Wine Appreciation

This lesson discusses the seasons of the vine and explores the seasonal changes and complexity of grapes. We introduce the term terroir which will explain factors that leads to grape ripening. We also touch on the effect of stress on the grapevine and the outcome on the wine.

In-depth discussion of all the factors that go into selecting a site for planting vineyards and how that will affect wine quality. Discuss factors that make up terroir - climate, topography and soil. Differentiate between vineyard training vs. vineyard trellising. introduce alternative viticultural practices.

Harvest time is an exciting time of year in the wine industry! In this lesson we're starting in the vineyard with understanding the process of berry ripening and how to sample grapes properly. From the vineyard we will move into the cellar where the steps to processing white grapes and red grapes will be listed and discussed. We will compare the use of agrochemicals in viticulture to integrated pest management strategies and discuss 3 main fungal diseases in viticulture.

Understand what happens during the process of alcoholic fermentation. what happens chemically, what organisms are responsible for it, which factors influence it and what can potentially go wrong. We will discuss how the process of alcoholic fermentation is monitored and controlled, as well as common problems that can occur. Lastly, we will list adjustments that can be made to juice and wine.

We have introduced secondary fermentation in wine in module 1, and in this lesson, we will talk about the details. We will look at how malolactic fermentation works and how it influences wine. We'll look at the use of sulphur dioxide in wine as a preservative and lastly we will introduce fortified wines, discuss how they are made and look at some examples.

Oak and wine go way back. In this lesson, we will look at the history and origin of the oak barrel. We will learn about how they are made and what happens to wine when it is aged in oak. Different types of oak barrels will be discussed, as well as alternate ways oak is used in wine.

Before bottling, a wine needs to be 'finished'. We will discuss all the processes that go into finishing a bottle of wine and preparing it for bottling. The process of fining and filtering will be explained with examples.

We will walk through the steps of bottling wine in a bottling line and discuss the details of the process. The term 'bottle-shock' will be introduced and discussed. Wine changes as it ages in the bottle and we will take a closer look at the details of this process. Lastly, we'll talk about how to properly store wine at home, and how to know when to open it.

Introduce the main internationally recognised wine styles with examples.

Introduce classic white wine varieties and explain their identifying characteristics in terms of typical style, defining aromas and flavours and where in the world it's commonly produced.

We will recap on new terminology that has been introduced throughout the course thus far and show you how to use these new words to navigate a wine list with confidence.

The world of wine is a vast place filled with opportunity. It is an industry that encourages and values global learning and travel. In this lesson, we will list and discuss different careers that one can have in the wine industry and how to go about it.

Food and wine are made for each other. In this lesson, we will look at the basics of food and wine pairing and equip you with the know-how to do it on your own with confidence.

Food and wine are made for each other. In this lesson, we will look at the basics of food and wine pairing and equip you with the know-how to do it on your own with confidence.

We will identify common wine faults, and their causes and learn how to identify them. Discuss the basics of how your body processes alcohol and what happens when you become intoxicated. We'll look into what a hangover looks like in the body and what are common 'cures' for a hangover. Lastly, we'll investigate what causes headaches, red cheeks or allergies when you drink wine.

In this lesson, we will go back in time and learn about the amphora, which is still used in modern wineries today. We will understand the use of concrete fermentation and maturation vessels and how they affect the process of alcoholic fermentation, putting a special focus on the concrete egg. We will finish off the lesson by introducing some alternative ways wine is made, matured and stored - including storing wine in the ocean!

Your final module in wine appreciation will take you on a round-the-world trip in wine. We'll start our journey with an introduction to old-world wines versus new-world wines and what defines them.

The first stop is in France. We will explore Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Alsace and Rhone.

Next up we are in Italy, We will explore Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, Lombardie, Umbria

Lesson 4 takes us to Spain where we will explore regions like Ebro and Duero River Valleys (Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda, Cariñena), Northern Mediterranean Coast(Cava, Priorat, Montsant), Southern Mediterranean (Utiel-Requena, Yecla, Jumilla, Bullas), Central Plateau (Méntrida, Uclés, Vinos de Madrid, etc), Andalucía(herry, Sierras de Málaga, Montilla-Moriles), The Islands (Islas Canarias, Illes Baleares).

In lesson 5 we visit the Americas! We'll go to South America: Chile (Maipo Valley, Cachapoal Valley,), Argentina (Mendoza, Catamarca) and Uruguay (Montevideo) and North America: California, Washington, New York and Oregon.

Lesson 6 takes us to sunny South Africa. We'll explore regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson, Swartland, Cape Town, Walker Bay, Bot River and Elgin.

Our journey into the new world of wine continues. In this lesson, we travel to Australia and New Zealand. We'll visit Western Australia (Margaret River), South Australia (McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley), Victoria (Yarra Valley), Sydney (Hunter Valley), Queensland (Stanthorpe), and Tasmania. New Zealand: Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Canterbury, Central Otago.

The final lesson in your wine appreciation course will wrap up with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of wine. We'll look at alternative wine styles and natural wines as well as the future of the industry and all the opportunities it may hold.