Join Colorado wine expert and culinary author, Simone FM Spinner, for her master class series on wines, Everything You Need to Know About Wine. The series consists of six unique courses, each course presented over four sessions, in which registrants will explore various wine styles from across the globe, learn to taste and evaluate wine like a professional, uncover the latest trends in wine, and learn best practices for collecting and investing in wine. If you are a wine neophyte, a casual consumer, or a serious oenophile, this series is for you!
Unfortunately, this series has been cancelled due to low enrollment.
Join us for this exciting new series!
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Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm
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CU Denver CityCenter
(CU Denver Building: 1250 14th Street, Rm 1110, Denver, CO 80202) -
$200 price includes 3 classroom discussions (no tasting included) and 1 deductive wine tasting analysis during the 4th session
Select a course in the Master Class Series and ENROLL Now
Are you confused between the difference between Prosecco and Champagne, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, or Garnacha and Cannonau? Think you don’t like Sherry or Port? Think again. Wine expert, Simone FM Spinner, will guide you through traditional and emerging wine regions from across the globe by exploring the noble grape varietals and lesser-known indigenous varietals. You will learn how regional diversity and production techniques influence style, taste, and aesthetic experience. In this course you will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5pm-7pm, July 17 - August 7 at CU Denver CityCenter
- July 17 - Reds & Rosé, by style, not region
- July 24 - Whites, by style, not region
- July 31 - Sparkling & Fortified Wines, by style, not region
- August 7 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the first course, The Only Thing You Need to Know About Wine is What You Like, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
Registration is now closed for this course, please enroll in the next one!
Building on what we learned in the first course, we will explore taste and preference in detail as we learn about neuroaesthetics and neuroenology. These cutting edge research fields aim to explain preference and universality in taste experiences. You will also learn about new ways to engage your senses for a more satisfying sensory experience by pairing wine not just with food, but environmental ambiance such as art or music. You will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm, September 4 - October 2 at CU Denver CityCenter
- September 4 - Neuroaesthetics & Neuroenology
- September 11 - Multisensory Experience
- September 25 - The Matrix and Wine & Art Pairing, The Matrix and Wine & Music Pairing
- October 2 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the second course, The Aesthetics of Wine, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
Registration is now closed for this course, please enroll in the next one!
Are you curious about the differences between a Chablis and a Sonoma Chardonnay or a Loire Sauvignon Blanc as it compares to one from New Zealand? This course will focus on the European concept of terroir and why that matters in the world of wine. We will analyze systems and structures governing and influencing wine production by creating case studies of various grape varietals. We will explore the different expressions each grape exhibits in each of these various regions. You will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm, November 13 - December 11 at CU Denver CityCenter
- November 13 - Politics, Economics, Culture, & Wine
- November 20 - Europe, North America
- December 4 - The Southern Hemisphere, Emerging Markets
- December 11 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the third course, The Geography of Wine, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
This course has been cancelled.
We explored the aesthetic attributes of wine and the wine consumption experience in the second course. This course focuses on the cultural and historical factors of wine and attempts to preserve traditions, vineyards, and wine styles unique to certain geographical regions. We will discuss why these traditions are critical to the culture of wine, why they were implemented, and where many came from. We will examine threats to these traditions and protections and what, if anything, is being done to mitigate these threats. You will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm, February 5-26 at CU Denver CityCenter
- February 5 - Global History of Wine, Wine Culture & Infrastructure
- February 12 - UNESCO World Heritage Wine Regions & Tourism, The Erosion of UNESCO
- February 19 - Climate Change & The Future of Wine
- February 26 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the fourth course, Wine as World Heritage, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
This course has been cancelled.
This course will lead you through the modern wine world and cutting edge technology that is changing the way that consumers interface with wine makers and wine vendors. We will discuss the health benefits of wine and creative ways in which wine is being used in beauty and tourism. Finally, we will explore the exciting realm of wine mixology. You will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm, April 8-29 at CU Denver CityCenter
- April 8 - Is Wine Good For You? Enotourism & Eno-Spas
- April 15 - Wine Cocktails & Other Trends
- April 22 - Wine Cipher & Cyber, Communicating with Wine
- April 29 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the fifth course, Hot Trends in Wine, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
This course has been cancelled.
Investing in wine can be a lucrative and enjoyable endeavor but not without risks and disappointments. Learn what happens when you hold on to a wine past its prime or invest in a wine lacking in provenance. This course will teach you everything that you need to know to source, cellar, sell, and enjoy your wine collection. You will learn about the best wines to collect and why most wines are not age-worthy or collectable. You will uncover your particular wine preferences and you will learn to taste wine like a pro.
Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm, June 3-24 at CU Denver CityCenter
- June 3 - Blue-Chip Wines
- June 10 - Acquisitions and Collections: Auctions, Futures, etc.
- June 17 - Cellar Management: Drinking, Liquidating, Selling, etc.
- June 24 - Taste Like A Pro: Deductive Tasting Analysis
The $200 price covers the cost of all 4 sessions of the sixth course, Investment Grade Wines, including wine tasting during the 4th session.
This course has been cancelled.
Presenter Biography
Simone FM Spinner earned her master of humanities exploring the aesthetics of wine at the University of Colorado, Denver. She also created and earned the first degree in the study and business of wine for Metropolitan State University of Denver. She holds sommelier credentials from Wine & Spirits Education Trust, Court of Master Sommeliers, Spanish Wine Academy and the Society of Wine Educators. She is earning her PhD in cultural studies, studying the effects of climate change on global wine culture and the wine industry from Lisbon Consortium. Simone owns Wine Rocks & Chasing Grapes, LLC., focused on wine-related consulting, writing, education, seminars, and wine events.
Group Participation
Are you interested in organizing a group to participate in our series? Please contact us for information on registering a group of more than 8 people.
Is your organization interested in arranging a team-building event that is custom-tailored to your needs? Fill out our "Custom Program Request Form" to let us know how we can partner with you!
Contact
For questions regarding the wine master class series, please contact:
Kristen Kang Salsbury
Program Manager, Continuing and Professional Education
Email: kristen.salsbury@ucdenver.edu
Phone: 303-315-7031
Refund Policy
We have a no refund policy except in extenuating circumstances. If you need to request a refund for any reason, please email kristen.salsbury@ucdenver.edu with a detailed description of your circumstances for consideration.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Continuing and Professional Education office reserves the right to cancel programs if minimum enrollments are not received by the start of each course. Refunds will be issued if courses are cancelled for low enrollment.