Weekly Willamette Valley Winery Visitor Education and Orientation Classes Begin June 28

PORTLAND, Ore. - June 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Free Spirit Wines is pleased to announce the return of “Willamette Valley Wine Essentials,” the first and only wine education and orientation program designed especially for visitors to the Willamette Valley wine country. Classes will be every Friday evening, from 4:30pm-6:30pm, inside the Anam Cara Cellars tasting room (306 N. Main St., Newberg, Oregon 97132), from June 28th through October 25th. Classes are 2 hours long, and include a tasting of wines from local producers. $40 per person. Reservations required.

Developed and presented by educator Mich Nelson of Free Spirit Wines, “Willamette Valley Wine Essentials” is the first and only wine education and orientation program designed specifically for visitors. “I truly believe that education enhances the experience of visiting wineries and wine tasting,” said Nelson.

The casual and engaging 2-hour program provides an overview of the region and its history, climate, soils, viticultural areas and wine varieties. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of technical wine tasting, and practice those skills by tasting wines from local producers. Questions and participation in the class are encouraged.

Nelson pointed out that, “During the busy summer season, visitors often miss out on quality interaction with tasting room employees, and therefore can miss out on important information about our wines and region. This class prepares visitors in advance of their tasting experience by explaining important concepts such as vintage variation, Pinot Noir clones, and why soil type is so important. Visitors are better prepared for their independent exploration, and better able to engage tasting room employees with questions.”

Class topics include:
-How to Taste Wine
-Brief History of the Willamette Valley Wine Industry
-Today’s Industry in Perspective
-Willamette Valley AVAs (American Viticultural Areas)
-Why all the Pinot Noir?
-Let’s Get Dirty! (Soils)

Also covered are practical tips on visiting winery tasting rooms:
-General Tasting Room Visit Tips
-Tasting Fees and Purchasing
-Making Appointments and Confirming Your Visit
-How to Get Your Wine Home (Shipping Options)

Our boutique winery partners in formation include: Anam Cara Cellars, Artisanal Wine Cellars, Carlton Cellars, Longplay Wine, Luminous Hills, Rallison Cellars, Seven of Hearts, Trisaetum, Vincent Wine Co., and Winter’s Hill Vineyard.

Class participants will each receive a copy of Free Spirit Wines’ “Tasting and Touring Tips” handout, as well as a guide on “How to Further Your Wine Education.”

Light food provided. All attendees must be at least 21 years old. No minors permitted. Space is limited and advance reservations required via the Free Spirit Wines website at www.FreeSpiritWines.com.