American Wine Specialist™

Part of the Advanced Sommelier and Master Certification Tracks. Saturdays, January 10th to March 7th. No Class on February 14th.

The American Wine Specialist™ program is a comprehensive exploration of the diverse viticultural regions across the United States and neighboring North America. Designed for advanced students and professionals, this course examines the geology, climate, grape varieties, and wine styles of key American AVAs, with guided tastings and rigorous analysis. From the Finger Lakes to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and from the deserts of Texas to the slopes of Walla Walla, this program offers a deep, structured journey through American terroir.

Class 1: Foundations of American Wine

Explore the origin story of American wine, from colonial vineyards to the modern AVA system. This session lays the groundwork with a focus on U.S. wine law, label regulations, climate zones, and the major regions shaping American viticulture today.

Class 2: The Northeast — New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Ontario

Discover the hybrid- and vinifera-based wines of the East Coast and Canada. From Riesling in the Finger Lakes to Icewine in Ontario and Viognier in Virginia, this class explores the emerging stylistic identity of the Northeast, where resilience meets elegance.

Class 3: The Southwest — Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California

High-altitude vineyards, desert climates, and Old World varietals define this fast-evolving frontier. We’ll examine the sparkling traditions of New Mexico, Tempranillo’s reign in Texas, and Baja’s avant-garde movement in Valle de Guadalupe.

Class 4: California North — Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino

Theme: The Pillars of Prestige
This class explores California’s most established regions. Napa’s structured Cabernets, Sonoma’s nuanced Pinots and Chardonnays, and Mendocino’s heritage plantings and organic leadership all take center stage.

Class 5: California East — Lodi & the Foothills

Often overlooked, Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are rich in history and innovation. Discover old vine Zinfandel, Iberian varietals, and Italian-rooted blends thriving in this inland hotbed of value and creativity.

Class 6: California Central — Santa Cruz, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara

From the limestone of Paso Robles to the fog-chilled vineyards of Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, California’s Central Coast offers dramatic stylistic range. We’ll analyze the tension between ripeness and restraint in this dynamic stretch of coastline.

Class 7: Oregon — Cool Climate Precision

Focus on Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay thrive in marine sediment and volcanic soils. This class also addresses Oregon’s leadership in sustainability and its evolving AVA structure.

Class 8: Washington — Power & Precision

Explore Columbia Valley’s basalt soils, Walla Walla’s cross-border identity, and Red Mountain’s tannic might. With Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah leading the way, Washington offers a muscular yet balanced counterpoint to California.