Wine appreciation sessions in Ottawa
Exploring the Worlds of Wine...
presentations that are full-bodied, spicy, have more than a hint of humour, and a lingering finish. People drink wine
because they enjoy it. Whether it's a crisp, cool white on the patio during summer or a full-bodied red with a winter
dinner, wine gives pleasure. And "Exploring the worlds of wine..." sessions give you the basic tools to enjoy it even more.
The main themes these sessions cover are:
- how wine is made
- grape varieties and the wines they make
- wine styles
- tasting and describing wine
- the major wine regions of the world
- understanding wine labels
- matching food with wine
- reading a restaurant wine list effectively
so often associated with wine. And they aren't dry in any sense of the word. The sessions are 'wine-centred', meaning that
whenever an important point is discussed, we taste a wine that illustrates it.
Tastings include table wines, sparkling wines, fortified wines and dessert wines from Europe, the U.S., Canada, South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Although I sometimes bring one that's not readily available, almost all can be bought at the LCBO or Vintages. I select quality, good value wines that you might well want to purchase. There will be plenty of time to discuss the wines and to pass on recommendations of wines you come across outside these sessions.
You'll come away from these sessions able to appreciate every wine more and with a better sense of how to choose the wine you want for each occasion.
Participants in these sessions say:
"Clearly this is someone who teaches from experience of the wine regions discussed."
"Good sessions! Too short!"
"The course was all I expected. Low-key, broad-brush, lots of time and great tasting (which is the most important opportunity)."
"Lots of fun--very enjoyable."
"I can finally walk into the LCBO without feeling intimidated! My friends who haven't had a chance to take this course are
quite jealous."
"I enjoyed the attentive and humorous style with which Rod showed us how to appreciate various types of wine."
The Next Series
I have no sessions scheduled at the moment, but if you are interested please email me. If I get enough interest I will arrange a new series.
These sessions take place in the Wine Room on the second floor of C.A. Paradis Ltd., 1314 Bank Street, Ottawa (just across the river from Riverside Drive).
Each evening you'll taste an ounce of six to eight wines, the equivalent of a quarter to a third of a bottle. Please bear that in mind if you are driving. In general, it's better not to consume alcohol before the sessions.
Because tasting involves smelling, please don't wear perfume or aftershave that might make your Chardonnay smell like Chanel or your Pinot taste like Polo.
You must be at least nineteen years of age to register in these sessions.
Fees
The fee for the four sessions is $125.00 (plus $8.75 GST) per person or $115.00 (plus $8.05 GST) per person when two or more people register together. The fee includes all wines, food for matching, and handouts such as wine magazines and full information on all wines tasted.
For more information or to register, email worldsofwine@sympatico.ca.