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Nicole @ WineIQ

Have you ever wished you knew more about the world of wine, but didn't know where to start learning? Or lacked the time to participate in lengthy courses and expensive wine tasting sessions? This course will teach you the basics of wine and wine tasting in just 60 minutes. Through a series of short lectures, you will gain an understanding of the wine making process, become familiar with the top red and white wine varietals, learn how to taste and evaluate wine, and learn how to serve wine for maximum enjoyment. All in just one hour.

After completing this course, you will:

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Have you ever wished you knew more about the world of wine, but didn't know where to start learning? Or lacked the time to participate in lengthy courses and expensive wine tasting sessions? This course will teach you the basics of wine and wine tasting in just 60 minutes. Through a series of short lectures, you will gain an understanding of the wine making process, become familiar with the top red and white wine varietals, learn how to taste and evaluate wine, and learn how to serve wine for maximum enjoyment. All in just one hour.

After completing this course, you will:

  • Understand what viticulture is and some of the key environmental factors that impact grape growing.
  • Know the components of the grape and the role each plays in the wine making process.
  • Know how to properly observe, smell, and taste a wine.
  • Be able to evaluate the elements of color, clarity, body, and mouthfeel.
  • Be familiar with the top red and white wine varietals from around the world, and know the flavor and characteristics to expect from each.
  • Know how to serve wine for maximum enjoyment - including correct serving temperature, when to aerate or decant a wine, and what type of glasses to choose.

You will be able to answer questions such as:

  • What is terroir, and what is a terroir-expressive wine?
  • How does the grape growing environment impact the final wine?
  • What makes a wine sweet vs dry?
  • What are tannins and how can one identify them?
  • What is the impact of barrel aging on a wine?
  • What is malolactation fermentation?
  • What do the terms clarity, body, and mouthfeel mean?
  • How can I tell the difference between a light and full bodied wine?
  • What is the 'finish' of a wine and why is it important?
  • Do I need to age this wine?
  • What temperature should my wine be stored at?
  • Should a red wine really be served at room temperature?
  • What is the most efficient way to chill a bottle of wine?
  • What is the difference between aerating and decanting a wine?
  • How did Cabernet Sauvignon become so popular?
  • How did popular culture influence the fate of Merlot in the United States?
  • Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?
  • How do Chardonnay wines from various regions differ from one another?
  • What does it take for a wine to be called Champagne?
  • What is the famous Sauternes wine and how is it made?
  • What is "noble rot" and how can it benefit wine production?

This course is designed for the beginner or intermediate wine drinker. Whether you have zero wine knowledge or already understand some of the fundamentals, this course will help you expand your knowledge base and increase your appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the key elements of viticulture and how the growing environment and methods can impact the character of a wine.
  • Understand the basic winemaking process, and some of the ways in which a winemaker can influence the quality and character of a wine.
  • Be familiar with the top white and red wine varietals, and know what type of flavor and characteristics to expect from each.
  • Correctly taste and evaluate a wine, including elements such as aroma ,flavor, color, clarity, body, mouthfeel, and finish.
  • Properly store wine to maximize its life and preserve quality.
  • Know how to properly serve wine for maximum enjoyment - including proper serving temperatures, when to aerate or decant wine, and even the best glasses to use.
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Syllabus

Brief overview of the grape growing and winemaking process and the critical factors that impact the quality and character of a wine.

Overview of the learning objectives for the upcoming Grapes 101 and Basic Winemaking lectures.

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This lecture provides a concise overview of wine growing and how the various components and characteristics of grapes influence the final character and quality of a wine.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand what viticulture is and some of the key environmental factors that impact grape growing
  2. Know the components of the grape and the role each plays in wine making
  3. Be able to explain the difference between a sweet vs dry wine
  4. Understand the role of tannins and how to identify them


After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer questions such as:
  • What is viticulture?
  • What is terroir?
  • How does the growing environment impact the final wine?
  • What are the components of a grape and how does each contribute to the wine?
  • What is a sweet vs dry wine?
  • What are tannins and how do they affect the wine?
  • How can one learn to identify tannin?

This lecture provides an introduction to the wine production process and discusses some of the key ways in which a winemaker can influence the quality and character of the final product.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the key steps in the winemaking process
  2. Understand some of the differences between modern winemaking and traditional processes
  3. Be able to explain the role of Oak in winemaking
  4. Know what is meant by the terms barrel-aged, barrel-fermented, and unoaked wine

After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer questions such as:
  • What are the main steps in wine production?
  • What is fermentation and why is it important in winemaking?
  • What are the advantages of hand harvesting vs mechanical harvesting?
  • How does the use of oak in the winemaking process impact the final wine?
  • What do the terms barrel-aged, barrel-fermented, and unoaked mean?
  • What are some of the ways in which a winemaker can influence the character of a wine?
Short overview of the course structure and learning objectives.
This lecture provides an overview of the course content, structure, and learning objectives. Start here!

Summary of key learnings from the Grapes 101 and Basics of Winemaking lectures. Reviewing this document will help to solidify the lessons learned and prepare you for the quiz that follows.

Review of the concepts learned in the Grapes 101 and Basic Winemaking lessons.

Learn how to smell and taste a wine properly, and to evaluate the quality and key characteristics of a wine.

Overview of the learning objectives for the Fundamentals of Wine Tasting lecture.

This lecture explains the key qualities and characteristics of a wine, and how to properly evaluate each.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Know how to properly observe, smell, and taste a wine.
  2. Understand the elements of color, clarity, body, and mouthfeel and how to evaluate each.
  3. Gain an appreciation for the rich character and complexity of wine.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer questions such as:
  1. What is the best method for smelling and tasting wine?
  2. What can the color of a wine tell me about it?
  3. What do the terms clarity, body, and mouthfeel mean?
  4. How can I tell the difference between a light and full bodied wine?
  5. What is the 'finish' of a wine and why is it important?
  6. How do I describe the mouthfeel of a wine?

Summary of key learnings from the Fundamentals of Wine Tasting lecture. Reviewing this document will help to solidify the lessons learned and prepare you for the quiz that follows.

Recap of the key principles learned in the Fundamentals of Wine Tasting lecture.

Understand the top white wine varietals from around the world, and the identifying characteristics of each.

Overview of the learning objectives for the White Wines of the World lectures.

Overview of Chardonnay. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where does Chardonnay originate?
  • What does Chardonnay taste like?
  • How do Chardonnays from various regions differ from one another?
  • What is malolactation fermentation?
  • What is the impact of barrel aging Chardonnay?
  • What does it take for a wine to be called Champagne?

Overview of Sauvignon Blanc. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where does Sauvignon Blanc originate?
  • What are the best regions for producing Sauvignon Blanc?
  • What does Sauvignon Blanc taste and smell like?
  • What is Sauternes wine and how is it made?
  • What is "noble rot" and how can it benefit wine production?

Overview of Pinot Gris. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where does Pinot Gris originate?
  • Where is Pinot Gris produced today?
  • What does the name Pinot Gris mean?
  • What are the characteristics of a Pinot Gris wine?
  • What type of food pairs well with Pinot Gris?

Overview of Riesling. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where does Riesling originate?
  • What are the best regions for producing Riesling?
  • What are the characteristics of a good Riesling wine?
  • What is a "terroir-expressive" wine?
  • What type of food pairs well with Riesling?

Review the key learnings from the White Wines of the World lectures on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.

Understand the top red wine varietals from around the world and the defining characteristics of each.

Overview of the learning objectives for the Red Wines of the World lectures.

Overview of Cabernet Sauvignon. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where does Cabernet Sauvignon originate?
  • What are the best regions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon?
  • How did Cabernet Sauvignon become so popular?
  • What does a Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

Overview of Merlot. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where did Merlot originate and where is it produced today?
  • What are the characteristics of a good Merlot wine?
  • How does Merlot compare to Cabernet Sauvignon?
  • How did popular culture influence the fate of Merlot in the United States?

Overview of Pinot Noir. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • Where did Pinot Noir originate?
  • What makes Pinot Noir difficult to produce?
  • What are the characteristics of a great Pinot Noir?
  • What are the best regions for producing Pinot Noir?

Overview of Syrah. This lecture includes answers to questions such as:

  • What is Hermitage and how is it related to Syrah?
  • Where did Syrah originate and where is it produced today?
  • What are the characteristics of a Syrah wine?
  • Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?
  • How does the growing climate impact the character of Syrah?
Zinfandel

Review key learnings from the Red Wines of the World lectures on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Learn how to properly store and serve wines.

Overview of the learning objectives for the Storing Wine and Serving Wine lectures.

This lecture teaches how to properly store your wine collection, in order to protect the quality and character of the wine.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand which wines may benefit from aging
  2. Know the best temperature and locations for short and long term wine storage
  3. Understand the correct position for storing wine bottles
  4. Know how to properly store Champagne and why it differs from other wine

After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer questions such as:
  • Do I need to age this wine?
  • What temperature should my wine be stored at? Does this differ for short or long term storage?
  • What position should wine bottles be stored in?
  • How can sunlight impact wine?
  • Should Champagne be stored in the same manner as other wines?

Learn the basics of properly serving wine, including answers to the following questions.

  1. Learning Objectives:
  2. Know the correct temperature for serving various types of wine
  3. Understand the concepts of aeration and decanting, and when to use each
  4. Know how to choose the optimal wine glasses


After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer questions such as:

  • How long should I chill a bottle of white wine?
  • Should a red wine really be served at room temperature?
  • What is the most efficient way to chill a bottle of wine?
  • What type of glasses should I use?
  • What does the term aerating mean, and which wines should be aerated?
  • What is decanting, and when should a wine be decanted?

Summary of key learnings from the Storing Wine and Serving Wine lectures. Reviewing this document will help to solidify the lessons learned and prepare you for the quiz that follows.

Review of the concepts learned in the Storing Wine and Serving Wine lessons.

Quick wrap up and instructions on submitting questions or suggestions.

Short wrap up which provides instructions for submitting questions on the course content and making suggestions for future course improvements.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a concise overview of viticulture, which is beneficial for those seeking a foundational understanding of grape growing and its impact on wine character
Explores the winemaking process, offering insights into how winemakers influence the final product, which is valuable for those wanting to understand wine production
Covers the fundamentals of wine tasting, including how to properly observe, smell, and taste wine, which is essential for developing a refined palate
Examines the characteristics of top white and red wine varietals, which helps learners identify and appreciate the nuances of different wines from around the world
Discusses proper wine storage techniques, which is useful for preserving the quality and character of wine collections, whether for short-term or long-term enjoyment
Teaches the basics of serving wine, including temperature, aeration, decanting, and glass selection, which enhances the overall wine-drinking experience for enthusiasts

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wine in One Hour with these activities:
Review Wine Terminology
Familiarize yourself with common wine terms to better understand the course lectures.
Browse courses on Viticulture
Show steps
  • Create a list of common wine terms.
  • Define each term using online resources.
  • Review the list and definitions.
Read 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition'
Expand your knowledge of wine varietals and regions with a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition'.
  • Read the sections on grape varietals and wine regions.
  • Take notes on key characteristics and flavor profiles.
Wine Tasting Practice
Practice tasting different wines and identifying their characteristics to improve your palate.
Browse courses on Wine Tasting
Show steps
  • Purchase a few different bottles of wine (red, white, and rosé).
  • Follow the tasting steps outlined in the course.
  • Take notes on the aroma, flavor, body, and finish of each wine.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Wine Tasting Notes
Create a set of wine tasting notes to help solidify your understanding of wine characteristics.
Browse courses on Wine Tasting
Show steps
  • Create a template for wine tasting notes.
  • Taste a wine and fill out the template.
  • Repeat with different wines.
Explore 'The World Atlas of Wine'
Deepen your understanding of wine regions and their impact on wine characteristics.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The World Atlas of Wine'.
  • Explore the maps and descriptions of different wine regions.
  • Compare and contrast the characteristics of wines from different regions.
Create a Wine Pairing Guide
Develop a wine pairing guide to apply your knowledge of wine characteristics and food flavors.
Browse courses on Wine Pairing
Show steps
  • Research common food and wine pairings.
  • Experiment with different pairings and take notes.
  • Create a guide with your recommended pairings.

Career center

Learners who complete Wine in One Hour will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sommelier
A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, typically working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service. This includes wine selection, storage, and pairing it with food. This course, "Wine in One Hour", may help a sommelier build their foundation in understanding wine production, the impact of environmental factors on grape quality, and how to properly taste and evaluate wines. The course's focus on top varietals and their characteristics, as well as the proper serving temperatures and glassware, may be useful for aspiring or practicing sommeliers.
Wine Buyer
A wine buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing wines for retail stores, restaurants, or other businesses. The role requires an understanding of wine regions, producers, and market trends. "Wine in One Hour" may be helpful for a wine buyer since it provides a broad overview of different grape varietals, winemaking processes, and tasting techniques, all essential for evaluating wines and understanding their characteristics. This course provides a foundation for making informed decisions when selecting wines.
Wine Sales Representative
A wine sales representative sells wines to restaurants, retailers, and other clients, requiring a deep knowledge of the product and the ability to communicate it effectively. This role requires knowledge of winemaking and understanding of the nuances of different wines. "Wine in One Hour" offers a strong foundation in wine tasting, the characteristics of various grape varietals, and proper serving techniques, which may be useful to a wine sales representative. This foundational knowledge may allow the representative to communicate the merits of various wines more effectively.
Wine Educator
A wine educator conducts wine tastings and classes, teaching others about wine production, history, and appreciation. This role requires an in-depth understanding of wine and the ability to communicate complex concepts simply and effectively. "Wine in One Hour" may be a great starting point for a wine educator, as it covers many fundamental topics such as viticulture, winemaking, tasting, and serving. The course also teaches about a wide selection of wine varietals, and these elements together create a useful resource for developing educational content.
Beverage Director
A beverage director manages all aspects of a beverage program for a restaurant, bar, or hotel. This encompasses wine, spirits, and other drinks. The role requires vast knowledge of wine, including different varietals, regions, and production methods. The "Wine in One Hour" course may be helpful as it introduces the key elements of viticulture and the winemaking process, the top white and red wine varietals, and how to properly taste, evaluate, store, and serve wine. These are necessary to develop a broad understanding of wine.
Food and Beverage Consultant
A food and beverage consultant provides expert advice to restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses to improve their operations, including optimizing their wine selection. A consultant must have broad knowledge of the industry and its best practices. The "Wine in One Hour" course may help consultants as it covers a wide range of wine-related topics, including viticulture, wine production, tasting, and service. This detailed foundation may help a consultant evaluate a client's wine program and make informed recommendations.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a dining establishment, including the wine program. Understanding wine is an important aspect of this role, from selecting wines for a menu to correctly storing and serving them. This course, "Wine in One Hour", may be of benefit to a restaurant manager, as it provides a foundation in wine tasting, knowledge of wine varietals, and how to serve wines at the correct temperature. These skills may help the manager train staff and make better decisions regarding wine selection.
Wine Importer
A wine importer is responsible for sourcing wines from different regions and bringing them into their market. The role requires a good understanding of wine production, styles, and regional differences. The "Wine in One Hour" course may be useful for a wine importer, as it provides a foundational understanding of viticulture, winemaking processes, global varietals, and wine tasting methodologies. The course may increase the importer's knowledge base, allowing them to better assess and select wines for import.
Hospitality Trainer
A hospitality trainer creates training programs and materials for staff in restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the hospitality sector. A comprehensive understanding of wine service and knowledge is important in this role. "Wine in One Hour" may be useful for a hospitality trainer as it introduces fundamental knowledge of wine production, tasting, and service. This provides a foundation for developing training content on wine.
Catering Manager
A catering manager is responsible for the food and beverage service at catered events. A good understanding of wine is essential for this role, as they need to select appropriate wines for menus, and ensure proper storage and service. The "Wine in One Hour" course may be useful as it provides a comprehensive overview of wine tasting, wine production, different varietals, and ideal serving methods. This information may help a catering manager make better wine selections and provide a better service experience.
Wine Marketing Specialist
A wine marketing specialist develops marketing strategies to promote wine products. This role requires an understanding of consumer preferences and wine characteristics. The "Wine in One Hour" course may be helpful for a wine marketing specialist as it covers the foundations of wine production, different varietals, tasting notes, and serving recommendations. These elements may help the marketing specialist to create more effective campaigns and communicate the qualities of the wine being marketed.
Food Writer
A food writer creates content related to food and beverages, often encompassing wine pairings. This role benefits from a deep understanding of flavor profiles, which includes wine. "Wine in One Hour" may be helpful for a food writer as it covers the basics of wine tasting and evaluation, including flavor, color, clarity, and mouthfeel. The course may also enhance the writer's ability to pair wines with food by expanding their understanding of various wine styles and their characteristics.
Wine Blogger
A wine blogger creates content about wine, including reviews, articles, and educational material. The role involves regularly tasting and writing about wines, and requires an understanding of the winemaking process and tasting methodology. The "Wine in One Hour" course may be useful for a wine blogger as it explores the basics of wine tasting, wine production, and the major wine varietals in a concise manner. This thorough grasp of wine fundamentals may help a blogger create informative and accurate content.
Event Planner
An event planner organizes various types of events, including weddings and corporate gatherings, which often include wine service. A basic knowledge of wine varietals and service is key to the role. "Wine in One Hour" may be helpful since it covers how to properly store and serve wine, how to choose the right glasses, and how to identify different types of wine. These aspects of wine knowledge are important for planning and executing events that feature wine.
Retail Merchandiser
A retail merchandiser is responsible for planning and implementing strategies to maximize sales in a retail environment, which could include a wine shop. The role requires an understanding of product characteristics and presentation. "Wine in One Hour" may help a retail merchandiser develop an understanding of wine origins, characteristics, and serving methods, which may be valuable in optimizing the display and sales of wines.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wine in One Hour.
Provides a comprehensive overview of wine, covering grape varietals, regions, and tasting techniques. It great reference for understanding the concepts discussed in the course. The book's visual style and clear explanations make it accessible to beginners, while its depth of information makes it valuable for more experienced wine enthusiasts. It serves as a useful reference tool for expanding knowledge beyond the course's one-hour scope.
This atlas provides detailed maps and information about wine regions around the world. It valuable resource for understanding the impact of terroir on wine characteristics. While it may be more valuable as additional reading, it can also serve as a reference tool for specific regions mentioned in the course. It is commonly used by wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.

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