Updated: 10/2/2008 - 4:12 AM

Wines by the Class

By Tracy Kamens

Wine Campers at Paumanok Vineyards Photo courtesy of Wine Camp

As consumers become more interested in wine, they frequently want to become more wine savvy. Although there are hundreds, if not thousands, of wine books on the market, learning about wine from books can be limiting and, certainly, the opportunity to taste wine is not only instructive, but also enjoyable. Fortunately, there's a multitude of options available, many of them on the East End.
Among the most formal, structured programs, Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food and Culture was recently awarded approved-provider status for the London-based Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program. Channing Daughters' winemaker Christopher Tracy was actively involved in the process, feeling that it was important to bring the WSET programs to the center rather than having the center create its own, as they had initially planned. “The WSET programs have more resonance; they are not just recognized locally or nationally, but also internationally,” he explains. Mr. Tracy, who holds the WSET's Diploma of Wine and Spirits and is a candidate for Master of Wine, teaches the course. The Intermediate Certificate program was held last spring. While a specific schedule has not been confirmed, the center plans to offer the Advanced Certificate next spring. WSET's Foundation program, a shorter, more basic course, is planned for late fall, also at the Southampton campus.
Less formal programs are also available through the Center for Wine, Food and Culture. While the schedule was not available before this issue went to press, director Louisa Hargrave said she was in the midst of developing a three-part series on Italian and Italian-style wines to be held this fall at the Stony Brook campus. A rich program of events and courses is also being planned. Keep an eye on stonybrook.edu/winecenter for the upcoming schedule and description of available activities as well as information on the WSET programs.
Not surprisingly, the wineries themselves are a great resource for adding to one's wine education. Most wineries offer tours that take visitors through the vineyard or winery or both, providing a close-up look at winemaking. Along these lines, The Old Field Vineyards in Southold offers two tours each Saturday, year-round. At 11:30 a.m., the first program, led by vineyard manager and assistant winemaker Perry Weiss, focuses on sustainable agriculture. Her father, co-owner Chris Baiz, follows at 1:30 with a tour of the historical farm, including an overview of viticulture. Visit theoldfield.com.
Several of the wineries also offer classes. For example, Channing Daughters presents wine seminars every month except October, December and January. Limited to 24 people, each seminar highlights a different region, wine style or concept and includes tastings of 12 wines. The Nov. 21 tasting class will feature the wines of Rioja, Spain. See channingdaughters.com.
Castello di Borghese, Peconic Bay, Duck Walk, Pindar, Shinn Estate, Lenz and a number of other Long Island wineries also offer educational vineyard walks, cellar tours and tastings. Visit the Web sites listed in the Winery Profiles in this issue to find out more.
A hands-on approach is offered through Wine Camp, the only learning experience of its kind in the region. Each session during the three-day, four-night program offers interaction with winemakers and owners at participating vineyards and includes time in the vineyard and cellar whatever the season. Participants learn about the history of the region, “terroir,” sustainable vineyard management and much more and enjoy a catered food-and-wine pairing dinner on the last evening. Also included in the $829 per-person fee are lodging at a participating North Fork B&B, wine tastings, breakfasts, lunches in the vineyards, dinner at a fine restaurant and a case of wine and special gifts to take home. The 2009 schedule: Feb. 27-29; April 16-19; June 15-18; and July 20-23. See winecamp.org or call 631-495-9744.
Another option on the East End, Grand Cru Classes (in the interest of full disclosure, the author is a principal in this firm), provides public and private wine classes at its Tuscan-inspired tasting classroom in Mattituck, which is adjacent to its educational vineyard. A wide variety of classes is available on a rotating basis, such as From Vine to Wine, From Mystery to Mastery, and the Great Grapes! series, which includes Mad About Merlot, Penchant for Pinot and Hooray for Chardonnay, among others. Public classes are generally presented on weekends, with each class lasting 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Private and customized classes and events are also available. See GrandCruClasses.com.
For those seeking an in-depth study of wine at home, the Society of Wine Educators offers a self-tutored course comprising a 212-page study guide and optional access to a 15-module online academy. This course serves as preparation for the society's Certified Specialist of Wine credential. The program covers viticulture, grape varieties, wine production, wine regions and wine appreciation. A 100-question, multiple-choice exam is offered at various locations throughout the U.S. Although online courses can't offer a participant the same experience as a live course does, they can provide a more interactive learning environment than simply reading a book. For more information on SWE and/or to order the study guide, visit societyofwineeducators.org or call 202-408-8777.
Tracy Kamens, who holds a doctorate in education, earned the Diploma of Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and is a member of the American Wine Society. With her husband, Jared Skolnick, she founded and runs Grand Cru Classes, a wine-education concern based in Mattituck. Visit grandcruclasses.com for more information.