(This course may be found on our website under the Trips & Travel section - TRIP 603.S3)

In this one-day excursion participants will survey tasting, viticulture and oenology techniques while sampling an assortment of the finest wines that the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to visit three wineries in the Santa Cruz Viticulture Area and spend time tasting with the winemakers.

Over the course of the day students can expect to:

• Understand the differences between the making of red and white wines
  
• The effects and nuances of oak barrel aging
  
• How local climate and natural environment affect the final outcome of wine
  
• How to distinguish and describe the various tastes and sensations of wine drinking (tannins, acidity, sweetness, as well as fruit and flavor profiles)
  
• Proper tasting technique and etiquette including color contrast, bouquet, aroma, and terminology
  
• A basic chronology of the life of the grape from the vine to the bottle
  

This class is perfect for wine lovers of all levels who are looking for a fun and educational day of onsite wine tasting at beautiful mountain wineries. Please be advised the tour vans will depart promptly at 11:00am and the tour will include some walking. Please bring a sack lunch.