How to Learn About Wine

Interested in taking a wine class but not interested in shelling out hundreds of dollars for a professional program?

Many retailers and wine schools now offer wine appreciation courses for the casual consumer who is interested in learning a little bit more about tasting, purchasing and pairing wines.

Check out a few of these courses and if there's a great one in your city that we missed, send it to amcneely@redpointmedia.ca.

Calgary Wine Courses

Vine and Dine — "Wine Basics"

A three-week introduction to wine that covers tasting, pairing and Old World and New World wine. Classes held on Oct. 3, 17, and 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $185 per person. Call Linda Garson at 403-870-9802 or email linda@vineanddine.ca to reserve a spot.

Kensington Wine Market — Introduction to Red Wine

Kensington Wine Market is hosting an introduction to red wine on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. This one-evening class focuses on everything you need to know to buy a bottle of wine. The class is $35 per person and you can register online at kensingtonwinemarket.com.

The Cellar — Wine 101

An introduction to wine, including winemaking, buying, cellaring and tasting wine. The class will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40 per person. To book a seat, call (403) 503-0730 or e-mail mike@cellarwinestore.com.

Edmonton Wine Courses

Aligra Wine & Spirits — Wine Appreciation - The Fundamentals

Learn how to taste wine and make educated wine purchases during this evening class for wine beginners. It will be held on Monday, Oct. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $42 per person and can be purchased by calling (780) 483-1083 or emailing info@aligrawineandspirits.com.

Vancouver Wine Courses

The Dirty Apron Cooking School — Perfect Pairings

Chef David Robertson and Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard of House Wine will show you how to pair wine with food. Perfect Pairings will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $145 per person. Call (604) 879-8588 or visit the Dirty Apron website to purchase tickets.

Fine Vintage Ltd. — 'Fine Vintage' Certification: Food and Wine Pairing

Enjoy six small plate meals with wine and learn more about pairing wine and food from sommelier Lynn Coulthard. The course will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets are $299 per person. Register on the Fine Vintage Ltd. website.

Winnipeg Wine Courses

Banville & Jones — Gourmet Pizza Cooking and Wine Tasting

Learn how to cook gourmet pizzas and pair them with wine on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Banville & Jones. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased by calling (204) 948-WINE (9463).

Toronto Wine Courses

Global Wine Tour — Introduction to Wine Tasting

Learn the basic fundamentals of wine tasting and grape varieties, as well as the systematic approach to wine tasting used by professionals around the world. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and can be reserved by emailing info@globalwinetour.com.

LCBO — Wine Appreciation Courses

The LCBO's wine courses are held at retail locations throughout the province. Dates, times and courses vary based on location, but there are multiple classes throughout the fall for $100 to $150 per person. Visit the LCBO website for more information and to reserve a spot.

Photo: Jamie Drummond