Trying to de-mystify the wine world is a noble pursuit.
Image courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. © Peter Aker.
When I went to college back thirty years ago, course offerings were pretty unimaginative. OK, boring. There was your usual complement of core classes, followed by the courses that were mandatory for your major. All pretty standard stuff.
There was one class however that stood out in my college career as being a lot more interesting, insightful and ultimately useful than many of the others. I’m talking about Fine Arts 202. A class entitled, The History of Rock and Roll. Do I need to say more? Probably not.
Every Wednesday from six to nine in the evening, seventy five of us would gather in a university lecture hall to discuss seemingly crucial topics. As an example, “Who is more famous because of their untimely death, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendricks or Janis Joplin?”. Don’t answer too quickly, think it through.
And, I was certain that it would be critical later in life to know the chronological order of every Beatles song to make the Billboard Hot 100. That was the stuff twenty year olds could really sink their teeth into. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly don’t wish to diminish the importance of a stimulating discussion and recitation of the rise of the Byzantine Empire and it’s roll on modern society. But… Not the same.
What does all of this have to do with wine? And, more importantly with the 2012 version Forks & Corks? It’s simple. One of the most interesting parts of the four day event is, Forks & Corks University.
Here’s the scoop. In conjunction with the hugely popular food and wine extravaganza, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals want to educate you on the mysterious ways of the wine world. Let’s face it, many of us out there can’t tell a Cabernet from a Merlot. They’re both red and that may end it for a lot of folks. The Originals want to change all that. And, I for one support that effort.
They have put together two excellent course offerings for this years Forks & Corks U.
Image courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. © Michael Klauber
Here’s what you can sign up for:
Vino Italia!
The world of Italian wines has been transformed during the last generation due to the passion and commitment of world class winemakers. Taste some of the fabulous wines that have changed the way the wine world looks at Italy. Class is followed by a four-course gourmet luncheon catered by Sarasota-Manatee Originals member restaurants. Wine pairings are included during each course.
The World of Pinot Noir and Cabernet is King
This program features a diverse selection of pinot noir wines in the morning and a four-course gourmet lunch catered by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals member restaurants featuring wine pairings with each course. Following lunch, enjoy the afternoon session sampling and learning about Cabernet Sauvignon.
Now, just imagine if you would have had either of those choices in college. Slam dunk!
Here in Sarasota we have an abundance of people with a super high wine IQ. The event co-chair, Michael Klauber is at the head of that class. He has put together a superb group of wine experts from around the world to conduct these sessions. This is a wine education that would be hard to duplicate anywhere else. And, it’s right in your backyard.
Both courses will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Michael’s on East and range in price from $60 to $110.
As you would imagine space for these offerings is limited. And, seats will go fast. If you would like more information on how to reserve your spot and increase your own wine acumen, you can visit the Sarasota-Manatee Originals website by clicking here.
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