We are going to be "Taste Like the Pros" at the end of the month. I'm putting together the wines now. I remember when I first experienced the "light bulb" moments of some of the stuff we'll be going over. I don't want to give too much away but here are some of the highlights.

• Learn the affect temperature has on wine. You wouldn't believe how much 7 or eight degrees can make in enjoyment of wine.

• Learn to decipher the subtleties of winemaker’s influence, including the difference between French and American Oak. This is a very useful tool in helping you make selections for your own palate.

• Understand terms like legs, body, tannins, acid, alcohol and how they affect your palate differently. One of the senses you don't often think about using when tasting wine is "hearing" when you listen to others talk about wine you begin to feel more comfortable using wine terminology. Understanding this terminology and the different characteristics of wine, you can better assess your own personal preferences. This is key to buying the right wines for you, not taking the word of some critic who may or may not like the same juice as you.

• Learn to assess wine, and distinguish between good, better and great. There are great wines and then there are everyday drinking wines. I mean it would be nice to drink 82 Bordeauxs all the time but for most that is unrealistic. Learn to find high-quality wines for great prices because you know what you're looking for.

This is just a bit about the class, I'm anxious to see who turns up and think that I have picked some great examples of wine to work with. Space is limited so sign up now!

Cheers!

Dustin Jones
Director of Education for VinVillage