Friday, March 28, 2008

Weekend Immersion Wine Course in Napa

If you're free on April 25 and April 26 this year, are relatively new to wine, and have about $800 to spend on a wine course, this is the one to take. COPIA, the center in Napa that celebrates all things gustatory, will be the location and their new Dean of Wine Studies, Andrea Immer Robinson, who will be teaching one of her wine classes. (photo of Andrea Immer Robinson from her website)

She will be pouring and pairing a pretty dazzling array of wines. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a champagne tasting, moves into a discussion of Andrea's "big 6" grapes, and then concludes with a dinner of 2 tasting plates served with examples of the wines made from them. Saturday morning will be devoted to Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in their old and new world styles, followed by lunch and the wines of Italy and Spain. The day concludes with a seminar on Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. If this approach sounds familiar, it's no doubt because you've read Great Wine Made Simple.

Robinson (as I mentioned yesterday) is one of the best wine teachers out there, and she has a knack for breaking down the world of wine into easily digestible chunks. Her love of food and wine pairing stems from her experiences as a sommelier, so you will learn about not only wine but the foods that go with it.

The price above does not include transportation or lodging, but does include a considerable amount of awfully good wine as well as a chance to spend some of your spring in Napa Valley. Can't make the April event, but are dying to attend? Save the dates for her August weekend course, or the biggest splurge of all: a week-long Ultimate Wine Experience. All of this beyond your financial reach? Then buy the book, and set up your own Wine Immersion Weekend right in your own home and invite your friends!

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