In order to be able to enjoy wine as a consumer, one has to have a handle on a moderate amount of knowledge to be able to communicate effectively. This, by no means, is to say that one has to be a wine expert (Sommelier), however, if you have a general knowledge of “viticulture”, the growing of grapes, and “viniculture”, the making of wine, then you will be well on your way towards being able to truly enjoy everything that a bottle of wine has to offer to each of our senses.
The appearance of intimidating knowledge can be very costly, if it is not wanted or appreciated. That same knowledge, however if shared with someone, who really would appreciate it, can and will reap you rewards beyond your belief. In this early stage I am going to try and share with you the information that will give you a broad base of wine knowledge, nothing intimidating at all. This information, however, will give you the self confidence and the knowledge needed to effectively, and without embarrassment, communicate about a wine with another person utilizing a few key buzz words, or to answer a few of their questions with confidence.
Should you choose to, or have a hunger to learn more about alcoholic beverages, then I would recommend that you go to your local library or book store and buy or borrow all the information you can get your hands on. The people that work at each of these places will be happy to give you recommendations, or, you can look at the back of this training manual for a list of recommendations. One other means of self-education is to call one of your larger local wine retail stores and ask them for information on Wine Tasting events. Often these functions are sponsored by the retailer and are held as a benefit to help raise money for a worthy cause. Professionals within the industry generally attend them in order to answer your questions.
If your need for education and information is strong enough, or if you have aspirations to enter the wine industry, or the wholesale distribution industry, you may want to look into some of the programs from the Court of Master Sommeliers. The entire objective of this organization is to educate, enhance and pass on the knowledge needed within the food and wine industry to raise the levels of professionalism to a higher plain. For more information on this group, and the educational programs they have to offer in your area please contact:
Balzac
Communications and Marketing
1200 Jefferson St.
Napa, California 94559
