My name is Katherine and I am going to teach you how to taste wine like a pro! Wine can be an intimidating beverage, but doesn't have to be as the experience of enjoying wine is subjective. Just as you may have a preference for music, you learn you have a preference for wine too!

I have been studying and teaching wine for over 15 years now and still exploring new and different wines every week. Wine is an ever-growing skill, the more you experience, the more you know.

Learning the steps to tasting wine will give you the best chance possible to explore and discover your flavor preferences when it comes to wine. Through this exploration, you will experience the characteristics of the different varietals and take the leap into the ever growing world of wine.

Wine is, in the most basic way, fermented grape juice. There are many things that influence the way a wine tastes, most importantly the type of grape(s) used.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Zinfandel

Syrah

Grenache

Pinor Noir

Malbec

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Gris

Reisling

In the U.S., the name of the wine corresponds to the grape that comprises most of the juice.

Here are some common grape varietals...Do any sound familiar?

It is important to understand that each type of grape produces different characteristics and flavors. As we learn the steps to tasting wine, it is important to note differences and similarities as you taste.

There are 5 steps to tasting wine:

• See
• Swirl
• Smell
• Sip
• Savor

These steps are designed for you to get the most out of every taste.

SEE

This is all about looking at the wine and taking note of the color, viscosity and translucence. There is a lot to how a wine looks and can set your other senses up for a great experience.