Course Description
Unlocking the World of Wine
Wine: a tantalizing elixir, deeply woven into the tapestry of cultures around the world, but often perceived as a labyrinthine subject. This course promises to be your beacon, illuminating the world of wine and ensuring that you navigate it with confidence and joy.
Erase any trepidation you've ever had about understanding wine. Embark on a journey that begins with mastering fundamental wine concepts and terminology, setting a sturdy foundation for the exploration that lies ahead.
Journey through the Vines:
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Global Wine Tour: Traverse the iconic wine regions of France, Italy, and Spain, then extend your voyage to the robust vineyards of the United States, the enchanting wineries of Portugal, Australia's sun-kissed valleys, Austria's scenic wine trails, the ancient vine lands of Greece, and beyond.
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The Art of Tasting: Know what to look for in taste and smell and learn to savor wines like a professional.
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Selecting with Confidence: Whether you're at an upscale restaurant, a local store, or planning a meal at home, gain the expertise to choose the perfect bottle every time.
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Pairing Perfection: Discover the symphony of flavors that can be achieved when wine meets food. From appetizers to desserts, we'll demystify the principles of wine and food pairing.
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From Vine to Glass: Dive deep into the alchemy of winemaking. Grasp the transformative journey of grapes--from the moment they're plucked from the vine until they're elegantly captured in a bottle.
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The Heart of Wine -- The Grape: The humble grape, the cornerstone of every wine, holds secrets and stories. Delve into the diverse grape varieties and understand their pivotal role in crafting distinct wines.
Wine, with its myriad flavors, textures, and histories, is one of life's most delightful pleasures. This course ensures that you enjoy it to the fullest, savoring each sip with knowledge and appreciation. So raise a glass to a richer understanding and a world of delightful discoveries!
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
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Learning Outcomes
- Describe the role of climate, soil, and harvest timing in shaping grape ripeness and quality, using specific examples of wine regions and varietals.
- Recognize the influence of grape varietals, fermentation, and maturation processes on wine flavors by identifying distinct characteristics and profiles.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize wine flaws, such as cork taint and oxidation, and explain their impact on wine quality and taste.
- Identify and describe the key factors that affect a wine's aging potential, including grape variety, vintage, and winemaking techniques.
- Compare and contrast the distinctive qualities of Alsace and Loire Valley white wines, including their flavor profiles, alcohol content, and recommended food pairings.
- Identify and describe the characteristics and main grape varieties of white wines from the Alsace, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and Burgundy regions of France.
- Describe the historical challenges and innovations in the American wine industry, including the effects of European vine importation and the impact of Prohibition on wine production.
- Recognize the unique characteristics of the wine regions in Washington, Oregon, and New York by identifying specific grape varietals and winemaking styles.
- Define and describe the major wine-producing regions in California, including their unique grape varieties and wine styles.
- Identify the contributions and innovations of California's wine industry pioneers, such as Robert Mondavi, in global winemaking practices.
- Analyze how changing German wine legislation has influenced the restructuring and quality focus of the country's viniculture industry since 1971.
- Describe the various classifications within Germany's wine law, detailing the differences in sweetness and quality, such as Kabinett, Spätlese, and Eiswein.
- Identify the primary characteristics of three distinct grape varieties used in German white wine production, including Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Silvaner.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
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Introduce Yourself | 2 points |
Lesson 1: Introduction to Wine: Flavors and Fermentation | 10 points |
Lesson 2 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 2: Introduction to Wine: Aging and Tasting | 10 points |
Lesson 3: White Wines of France | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 4: History of American Wine, and the Wines of Washington, Oregon, and New York | 10 points |
Lesson 5 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 5: The Wines of California | 10 points |
Lesson 6: White Wines of Germany | 10 points |
Lesson 7: Red Wines of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley | 10 points |
Lesson 8 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 8: Red Wines of Bordeaux | 10 points |
Lesson 9: Red Wines of California | 10 points |
Lesson 10 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 10: Wines of Spain and Italy | 10 points |
Lesson 11: Champagne, Sherry, and Port Wines | 10 points |
Lesson 12 Activity | 1 points |
Lesson 12: Wines From Other Regions of the World | 10 points |
The Final Exam | 35 points |