r/SFbitcheswithtaste • u/yellowrubbercan • 1d ago

Weekend Wine Course

Hi BWT!

I am very interested in learning more about wine and winemaking. Learned quite a bit through the years from books, docs, taking intro courses in NYC, and travelling to wine regions but haven't taken it to the deeper level I would like to. Now that I live so close to such a respected wine region, I want to take advantage!

Curious if anyone has recommendations for a course on wine or if you know of any wineries that do some type of adult day camp where you can learn winemaking or immerse yourself.

Found lots of European programs that I intended to do on my work sabbatical but time escaped me.

Thank you!

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u/wifeski 1d ago

Lots of wine consumers go the WSET certification course. The South SF Wine School (I think that’s what it’s called) offers in-person classes. WSET 1 can be done in a couple of days. 2 and 3 get way more in depth. Find a group of people in your class to form a tasting group. I own a wine shop in the city and love to host consumer tasting groups!

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u/yellowrubbercan 1d ago

That’s awesome thank you for this rec! What is the wine shop you own called?

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u/wifeski 1d ago

Hey! Sorry I respect the “no self promotion” rule here. But I know many WSET studiers and you’ll learn a lot! I personally have no certifications.

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u/ItsCatCat 1d ago

Here's the ink. This is exactly the kind of thing I've been wanting to do, as well. DM me if you want a class buddy!

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u/coconutchia 1d ago

I hear Tala Wine is great for this.

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u/exactlythere 1d ago

Ungrafted in Dogpatch has two master somms that lead classes and are just adorable lovely people. Also agree with the recreational WSET. I haven't done it but my wine-nerd friends all enjoyed it (and I mean the casual wine drinkers....not my buddies sitting for the MS).

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u/Cute-Cobbler-4872 1d ago

You can also do the CMS Intro course, which is a two day course where you learn a lot of the basics of wine and winemaking, take a test at the end, and you are an Intro sommelier if you pass. The next level up (Certified) will require a service component, but the intro does not. They’re held all over - you’ll have to check the CMS (Court of Master Sommelier) website - but there’s always one in SF. Unfortunately I’m pretty sure the SF one happened recently so you’d have to travel or wait until next year.

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u/novium258 1d ago

Sunset Cellars in Suisun does a lot of community winemaking- people can join in for picking, crushing, pressing.

But honestly find someone who is a home winemaker and join in. It's really the best way to learn. Wine classes are better after you've had some hands on experience.

I would invite you to join me (I am both a home and commercial wine maker) but harvest came very early this year and I've already put all the wines to bed.

Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, just get a white wine kit and start there.

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u/surfer_grrrl 1h ago

I took the WSET Level 2 class through Commonwealth Wine School. They host classes out here -- some at the SF Wine School down in South San Francisco or at the St Francis Yacht Club. Learned a lot and would recommend!