If you’ve never had wine that costs more than $12 – or if you’re convinced that the best wines come in a box – it’s time to educate yourself. Luckily, there are lots of options here in Calgary. Whether you’re a complete beginner or fancy yourself a wine know-it-all, there are courses and tastings that cater to you.
Here are six of our favourite venues.
Alliance Franaise of Calgary
Kill two birds with one stone: learn about wine and practice your French. Join a Francophone sommelier each month at the Alliance Franaise and discover a different wine theme. Open to members of the public as well as members of the Alliance Franaise, it is possible to attend just one course or each of the monthly courses.
Try it Out:
Rendez-Vous Vins, February 7.
(108, 240 4 Ave. S.W., 403-245-5662, afcalgary.ca)
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer – Oakridge Tasting Centre
This is the perfect place for an alternative date night. These courses are affordable, open to everyone and right in your neighbourhood. What’s special about Co-op is the Personalized Private Wine Locker Program, which makes for a great place to house the wines you’ve just learned all about.
Try it Out:
Cooking with Wine, February 8.
(2570 Southland Dr. S.W., 403-238-0446, coopwinespiritsbeer.com)
Crowfoot Wine and Spirits
Several events are hosted each week at this sleek venue, ranging from formal tastings to festival-style fiestas to private functions. These courses are a fun way to gain some useful knowledge for trivia night – and they won’t break the bank.
Try it Out:
Rhone’s Valley Wines, February 12.
(7414 Crowfoot Rd. N.W., 403-296-2200, crowfootliquor.com)
Metrovino
If you have no idea what tannins are and don’t understand why people swish their glasses, then this is the perfect location for you to take a wine course or tasting. Classes for complete beginners are offered here, the environment is welcoming and the courses are imaginative.
Try it Out:
Metrovino Artist Series, February 6.
(722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-205-3356, metrovino.com)
Q Haute Cuisine
Head here for a wine tasting course if you’re looking for an evening in a gorgeous setting and paired with the best food. Taking a wine course here is less about the hard facts and more about having a relaxing, luxurious evening.
Try it Out:
Australian Wine Tasting Dinner, February 25.
(100 La Caille Pl., 403-262-5554, qhautecuisine.com)
Willow Park Wine and Spirits
To really impress others when it comes to wine, take courses here. In the Wine Basics 101 course, the instructors teach their students about the variety of wines in the store’s cellar in an interactive way. For the more advanced, one of the courses certified by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
Try it Out:
Cravin’ Cupcake Pairings, February 15.
(10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-296-1640, willowpark.net)
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