Scholar of Modern Wine™

These classes are being held at our Rittenhouse schoolhouse. For access to online-only Advanced programs featuring Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe of the Wine School of Philadelphia, you can sign up here: Online Advanced Sommelier Courses.

Welcome to the “Scholar of Modern Wine” Program at the National Wine School, held in partnership with the prestigious Wine School of Philadelphia. This comprehensive program is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the evolution of modern wine production, highlighting its historical origins and global impact. Join us on a journey through the world of wine, every Monday evening from January 8th to March 4th, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm (excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day).

Class Schedule:

Class 1: Introduction to the Modern World

Class 2: Bordeaux – Unveiling the Modern Blend

• Dive into the 18th-century Bordeaux winemaking techniques that laid the groundwork for the modern Bordeaux style. Discover how blending and terroir became central to this French wine region’s success.

Class 3: Germany – Pioneers of Modern White Wine

• Explore Germany’s role in pioneering modern white wine. Learn about the innovative vineyard practices and precise fermentation controls that shaped the development of flavorful and aromatic white wines.

Class 4: Australia – Colonial Origins to Global Influence

• Trace Australia’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a global wine powerhouse. Uncover the fascinating journey of how British influence and modern winemaking techniques turned Australia into a wine country of distinction.

Class 5: South Africa – Emerging Forces of the 21st Century

• Delve into South Africa’s wine legacy, fueled by the Dutch East India Company’s trade routes. Explore the rise of modern wineries in Paarl and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that are shaping the wine landscape in the 21st century.

Class 6: Latin America – Trading Routes and Unique Voices

• Navigate the intricate web of Latin American trading companies and their influence on wine cultures. Investigate how Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico have each carved their unique identities in the global wine arena.

Class 7: The Parker Effect – Tasting the Modern Revolution

• Examine the pivotal role of wine critics in the modern era, with a spotlight on Robert Parker and his 100-Point Scale. Sample and discuss how this phenomenon has shaped contemporary wine styles.

Class 8: Napa Valley Retrospective – Decades of Evolution

• Embark on a retrospective journey through Napa Valley’s evolving wine styles. Focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and other major varietals, tracing their progression from the 80s to the present day.

Enroll in the “Scholar of Modern Wine” Program and gain a profound understanding of how the modern wine trade emerged from historical trade routes to its present-day significance. Your Monday evenings will be enriched with captivating insights, expert tastings, and an exploration of the influences that have shaped the world of wine. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a true scholar of modern wine.