforgettable journey as you explore a variety of white wines paired with exquisite cheeses, each enhancing the other's flavors. Whether you're a devoted white wine aficionado or a skeptic, prepare to be amazed—you just might discover the cheese pairing that converts you into a true believer.

Wine has become a global product as grape-growing nations import their local vines to new climates and locations. While most commonly associated with France, Italy, and the west coast of America, there are varieties of wine grown in virtually every climate that can yield productive grape harvests. In this course, you’ll sample five wines from across the globe and you’ll spend time learning how the different cultivation techniques and climates shape the way that the wine tastes. This course is a fun way to learn about the science of winemaking while enjoying a curated selection of global favorites.

Join this guided tasting where you'll explore the delightful interplay between four artisan cheeses and four distinct wines. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your palate in this flavorful adventure. You’ll discover firsthand why these four artisan cheeses and wines create such an exceptional harmony when enjoyed together. There's no better way to master the nuances of wine and cheese pairing than by indulging in top-tier selections. Each carefully curated cheese represents a unique style and is perfectly complemented by one of four distinct wines. As you sip and savor, your instructor will unveil the rich background of each cheese, empowering you with newfound knowledge and confidence in pairing principles. Get ready to confidently navigate the cheese counter or wine shop with a refined palate and a taste for culinary excellence.

The world of rosé is just as diverse and exciting as the world of cheese, and this class brings them both together in perfect harmony. You’ll experience a range of textures and flavors, from zippy acidity to creamy decadence, guided by an expert who shares the fascinating stories behind each wine and cheese. Whether the sun is shining or not, it’s always the perfect time to sip bright wines while discovering the cheeses that complement them so wonderfully well. In this unforgettable tasting adventure, you’ll understand why these pairings are so exceptional.

If you are interested in learning more about wine, but you don’t feel like leaving your home, you can enroll in a virtual wine class from the San Francisco Wine School. In these courses, you’ll be given a list of wines and guidance in acquiring them, then, over Zoom, an experienced sommelier will guide you through the process of tasting and enjoying your wines. They offer classes ranging from introductory courses for beginners to more advanced classes focusing on regions, varietals, and winemaking traditions for students who know what they are looking for in a wine-tasting experience.