Are you unable to join us at the Missouri State Fair? No worries! Join us for a Wine 101 Class right here and plan your own.
To start you will need 4-5 wines of your choosing. We like to have red, white and a fruit, and a sweet and dry of the red and whites. But you can choose any wines!
Provide your guests with tasting cards to jot down notes about the wines and pairings. Explain the aroma diagram you've set up on each table, which will help them identify different scents in the wine. Remind them not to eat the tasting items just yet.
Let's kick things off with a warm welcome! As the host, introduce yourself and set the stage for the experience. Ask your guests a few icebreaker questions to gauge their familiarity with wine and their enthusiasm for trying new wines.
Inject some fun with trivia questions. You can offer small prizes for correct answers. Here are a few sample questions:
- How many wineries are currently in the state? 113
- Which varietal do we celebrate in August? Vignoles
- How many wine trails are currently in the state? 7
- Which wine won the 2026 Governor’s cup for best wine in the state? 2025 Dry Vignoles from Adam Puchta Winery
- What’s the official Missouri state grape? Norton
Emphasize these key principles to your guests:
- Drink the wine you like. Your personal preference is what matters most.
- Try new things. You never know what you might love until you give it a try.
As you begin pouring the first wine, explain the 5S’s of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor. This method will enhance their appreciation and understanding of the wines.
Allow your guests to choose their own wines from a variety you’ve prepared. Encourage them to explore different types and find what they enjoy.
Here is an example of a wine and what you can share.
Wine #1: Chardonel
Share details about the winery, the Chardonel grape, and the wine region. Encourage your guests to try the "sip, bite, sip" technique with small bites of food to see how the wine’s flavor changes. Pairing: Garlic Herb Cheese Curds. Suggested pairings include grilled chicken, fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta with cream sauce, and even banana bread.
Fill any remaining time with these fun wine facts:
- Explain parts of a wine label.
- Discuss the shelf life of wines once opened: 3-5 days for whites, 5-7 days for reds.
- Share insights into the wine competition process.
- Discuss the body of the wine, comparing it to milk for understanding light, medium, and full-bodied wines.
- Proper glass handling: Hold by the stem or base to avoid warming the wine.
- Serving temperatures.
- Cork vs. screw cap closures.
- Wine storage tips: Keep bottles out of direct light and at a cool temperature, storing corked bottles on their side.
With this comprehensive guide, you're ready to host an unforgettable Wine 101 class. Enjoy the experience, and cheers to new discoveries in the world of wine!
