These tidbits come from DiMaggio Washington’s World Wine Education textbook and the classes I took from him for my level two WSET sommelier certification. Consider this as a Part 2 of a Wine 101 education. (Thirsty for more? Scroll down for WSET class information and join me for the next one!)
- Wine was first made in the Middle East in 5000 BC.
- Dates were used to make wine.
- In most states if a wine is labeled, say “Cabernet Sauvignon”, it must be 75% from that grape.
- 93% of U.S. wine comes from California.
- There are approximately 100 different grape varieties grown in CA.
- The 1976 French vs. U.S. tasting, the “Judgment of Paris”, pitted CA wines against French, blind. CA won the top spot for both red and white, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay.
- It was mostly Franciscan monks that gave CA its start in the mid-1700s.
- Sutter Homes’ White Zinfandel hit in 1975 – a very popular “first” wine.
- Red wine may make an oily fish taste metallic. The one red wine, suggested for non-oily fish, is a low-tannin (more fruit) Pinot Noir.
- It’s sparkling wine in the U.S. and Champagne if from the Champagne region of France.
- There are approximately 4 glasses of wine from one bottle.
Also, to learn from DiMaggio, he is currently teaching Wine Studies at College of the Canyons. The summer session classes, including Wines of France and Wine Appreciation, both held at the Valencia Campus, can be found here: https://my2.canyons.edu/WebAdvisor/WebAdvisor?TOKENIDX=3227376511&SS=2&APP=ST&CONSTITUENCY=XWBS
*Want to join me in a WSET education? DiMaggio is teaching both Level 2 Intermediate (for those with some wine knowledge) and Level 3 Advanced (for graduated of Level 2, like myself. And yes, I plan on taking the next class!) here in Santa Clarita:
Forming classes for June and July, on Sundays, from 9am-6pm
Instructor: DiMaggio Washington
**RSVP: 310.720.5401**
A minimum of 12 students per class, required
**REMEMBER** Must be confirmed for course no later than May 15th, 2012
Intermediate Level 2 Course Fee $675
Advanced Level 3 Course Fee $1,150
~ includes lecture material, wine, notes and exam fee ~
WSET Level 2 Intermediate ~ This class, although noted as an “intermediate” course, is open to anyone who’s interested. You will cover all the basics and learn the essentials necessary to pass the test for certification. Two Day class.
WSET Advanced ~ This class is for those who already hold a Beginner/Intermediate WSET Certificate and are choosing to take their knowledge to the next level. You will learn the essentials necessary to pass the test for your WSET Advanced Certification. Four Day Class.
Class Location:
The Kitchen Wizard
23640 Cinema Drive, Suite B
Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: 661.254.1234
Website: www.thekitchenwizards.net or Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/Kitchenwizardsscv/info
Email: info@worldwineeducation.com
Website: www.worldwineeducation.com
Who will teach this course, DiMaggio Washington:
A few certifications held by DiMaggio would include: UCLA Certified Vintage Wine Program, UC Davis Small Vineyard and Wine Program, Court of Masters (International), WSET Wine Spirit and Education Trust (International) INSTRUCTOR.
DiMaggio’s passion for wine education encouraged him to recently publish a book, World Wine Education, for the student, hobbyist or wine lover in all of us. He also offers Wine Appreciation and WSET Certification Classes, as well as an education in wine and food pairings. You can visit his website at: www.worldwineeducation.com or contact him at info@worldwineeducation.com
