Image courtesy of Diony Castle / flickr.com
If you’re a wine lover, it’s only natural that you want to learn more about wine. Attending classes and lectures combined with wine tastings is a good way to do that. I’ve compiled a list of the classes, lectures, and educational wine tastings in the South Florida area for you to peruse and take advantage of.
Florida International University is currently accepting registrants for the Level I Course Wine Experience Course for Enthusiasts and Professionals. They say, “Tour the world” through wine tasting experiences. A thirteen week course designed for both amateurs and professionals alike to benefit from, it is taught by industry renowned experts. While the course started on January 28th, they are still accepting applications. Here’s a link to their site – http://hospitality.fiu.edu/wineprograms.asp?programs=certificate_program_wine_level1&edit=title01. The cost is $695 for one semester, $1295 for two participants. It includes all books, parking, etc., for the entire semester.
Then we have The Art of Wine and Food Series presents: “Your Search for ‘The One’ is Over! World-Renowned Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson joins us to discuss her Life in Wine and her Innovative Stemware, ‘The One’!” Its lengthy and descriptive title sums it up nicely. The cost is $50 per person, and the wine event is held on Monday, February 25, at 6 PM. More info can be found at the website http://www.moafl.org/home/events/category/wine-food#.UQrv3b9EEVk. Two of the wine accessories “The One” wine glasses will be sent home with each participant.
If you want to be taught personally by a sommelier, this, http://www.localwineevents.com/resources/show/1/423/fort-lauderdale-broward-county-wine-educators-and-schools is a listing of Ft. Lauderdale sommeliers who offer classes for either individuals or groups, at various levels from beginners to advanced. They can also be booked to speak at your wine events, should you host your own. Prices vary depending on the sommelier. You can change the location to find a sommelier near you.
Finally, for courses offered by the United States Sommelier Association, Inc., visit http://www.ussommelier.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=6. They offer menu planning workshops for wine dinners as well as Sommelier certification programs. While courses are currently closed for the certification process, it’s good to stock up on the information for when they open again. Held in their South Beach campus, the courses are worthwhile if you’re truly serious about wine. The last semester’s pricing was $695 all inclusive.
Hopefully some of the information here helped you find the wine classes that suit your needs. Until next time – enjoy your wine, and your Mobile Grape.