THE BASICS OF WINE TASTING
STIFEL CENTER LAUNCHES WINE EDUCATION SERIES

WHEELING, W.Va. (September 17, 2009)- - Learn the basics of wine tasting from 6:30 – 8:30 October 22 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center during an “Introduction to Wine” workshop, which is designed to introduce the most important building blocks of wine knowledge.

“Introduction to Wine” is the first in the 2009-2010 Wine Education Series offered by Oglebay Institute. The introductory course will explore how wine is made, grape varieties, aging and bottling.

Other workshops include:

December 3 – Wine and Entertaining: how to order wine, proper wine tasting, how to read a label, matching food and wine, wine buying and storage

February 18 - Wine Varieties: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon/Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, Blends, Shiraz

March 25 - Wine Tasting: wine varieties and food

Workshops are highly recommended for beginners but even those with experience will learn something new.

Wine aficionado Jorge Saavedra will lead all the programs. A native of Chile, Saavedra immigrated to the United States in the mid-70s and began a more than 30-year career in the restaurant business and wine field. He is very knowledgeable about wine regions around the world and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

“Like tennis or golf, wine tasting has become quite the recreational sport,” Stifel Center director Rick Morgan, who also organizes Oglebay Institute’s monthly wine tasting series The Art of Wine,” said. “Just like picking up a racket or club for the first time, talking about wine can be intimidating for beginners. We launched this wine education series so that people can better understand how and why we taste.”

Morgan said that classes take place in an engaging, smart and interactive environment that emphasizes “plain talk.”

“Our goal is for people to expand their wine knowledge and recognize the differences between several mainstay wine varieties so they feel more comfortable purchasing wine for a dinner, going to a wine bar or attending tasting events. “

Cost of each workshop is $25. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. For more information or to register for an individual workshop or the entire series, call the Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304.242.7700.