Tasting Classes in Chicago, IL

If you've been looking to learn more about wine, look no further! We’ll begin with learning how to taste wine in proper fashion and then delve into the individual varieties. We’ll discuss prominent characteristics, a little history, build your wine vocabulary and basic wine appreciation tips. My goal is to help you learn what you...

Maybe you've been curious about what all the buzz is about. Perhaps you like rosé, but want to educate your palate. Or maybe you just like learning in a fun, relaxed, environment with like minded people. Well, spring has sprung and that signals the release of the new rosé vintages. This is the perfect time of year to delve into the world of rosé...

Tapeamos! Take a virtual hour-and-a-half trip to Spain in your own kitchen. We’ll make three classically tasty tapas: Patatas Bravas & Paprika Aïoli Garlic Shrimp Warm Spiced Olives Materials needed to participate fully Garlic Shrimp ½ lb. medium sized shrimp (I like 21/26 size, but any will do, just make sure they’re thawed) ...

Bring a taste of NYC to your kitchen: learn to make bagels! Make, shape, then boil and bake this tasty brunch treat along with our chef instructor. We’ll even make a roasted garlic-chive cream cheese to schmear on a bagel at the end of this two-hour class. You Will Learn To: Make bagel dough Roll bagels into their bagel-y shapes...

Join our chef to make dumplings, or 餃子, with two different fillings: pork & celery, and mushroom-veggie. We’ll start with the two-ingredient dough from scratch, make our pork and veggie fillings, shape the dumplings, and then cook them! The chef will guide you through the process, from kneading to shaping, then we’ll cook by steaming,...

Can you create perfect pairings or are you paralyzed by the rules? Learn pairing theories and exceptions and the progression of flavors in multi-course meals. Come play with your food and wine as we taste 36 combinations and discuss each student's impressions and preferences.  Challenging food ingredients will also be reviewed and how to overcome...

Join us for our classic distillery tour, getting an inside-look at every step of the production process! Tours are available on Zoom and last for around 45 minutes.

Get answers to all of the questions you have been afraid to ask and learn the basics of wine, from how it's made, decoding wine labels, how to taste & talk about wine, important grapes and styles, how to buy wine, storage, service and food pairing. The tasting of 6 wines will focus on the structure of wine, various styles and main grape varieties.  ...

Fermented grain is the focus this session as we present the origins of beer, ingredients, production and styles. We discuss the international standards and the rise of the craft beer movement.  Taste the spectrum from pilsner to stout and lambic to Trappist then dive into multiple parallel fermentations with the production and styles of sake....

Do you know your white spirits from your brown? Learn the bases and origins of several spirits, types of stills and global standards for vodka, gin, tequila, rum, brandies of the world, whiskies of the world and more.  Discover the tools, terms and traits of a good bartender and their world of cocktails. Taste a sampling of brown spirits to...

This is a great way to learn whiskey and develop your taste. In this session, you will learn how whiskey is made, the many differences between whiskies, how to taste, and practice. The goal? You will learn how to better enjoy whiskey. This is very interactive, quite fun and you can ask any question. Being at home is probably the best spot to learn...

Are you skilled in the sensory evaluation of wine? The practice of wine tasting requires a formalized methodology that includes understanding perceived wine flavors, aromas, and characteristics of wine. Sommeliers understand and can explain the structure, style, balance and quality of wine, as well identify winemaking flaws.  This workshop is...

Can you create perfect pairings or are you paralyzed by the rules? Learn basic food pairing theories and see how different styles of wine interact with primary flavor components. Come taste many combinations and discuss the impact on your palate. Learn your preferences and those in the class and improve your confidence with new pairing knowledge! ...

Travel the world of Syrah...  Explore the power, elegance and versatility of Syrah/Shiraz and its potential to challenge Cab & Pinot as king of CA reds. Learn its origins, other homes and characteristics.  Discover how Syrah varies based on climate, soils and traditions in various international regions through a guided tasting of 5-6...

Sonoma County will never accept second place to Napa. We explore the amazing diversity of Napa’s neighbor toward the coast. This dynamic workshop will provide students with the background necessary to understand its distinction and reputation in the wine market. With a variety of climate and soil conditions and a recently expanded number of AVAs,...