The Fall: A Wine Tour of Gods and Devils

Why settle for Napa or Bordeaux when you can taste your way through Croatia, Ukraine, Portugal, and other wild corners of the wine world?

Fall in Philadelphia usually means the return of sweaters, football, and pumpkin beer. But at the Wine School of Philadelphia, the season brings something far more thrilling: a lineup of wine classes that feel more like expeditions than lectures. This isn’t your safe tour of Napa Cabernets or French Chardonnays. This fall, the map sprawls from the Devil’s Playground to the wine gods themselves, with plenty of unexpected detours along the way.

The Bold & the Mythic

The season kicks off with a one-two punch of irreverence. The Devil’s Playground dares you to explore the darker side of the wine world, where big reds and shadowy traditions rule. Then there’s Wine Gods of Australia, which flips the script on how we think about Shiraz and beyond. These aren’t classes for the timid—they’re for drinkers who want their wine stories spiked with a little myth and mischief.

The Outsiders: Croatia & Ukraine

If your idea of “Old World wine” stops at France or Italy, prepare to be humbled. The school’s Croatia & Ukraine class dives into the frontier of European wine culture. Here, ancient traditions and rugged landscapes collide with modern winemaking, creating bottles that are as defiant as they are delicious. It’s proof that some of the most exciting wine stories are happening far from the beaten path.

Portugal’s Secret Power

Portugal is no longer just about Port—though let’s be honest, Port alone is reason enough to sign up. The Great Wines of Portugal class uncovers a country where native grapes and family-run vineyards are quietly producing world-class wines. Rich, bold, and perfect for fall evenings, these wines demand more attention than they get. This class makes sure they finally get it.

Familiar Places, Fresh Secrets

Of course, the school hasn’t forgotten the classics—but even here, the spin is fresh. Sonoma Wine Secrets shines a light on a region often overshadowed by Napa, revealing layers of history and complexity that rarely make the tourist brochures. And the Italian Wine Class proves that even the world’s most famous wine country still has surprises left, especially when you dig beneath the surface.

The Quiet Rebel: New Zealand

Rounding out the lineup is New Zealand, a country that often gets pigeonholed as “the place with Sauvignon Blanc.” In reality, its wines are as wild and diverse as the landscape itself. This class uncorks everything from alpine reds to coastal whites, showing why New Zealand deserves a seat at the fall table.

A Season for Adventure

Taken together, these classes aren’t just about learning—they’re about leaping. Fall is a time for comfort in the kitchen, sure, but in your glass? That’s where the adventure begins. Whether you’re chasing devils, worshiping gods, or venturing into uncharted territories, the Wine School’s fall lineup makes one thing clear: ordinary wine drinkers need not apply.