Wine Tasting Classes in Philadelphia

Wine tasting classes at the Wine School are designed for wine enthusiasts who want to learn about wine at a deeper level. Each class is held in our Rittenhouse classroom, taught by professional sommelier instructors, and feature best-in-class wine selections.

We draw students from the entire Philly Metro region: from the Main Line and Bucks County to the Northern Hills and South Jersey. It’s also common to see students from Lancaster and Princeton, and even New York City.

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Who These Classes Are For

These wine tasting classes are designed for a wide range of students, from complete beginners to experienced wine professionals seeking focused, topic-driven study. No prior wine education is required. Classes are structured, instructor-led, and intended for people who want to learn how and why wines taste the way they do.

Tasting Class Basics

Each wine tasting class is built around a single theme, such as a grape variety, region, style, or production method. Instruction is led by experienced educators and winemakers, with an emphasis on discussion, questions, and sensory learning rather than memorization.

Wine 101

Introductory classes covering the fundamentals of wine tasting, labels, styles, and structure. Designed for beginners.

Regional

Classes focused on the world’s major wine regions, comparing styles, history, and production across countries and appellations.

Discovery

Topic-driven classes exploring unusual wines, spirits, pairings, and lesser-known categories. Plenty of surprises in this category.

Reserve

Advanced tasting classes centered on benchmark wines and rare bottles from the world’s most important regions.

What Students Say About the Classes

“The instructors are incredibly down-to-earth, and take the most unpretentious approach to teaching their students about wine. They love answering questions. They foster curiosity, and made wine fun for us.
Dennis O.
“Knowledgable, passionate, and patient – which was so important to teaching a novice like myself. I highly recommend the program as well as the various tasting classes they put on. Highly recommended.
Brian M.
“Went to a wine tasting event here and it was great. Fun wines, good insight and always entertaining. Other guests were knowledgeable, but unpretentious – which is always welcome with wine drinkers.
Mia P.

Sommelier Classes in Philadelphia

Some students who begin with wine-tasting classes choose to continue with more structured sommelier training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are wine tasting classes?

Wine tasting classes are structured, instructor-led courses that teach how to taste, evaluate, and understand wine. They typically include guided tastings, discussion of wine regions and styles, and practical techniques for describing and comparing wines.

Are wine tasting classes suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many wine tasting classes are designed specifically for beginners and require no prior wine knowledge. Introductory courses focus on fundamentals such as wine types, labels, basic tasting techniques, and why different wines taste the way they do.

Do wine tasting classes include tastings?

Yes. In-person wine tasting classes include guided tastings as a core component of instruction. Students taste multiple wines during each class to learn comparative evaluation, sensory recognition, and stylistic differences.

How long are wine tasting classes?

Wine tasting classes are educational courses rather than social events. While discussion is encouraged, classes are structured around learning objectives, guided tasting, and instructor-led explanation rather than casual or unstructured drinking.

What will I learn in a wine tasting class?

Students learn how to taste wine systematically, recognize major wine styles, understand key regions and grape varieties, and describe wine clearly and confidently. More advanced classes may explore regional history, production methods, or food and wine interaction.

Do I need to take classes in a specific order?

No fixed order is required. Many students begin with introductory classes and then choose more focused or advanced topics based on interest. Some students later decide to pursue more structured wine or sommelier training.

What is the difference between wine tasting classes and sommelier classes?

Wine tasting classes focus on education and enjoyment without formal certification requirements. Sommelier classes follow a structured curriculum with assessments and are designed for those pursuing professional credentials or advanced training.

Are wine tasting classes only offered in Philadelphia?

These wine tasting classes are offered in person in Philadelphia. Students seeking classes in other cities are encouraged to explore reputable local wine schools in those regions.

About Our Tasting Classes

These are not walk-around tastings or casual wine events. Our classes are seated and educational, built around comparative flights of great wine. Each class is taught by sommelier instructors, who are laser-focused on giving you a world-class education that is brilliant, delicious, and fun. If you want to know about wine and have a great evening out, these classes are for you.

Upcoming Classes in Philadelphia

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Our wine tasting classes regularly attract guests from across the greater Philadelphia area, including the Main Line, Chestnut Hill, Bucks County, Montgomery County, South Jersey, Wilmington, and surrounding suburbs. Classes are held in Philadelphia and worth the trip.

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