Since ancient times people have associated wine with pleasure and in today’s modern world, wine is a sure sign of sophistication. Knowing how to choose the right wine and having a solid knowledge of wine gives you a sense of confidence in any social setting.  

Just imagine taking that first sip of wine you carefully selected from the wine list and finding it just as perfect as you already knew it would be. Or being able to say an insightful comment about the wine your host is serving and not worrying you just said something silly.

But it takes more than attending a short wine tasting to really absorb the essence of wine. It takes a bit more of an investment of your time and attention to wine to really “get” it.  

That’s why we offer the Aspen Wine School. An affordable six-day class held in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado taught by Dr. Stephen Reiss, Ph.D., a Certified Wine Educator. You will love learning about wine in this beautiful mountain setting.

ABOUT THE COURSE

DESCRIPTION:
The Aspen Wine School Basic Course is designed to give you a strong working knowledge of wine appreciation and the wine industry. Emphasis is placed on techniques for continued education.

Course Syllabus

GOALS:

1. To acquire the ability to recognize quality in wine from tasting.
2. To obtain a working knowledge of the World's wine regions.
3. Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to the purchase and distribution of wine, for enjoyment.

REQUIREMENTS:

Appreciation for wine and willingness to learn more about it.

FORMAT:
The course will consist of a series of tastings and lectures, as outlined in the Sample Course Schedule. Classes will start at Noon each day giving you the mornings free to enjoy the beautiful mountain setting. Average class length is 6 hours. Informal sessions after hours will be encouraged. Additional lectures for those taking the exam will start earlier.

EVALUATION: (Optional)
Wine Adept Certification will be presented upon the successful completion of the 3 part exam.

Your Wine Educator

All courses are taught by Dr. Stephen Reiss, Ph.D., a Certified Wine Educator, author of "Juice Jargon - How to talk about wine" and founder of the award winning web site WineEducation.com.

Dr. Reiss has been proclaimed "Aspen's Wine Guru" by the Aspen Magazine, and the Rocky Mountain News said "He can do no wrong." The Aspen Wine School has been featured in Food & Wine Magazine as well as newspapers and magazines around the world.

Course Details

All courses are on indefinite hold, please check back

Wine courses are held in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, each Spring and Fall.

Each course runs six hours a day, for six consecutive days. An advanced course of the same length is offered following the regularly scheduled basic course.

The cost of each course includes all materials, books and a few of our meals. We even supply your notepads and pens. You will also receive an autographed copy of Dr. Reiss’s book Juice Jargon - How to talk about wine.

Each Aspen Wine School Course is only $500 for the 6-day class, plus the cost of wine.

We are not licensed to sell wine. Wines will be purchased through licensed outlets and the cost will be shared by all participants.