An education in wine

Bracken's Order 2008 Pinot Noir. Photo / Babiche Martens

Introducing ourselves at the inaugural session of the first wine class I'd ever attended, it was clear we were quite a mixed bunch. Keen to expand on what was for many of us a mere soupcon of wine knowledge, our ranks included a couple of students (as I was at that time), an accountant, a doctor, a shop assistant and a French wine importer.

By the end of what turned out to be a highly convivial course, we'd almost effortlessly soaked up volumes of information, tried lots of new wines and even shared bottles socially as we bonded over what was swiftly becoming a passion for some. For me, it led to my career and started an education I'd build on and use when teaching my own wine classes some years later.

Whatever your level of knowledge, if you're interested in learning more, a course can help heighten your appreciation of wine, fill in gaps in your knowledge, sharpen your tastebuds and make you a more confident wine consumer.

When choosing your course, seek out one run by someone with wine qualifications or extensive wine industry experience, as enthusiasm is no substitute for knowledge. Thankfully, we're well served in the region by authorities communicating about wine in an unstuffy way. These include independent educators who are not beholden to any suppliers, as well as wine shops, which can offer competent and competitively priced courses.

One veteran wine educator is Bob Campbell, a Master of Wine (one of the wine world's highest qualifications) with 24 years of running classes behind him. These currently include his popular Wine Diploma that covers the key areas of wine appreciation and is suitable for the buff to the beginner. "I've even had students who'd never tasted wine," says Campbell, who recalls one wine virgin who went on to win the course's tasting competition. "It's also a fun night out, with the chance of meeting interesting people."

Campbell also runs classes specialising in French and Italian wines and this year is introducing the New Zealand Wine Certificate focusing on our local wine and industry, that can lead to a NZQA approved qualification.

Those interested in studying for the internationally recognised Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualifications can sign up for a course at Auckland's New Zealand School of Wines and Spirits. Run by Jane Skilton, another Master of Wine with a knack for making wine education entertaining and accessible, these span international styles and are described by Skilton as "fun and interesting, but also with a serious side because students can opt to take the formal examination".

If you want to be coached by a local wine shop, the Glengarry chain runs a Wine Academy, whose Stage One offers a good introduction to wine, while its Stage Two takes things a step further.

Grey Lynn's Wine Vault also has a Wine Academy and makes a point of keeping its class sizes small to make participants feel less intimidated. "People from all levels come and learn something," explains Wine Vault's Jayson Bryant. "We also offer French language and wine tasting courses with a native French speaker to take the language component while I do the wine section."

Further south, Taupo's Scenic Cellars run an Introduction to Wine Course, as well as Wine Experience evenings that explore the delights of the likes of Italy, France and Spain.

Wine courses are within the reach of most wine drinkers nowadays - they're even teaching it in schools in Britain. So if you've a thirst for more knowledge, it's never been easier to sign up, swot up and enjoy your wine even more.

A good start

Styley sauvignon

Tohu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $18.95

Clad in a stylish new livery, what's inside the bottle from this Maori-owned wine company is just as classy. It's elegant and intense with its ripe passionfruit, nectarine and punchy lemon fruit swathed in fresh oregano and a steely mineral edge.
(From fine wine stores including First Glass, Bacchus, Glengarry Victoria Park, Herne Bay Cellars, branches of Liquorland & New World, Milford Cellars, Millar & Co, The Village Winery, La Vino.)

Racy riesling

Riverby Marlborough Riesling 2008 $20

From Riverby's impressive collection of well-priced rieslings, this food-friendly dry example has a zippy lemon juice and mineral core and hints of almond.
(From Caro's, Point Wines, Herne Bay Cellars, Scenic Cellars, Arawa Fine Wines, Hillsdene Wines.)

New order

Bracken's Order Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 $34.95

A seductively floral pinot noir from a new name in Central Otago that's wonderfully supple with bright cherry fruit and earthy savoury spicy undertones. (From Bacchus, Millar & Co, Blend, Waiheke Wine Centre.)