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Introductory Wine Appreciation Course
Q. What will I learn?
A. The course aims to give you a basic knowledge of the wines of the World and why they taste as they do. We will also look at problems such as choosing wines in a restaurant or in a shop, how to care for wine, and how to make sense of a wine label. De-mystification and enjoyment are the key; wine snobs will be exposed and wine bores de-bunked.
Q. Who goes on a wine course?
A. Just about anyone with an interest in the subject. From 18 to 65+ years of age, people from all kinds of backgrounds and careers have attended our courses – even someone who did not drink!
Q. What does the fee include?
A. Everything except your six tasting glasses (bring your own or buy a set of six on the first night at £15), a spittoon (bring your own; a jam jar is perfect), and the optional examination:
WSET exams will be charged separately at the time of registration and all candidates will be notified of the prevailing rate before registration. For an up-to-date fee table please see www.wset.co.uk.
Q. What happens if I cannot taste?
A. Apart from a rare medical condition where you have no sense of smell, effective tasting is essentially a matter of practice. We will taste six wines and devote at least forty-five minutes to tasting technique per session so everyone has a chance to learn at his or her own pace.
Q. What will the course be like?
A. It is very informal and there is plenty of interaction. We will spend approximately half the time discussing the theory with the aid of videos and OHPs. The remainder of the evening will be spent tasting.
Q. Who teaches the course?
A. Karen Hyde is the main teacher. She holds the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma in Wines and Spirits. WineMatters may also use other teachers, all of whom will hold advanced WSET qualifications in order to maintain the high level of tuition.
Q. How do I join?
A. Easy - send your name, address, and all contact details (telephone and e-mail) to Karen. You will be asked for a deposit of £75 two to three months before the course starts.
Your deposit cheque will be cashed as soon as we are certain of numbers as we have a number of advance costs to meet, not least the wines! WineMatters’ policy on deposits is that if you have to withdraw, the deposit will be refunded unless you give unreasonably short notice (giving us no reasonable chance to get in anybody to take up the place) or unless the financial viability of the course is threatened. Of course, if the course has to be cancelled for any reason, the deposit will be refunded.
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