Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis from edX

With its roots in ancient cultures as early as 6,000 BC, wine has long been part of the human experience. Today, increasing worldwide interest in wine and its complexities and varieties has created an international market valued at $304 billion annually. For the learner who is just getting started in the study of wine, this course will help you take the first steps toward understanding the physiological process of wine tasting. The first module will explore types of wine and help you set up your own tasting. You’ll also begin to build a sensory vocabulary. In module 2 you will review classic wine types of the world and set up flights of specific wines. Later we’ll examine the various faults and defects that can appear in wine as well as techniques for spotting problems. In week 4 we’ll delve into the complex world of wine and food pairings, and its “seven deadly sins.” The course will culminate in a peer review project in which you will apply the knowledge and sensory techniques you have developed throughout the course to assess a specific wine.

What you'll learn

Discuss sensory physiology of various wines
Compare and contrast flavor profiles of classic red varietals and classic white varietals
Create wine defect sniff standards
Discuss flavor profiling and how to change a wine or food to make the pair work
Demonstrate an understanding of the wine tasting process and techniques needed for a wine analysis

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discuss sensory physiology of various wines
Compare and contrast flavor profiles of classic red varietals and classic white varietals
Create wine defect sniff standards

Discuss flavor profiling and how to change a wine or food to make the pair work
Demonstrate an understanding of the wine tasting process and techniques needed for a wine analysis

Discuss sensory physiology of various wines
Compare and contrast flavor profiles of classic red varietals and classic white varietals
Create wine defect sniff standards
Discuss flavor profiling and how to change a wine or food to make the pair work
Demonstrate an understanding of the wine tasting process and techniques needed for a wine analysis

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for those new to wine tasting, this course establishes a solid foundation in sensory analysis and wine appreciation

Focuses on classic wine styles and their profiles, providing a solid foundation for understanding wine flavor

Covers wine faults and defects, ensuring learners can identify potential issues in their wine

Explores wine and food pairing, providing insights into the complexity of flavor interactions

Concludes with a peer review project, allowing learners to apply their newfound knowledge and skills

Reviews summary

Wine tasting: foundational sensory analysis

Learners say this course provides an excellent foundational understanding of wine tasting and sensory analysis. Students consistently praise the instructor's passion and expertise, highlighting how the lectures are clear, well-structured, and highly engaging. The course is noted for its ability to help even complete novices gain a professional foundation in identifying aromas, flavors, and wine defects. A particular highlight for many is the insightful section on food pairings, which is described as immediately applicable. While the course delivers on its promise to equip students with practical skills, some reviewers note the necessary but potentially costly and logistical requirement of purchasing wines for practical tasting, which is essential to fully benefit.

A practical application method, though experience varied among participants.

"I found the peer review project interesting, a good way to practice."

"The peer reviews were a little variable in quality, but the main content is stellar."

Well-paced for beginners, potentially slow for those with prior knowledge.

"Decent course, good for absolute beginners. I came in with some prior knowledge and found some of the initial modules a bit slow."

"As a complete novice, I feel like I've gained a professional foundation in wine analysis. It's perfectly paced."

"It covers the basics of wine tasting and analysis very well. It's great for building a strong base."

Equips learners with tools for confident wine analysis.

"I learned so much about identifying aromas, flavors, and even wine defects. The section on food pairings was particularly insightful."

"I now feel much more confident in analyzing wines and even spotting common faults."

"The course really empowers me to confidently describe wines and provides a professional foundation."

Expert-led, engaging, and passionate instruction enhances learning.

"The instructor's passion for wine is infectious, and the way they broke down complex sensory analysis into digestible modules was brilliant."

"A must-take for any wine enthusiast! Professor is excellent, extremely clear and engaging."

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and their expertise shines through every lesson."

Practical tasting necessitates external wine purchases, a key consideration.

"My only minor critique is that while the course teaches you 'how' to taste, the true benefit comes from buying and tasting many wines, which can be an extra cost."

"I found the course required too much external effort and expense to fully benefit. The constant need to buy specific wines..."

"I signed up thinking I could learn purely theoretically, but you really need to purchase a lot of specific wines. This made the course very expensive and inconvenient."

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 Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis with these activities:

Read "Wine Folly: The Master Guide"

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Expand your understanding of the complexities and varieties of wine by reading this comprehensive guide, providing a strong foundation for the course.

View Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Create a mind map or summary of the main points.
Discuss the book with a group or online community.

Practice Wine Tasting

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Practice the sensory skills involved in wine tasting to develop a stronger foundation in the fundamentals of the course.

Browse courses on Sensory Physiology

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Gather a variety of wines and set up a blind tasting.
Use a wine tasting wheel to guide your observations.
Take notes on each wine's appearance, aroma, and taste.
Compare and contrast the flavors and aromas of different wines.
Discuss your observations with a group or online community.

Volunteer at a Winery

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Gain practical experience in the wine industry by volunteering at a winery, exposing you to different aspects of wine production and expanding your understanding beyond the classroom.

Browse courses on Winemaking

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Contact local wineries and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a winery tour and learn about the winemaking process.
Assist with tasks such as harvesting, bottling, or cellar work.
Observe and ask questions about winemaking techniques.
Network with winery staff and other volunteers.

Two other activities

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Develop a Wine Tasting Guide

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Create a comprehensive guide that summarizes the sensory physiology, flavor profiles, and wine defects covered in the course, serving as a valuable reference.

Browse courses on Wine Tasting

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Review the course materials and notes.
Research additional resources on wine tasting and sensory analysis.
Organize and structure the guide in a logical and user-friendly way.
Write clear and concise content, using visuals and examples to enhance understanding.
Share your guide with others for feedback and improvement.

Plan a Wine Tasting Party

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Apply your knowledge and skills by planning a wine tasting party, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of wine tasting techniques and food pairings.

Browse courses on Wine Pairing

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Choose a theme and select wines that fit the theme.
Prepare food pairings that complement the wines.
Invite guests and provide them with information about the wines.
Host the party and guide guests through the tasting.
Receive feedback and make improvements for future events.

Career center

Learners who complete Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wine Critic

A Wine Critic reviews wines, and writes reports on these wines for publication in a magazine or newspaper. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to judge wines based on its intended qualities and write a report on the finding. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Critic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wine Critic

Wine Buyer

A Wine Buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing wines for a retail store, restaurant, or other establishment. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to assess wines and make informed decisions about which wines to purchase. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Buyer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wine Buyer

Sommelier

A Sommelier is a wine professional who is responsible for making wine recommendations to customers in a restaurant or other hospitality setting. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to guide customers in selecting the perfect wine for their meal. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Sommelier.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sommelier

Winemaker

A Winemaker is responsible for overseeing the production of wine from grapes to bottling. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to make informed decisions about the winemaking process. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Winemaker.

See salaries and explore the career path for Winemaker

Wine Educator

A Wine Educator is responsible for teaching others about wine, including its history, production, and tasting. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to communicate their knowledge of wine to others. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Educator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wine Educator

Wine Sales Representative

A Wine Sales Representative is responsible for selling wine to businesses and individuals. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to educate customers about wine and make sales. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Sales Representative.

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Wine Distributor

A Wine Distributor is responsible for distributing wine from wineries to retailers and restaurants. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to evaluate wines and make decisions about which wines to distribute. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Distributor.

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Wine Journalist

A Wine Journalist is responsible for writing about wine for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to write informative and engaging articles about wine. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Journalist.

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Wine Consultant

A Wine Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and individuals on all aspects of wine, including production, marketing, and sales. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to offer expert advice on all aspects of wine. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Consultant.

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Wine Importer

A Wine Importer is responsible for importing wine from other countries into the United States. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to evaluate wines and make decisions about which wines to import. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Wine Importer.

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Certified Wine Professional

A Certified Wine Professional (CWP) has passed a rigorous exam and has met certain experience requirements. This course will help the student to prepare for the CWP exam by teaching the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Certified Wine Professional.

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Master Sommelier

A Master Sommelier (MS) has passed a rigorous exam and has met certain experience requirements. This course will help the student to prepare for the MS exam by teaching the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the wine industry and work as a Master Sommelier.

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Chef

A Chef is responsible for preparing and cooking food in a restaurant or other hospitality setting. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to create dishes that pair well with wine. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the hospitality industry and work as a Chef.

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Restaurant Manager

A Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to make decisions about which wines to serve and how to pair them with food. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the hospitality industry and work as a Restaurant Manager.

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Food and Beverage Manager

A Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for overseeing the food and beverage operations of a hotel or other hospitality setting. This course teaches the necessary sensory techniques for tasting a wine and being able to describe its complex flavor profile. After taking this course, the student will be prepared to make decisions about which wines to serve and how to pair them with food. This is a useful course for someone who wants to enter the hospitality industry and work as a Food and Beverage Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food and Beverage Manager