Winter Wine Fundamentals Series

We invite you to the Cork Tasting Room to taste wine and learn about different varietals, how wine is made and the people who make it. Our Wine Fundamentals Classes explore over 15 different varietals from all over the world and focus on teaching the basics, including navigating a wine list, picking wine in a store and strategies for successful wine and food pairings.

Wine Fundamentals 1: The Basics

The first of our four-part Wine Fundamentals series takes you, the casual wine drinker, into the basics of the wonderful world of wine. Start your wine journey by discovering the basic differences in types of grapes, styles and regions, and explore wine-tasting with an eye toward finding out which wines you enjoy the most.

In this class you will:

• Discover the differences between grape varietals
• Use your senses to evaluate wine -swirl, sniff & sip
• Learn basic wine vocabulary
• Explore wine regions
• Learn about wine storage and serving techniques

Dates and times:

• Saturday, January 14th 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 17th 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $45

Wine Fundamentals 2: Terroir

The second class in the Wine Fundamentals series takes the next step beyond the basics and more into the world of wine. Building on Level I, you will learn about and sample more grape varietals and begin to differentiate stylistic variations among various wine regions. You will also learn how to begin training your palate to identify the additional aspects of wine aromas and flavors.

In this class you will:

• Learn more about grape varietals and their differences
• Differentiate wine-making styles and their affect on wine
• Enhance your ability to analyze and talk about wine: smells, tastes, styles and regional differences
• Feel comfortable buying wine in a store or restaurant

Dates and times:

• Saturday, January 21st 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Wine Fundamentals 3: Compare New and Old World

The third installment in the Wine Fundamentals series goes beyond the basics to start comparing the true difference of terroir or "sense of place." You will learn how soil, climate, elevation, growing techniques and the hand of the winemaker all contribute to what finally ends up in the bottle. This class will also teach you how to analyze these factors and learn how to compare stylistic and regional differences.

In this class you will:

• Learn to compare different wine styles by grape, region, wine making process
• Explore how to use your senses to detect more subtle notes in a wine and be able to describe them
• Delve into the philosophy behind food and wine pairing

Dates and times:

• Saturday, January 28th 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Wine Fundamentals 4: Food & Wine Pairing

The final installment in the Wine Fundamentals series rounds out your initial plunge into the world of wine by refining your ability to analyze and differentiate regional and stylistic variations of wine. You will learn how to build a menu of food and wine pairings and be confident in your ability to identify many different aspects of the wines you enjoy.

In this class you will:

• Discern subtle differences between the wines tasted throughout the series
• Analyze a wine's components and how these relate to food
• Taste wine with food to discover how different flavors work together
• Put all the knowledge from this series together to confidently pair wine with food and plan a dinner with wine pairings

Dates and times:

• Saturday, February 4th 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $55

Email us at CLASSES@CorkDC.COM or call us at 202-265-2674 to sign up!

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Taste Wines at Cork Market for Everyday & A Few for Special Occasions!!

Cork's Taste of the Day

Monday - Thursday 5-7PM

Each weekday Cork Market staff will be pouring new wines to taste and pair with your dinner or one of our delicious prepared foods. Try something different each night on your way home from work!!

AND….Don't forget to join us for FREE weekend tastings!

Every Friday evening and Saturday afternoon our favorite distributors and winemakers join us to pour delicious wines!

Friday 6-8PM
Saturday 3-6PM

These tastings are complimentary and special discounts apply on wines purchased. Participants must be 21 and will receive special pricing on these wines at Cork Market.

Want to explore the world of wine, but can’t make it to any of these tastings? New tastings and classes are listed each week! Just check back for new postings or join our mailing list to be updated about offerings!