ABC’s a smash!

I just had to take the time this morning to jot a quick ‘thanks’ for all who made my ABC’s of wine class a smash hit last nite at Cook’s of Crocus Hill in St. Paul.

With 30 folks in attendance, almost 95% of those who came were brand new faces to an Amusée wine class.  With a room packed from those who absoultely knew nothing about wine to a few who knew quite a bit, there was much to be learned by all.  

From the very beginning steps to  properly siting, smelling and tasting wine – my three hour class taught the intricate differences between understanding new/old world wines, noble varietals, soil types, proper storage and cellaring for wines, stemare and serving etiquette down to simplistic tips for food/wine pairing at home. 

Often times when students come in to a 3 hour wine class, they are not always sure what to expect.  I’m sure fearing that I could turn out to be a flat, snobby, un-enthusiastic wine brat is just one of the thoughts that run through their heads as they see me seated at the front of the class.  Yet, quickly after breaking the ice with silly ‘cork dork’ jokes, sharing my ‘do you like it? then drink it!’ theory and with lots of bubbly to start, the look of ‘don’t call on me’ goes away.  I warn that after the first hour passes, I, as the instructor, will not be able to get a word in edgewise.  (I was right about that last nite!)

It’s always fun to see a class progress and see the little lights turn on inside their wine brains.  One couple, very memorable, could not wait to talk about the ‘blind tasted’ New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that they had in their glass.  Eeking to raise their hands and speak of their experience on their NZ honeymoon, they gushed about the soil, the ail, the grapes and the wines that they had consumed on their adventure.  They knew, exactly, what was in their glass when it was poured, just from the smells that they remembered.  Honestly, giving me goosebumps, it is the greatest joy that I get from teaching these classes in these settings.  I make it clear that no answer is incorrect, no wine question is stupid and all tasting notes are allowable – this is where ‘experiencing’ wine is fun. 

I suppose I just wanted to make it a point to say ‘thank you’ for all who attended last nite.  It was a very memorable experience for me and I will probably never forget that very sweet honeymoon story and continue to speak of it in upcoming classes.

Thanks for the laughs, your enthusiastic energy and personal stories – after all, they ARE what makes this little wine world go round and round.

On a side note ~ If you haven’t taken the time to come to one of my classes, I strongly encourage you to- they are always a blast!  For more info, a list of classes and events are posted under my WINE EVENTS page at: http://amuseewine.com/html/wine_events.html

*Don’t forget about our 2nd Annual Upcoming Aphrodisiac Dinner at Café Ena this Monday, Feb 9th!  Sign up quick, space is limited.  For more info call Café Ena at 612.824.4441 or visit http://www.cafeena.net/ to make your reservations.