Sommelier Secrets: The Wine Tasting Class

You don’t get named a top sommelier by CBS and SOMM without learning a trick or two. In this class, we let you in on the trade secrets that will change how you buy and serve wine.

This is an introductory course, so you will feel right at home even if you haven’t taken a Wine 101 class. Want to know how to make an inexpensive wine taste like an expensive one? Want to be able to buy wine by just looking at the fine print on the label? Want to spend less money but get better quality wine?

Of course, you do! This two-hour wine-tasting class will reveal the four essential secrets to finding your inner sommelier and much more.

Sommelier Secrets Tasting Sheets

July 2023

Flight 1: Conquering a Wine List

Old World Chardonnay (French)

New World Chardonnay (Chilean)

Flight 2: Serving Temperatures

1. Chianti

2. Same

Flight 3: When & How to Decant

1. Southern Rhone Blend

2. Same Wine (Decanted 2 hours)

Flight 4: Food & Wine Pairing

1. Australian Shiraz-Viognier

April 2019

Flight 1: Conquering a Wine List

1, Chablis

2. California Chardonnay

Flight 2: Serving Temperatures

1. Chianti Classico

2. Same

Flight 3: When & How to Decant

1. Southern Rhone Blend

2. Same Wine (Decanted 2 hours)

Flight 4: Food & Wine Pairing

1. South African Cabernet Sauvignon

September 2017

Flight 1: The Bull’s Eye Effect

1. Kendall-Jackson 2016 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, California AVA

2. Talbott 2015 Kali Hart Estate Grown Chardonnay, Monterey AVA, Central Coast, California

Flight 2: “Vinted by” vs. “Produced by”

1. Francis Coppola 2015 Diamond Collection Ivory Label Cabernet Sauvignon

2. Gordon Estate 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Flight 3: When & How to Decant

1. Parducci 2014 True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah

2. Same As Above (Decanted 2 Hours)

Flight 4: Buyer & Seller Perspectives

1. For Seller

2. For Buyer

January 2017

Flight 1: The Bull’s Eye Effect

1. Murphy-Goode Chardonnay, CALIFORNIA

2. Yering Station Chardonnay, YARRA YARRA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA

Flight 2: “Produced by” vs. “Bottled by”

1. Sterling Vintner’s Collection Merlot

2. Mill Creek Merlot

Flight 3: When & How to Decant

1. Chateaux Maris 2011 La Touge Syrah (Just Opened)

2. Same As Above (Decanted 2 Hours)

Flight 4: Buyer & Seller Perspectives

1. Rocca di Castagnoli 2010 Chianti Classico (for Seller)

2. Same as Above (for Buyer)

March 2016

Flight 1: The Bull’s Eye Effect
(Purchased For Same price at PLCB Store ($15/$16)

1. Chateau St. Jean 2012 Chardonnay, North Coast, CA

2. Chateau St. Jean 2012 Chardonnay, Robert Young Vineyard, Alexander Valley, Napa, CA

Flight 2: “Produced by” vs. “Bottled by”
(Purchased For Same price at PLCB Store ($15/$16)

1. Sterling 2012 “Vintner’s Collection” Merlot, Central Coast (Vinted by)

2. Mill Creek 2012 Merlot, Sonoma County (Produced By)

Flight 3: When & How to Decant

1. Fuerza 2011 Jumilla, Spain (Opened 2 Minutes)

2. Fuerza 2011 Jumilla, Spain (Decanted 2 Hours)

Flight 4: Buyer & Seller Perspectives

1. Wine #1 with Fruit

2. Wine #2 with Cheese

January 2015

Flight 1: The Bull’s Eye Effect

1. Toasted Head 2011 “Barrel Aged” Chardonnay, CALIFORNIA

2. Lapostolle 2009 “Atalayas Vineyard” Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, CHILE

Flight 2: “Vinted by” vs. “Grown by”
1. La Merika 2010 Pinot Noir, CALIFORNIA

2. Benton Lane 2009 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OREGON

Flight 3: When & How to Decant and its Effects
1. Rasteau 2007 “Ortas Prestige” Cotes du Rhone Villages, FRANCE (Just Opened)

2. Rasteau 2007 “Ortas Prestige” Cotes du Rhone Villages, FRANCE (Decanted 2 Hours)

Flight 4: Proper Storage Conditions
1. Penley Estate 2010 “Phoenix” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, AUSTRALIA (Flawed)

2. Penley Estate 2010 “Phoenix” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, AUSTRALIA (Unflawed)

Bonus: How would a Sommelier…
* shop for/ collect wine?
* recognize flaws?

*pair wine with food?
*properly serve wine?