Intro to Wine & Wine Tasting

Explore the world of wine in this engaging, hands-on introductory course designed for both enthusiasts and aspiring professionals. You'll gain a foundational understanding of how wine is made, discover key grape varietals and global wine regions, and develop the skills to confidently taste, evaluate and select wines.

Guided tastings in every session create an interactive learning experience that blends education with enjoyment. This class is perfect for enhancing both personal interest and professional knowledge.

Upcoming Class

Dates: September 21 – October 19, 2026 | Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Fee: $175

Location: College of Charleston

Registration closes Sept. 14

Course Benefits

Build confidence selecting and discussing wine in social and professional settings
Develop foundational wine tasting and sensory analysis skills
Learn key grape varietals and major wine regions worldwide
Understand the differences between sparkling, still and fortified wines
Gain practical tools for identifying wines, including blind tasting techniques
Learn from a seasoned hospitality and wine professional

What is Covered

Basics of viticulture and winemaking
Major international grape varietals (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more)
Key wine regions across the globe
Sparkling, still, and fortified wine production methods
Professional wine tasting techniques and evaluation
How to read and understand wine labels
Introductory blind tasting strategies

Who Should Attend

Adults (21+) interested in wine, from beginners to enthusiasts
Hospitality, culinary, and tourism professionals
Individuals exploring a career in wine or food & beverage
Anyone looking to deepen their wine knowledge in a structured, social environment

Course Instructor

Julie Hennigan is a seasoned hospitality leader and wine professional with more than 13 years of experience in fine dining and food & beverage operations. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at The Charleston Place Hotel, where she oversees a $32 million operation and leads training initiatives focused on luxury service standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about our Intro to Wine & WIne Tasting course.

Does this course lead to a sommelier or wine industry certification?

This course does not award a sommelier certification, but it can help participants build foundational wine knowledge and tasting skills that may be useful before pursuing industry credentials.
Will wine be provided?

Yes. Each session includes guided tastings with curated wine selections. Participants must be 21 or older.

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