Fine Vintage Sensory Masterclass

The first thing we are taught to do with a glass of wine is to look at it. The second thing is to smell it, and only after we smell it do we tip the glass to taste the wine, though I do realize when you are thirsty, you might go right to step three! Which is the most important step? You might be tempted to say taste, but consider this: the taste buds on our tongues can only perceive five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and that elusive savory quality called umami. 

In this course we explore what that means in your glass. Curious as to how this works? Pour a glass of wine, pinch your nose closed and taste the wine. Without your nose to help you, all you will detect is some sweetness (that’s the alcohol and the basic sweetness of the wine), sour (that’s the acidity) and maybe a little bitterness from tannin. Now, stop pinching your nose and try tasting again – all those other elements like fruitiness, floral notes, spice…everything comes out in your wine, but only when you allow your nose to help. We might say that the taste buds provide taste but the nose provides flavor. In other words, the nose knows.

At Fine Vintage, Ltd. we have a powerful commitment to enhancing your ability to taste and that means honing your skill at coordinating both taste and flavor, both the sensory impression from your taste buds and from your sense of smell. That’s where this exciting sensory masterclass comes into play.

Fine Vintage's Sensory Masterclass

This 2-day course covers 14 classic grape varietals and the flavor/aroma profiles associated with them. For each grape variety, you will be provided with a selection of 3 to 5 strips dipped in pure aromatic essences commonly associated with that grape. You will smell each element individually, and they experience how they work together. We will coach you in developing techniques for identifying the aromatic characters individually and together. The most common comment I hear from those who attend a sensory course is that, "it is life changing." That may seem hyperbole now, but once you have the experience, I think you will find the statement accurate!

Over the two days of class tasting sessions, we cover the following:

• Techniques to develop your unique sense of smell

• How to identify over three dozen key aromas commonly found in wine by smelling pure essences with expert coaching

• The traits of 14 classic grape varieties through in-depth analysis of the aromas, flavors and key regions

• Identify aromas and flavors in the glass by tasting 24 wines to illustrate the above varietals

• Improve your ability to describe wines

• Increase your objectivity and precision in describing wines

We are excited to present this unique course to wine lovers at every level of experience. If you are a relative novice in wine, this course sets you on a solid path to enhance your wine experience. If you are pursuing higher levels of wine education, this coaching is invaluable for expanding your detailed knowledge of important grape varieties and honing your tasting skills. You will be amazed how this course expands your vocabulary and understanding of wine and especially how it enhances your tasting skills. I can assure you, after taking this course your understanding, appreciation and perception of wine will be forever changed.

For more information on the course, see my blog post about the program.

The course is kept small so it's important to register as soon as you decide to take the course - once we reach the class capacity, we will only take names for a waitlist. To register use the button below to go the Fine Vintage, Ltd webpage listing the sensory course in the appropriate city. I'll be leading the Sensory Masterclass in Chicago in September and Washington, DC in October. This is an amazing opportunity you will never forget and, if you are planning on taking Level 3, it is essential preparation.

Upcoming dates for Fine Vintage Sensory Masterclass with Lyn Farmer:

Chicago - September 16 & 17, 2023

We’ll be offering the Sensory Masterclass in Chicago one time during 2023 at the Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop on Saturday and Sunday, September er 16 & 17, 2023. If you are planning on taking the WSET Level 3 course, you will find the Sensory Masterclass and invaluable aid in perfecting your tasting skills. The course runs from 9:30am to 5:00pm each day with a one-hour break for lunch. To sign up, you can access the registration page on the Fine Vintage website by clicking the button below.

Washington, DC - October 7 & 8, 2023

We’ll be offering the Sensory Masterclass in Washington, DC on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8, 2023. The course runs from 9:30am to 5:00pm each day with a one-hour break for lunch. To sign up, you can access the registration page on the Fine Vintage website by clicking the button below.