Series 1: An Introduction to Wine Varietals

Series 1: An Introduction to Wine Varietals 

The journey to understanding wine is one of exploration, discovery, and—most importantly—experimentation. That’s exactly the spirit behind Wine Scholars, where we’re diving into the world of wine with a fun, interactive, and educational approach. The goal is simple: to train our palates, deepen our wine knowledge, and enjoy the process in a relaxed, social setting. And what better way to achieve this than through blind tasting?

What is Blind Tasting?

Blind tasting is a technique that removes any biases associated with knowing a wine’s label, price, or region. The wines are concealed, and participants rely solely on their senses—the aromas, flavors, textures, and structure—to identify the wine. It’s all about trusting your palate and honing your skills in a fun, no-pressure environment. This approach not only sharpens your wine knowledge but also encourages a deeper understanding of the subtle differences between wines from various regions and varietals.

The Purpose of Series 1: An Introduction to Wine Varietals

Series 1 of the Wine Scholars is all about building a foundational understanding of key wine varietals. Over the course of 10 tastings, we’ll focus on different grape varieties, regions, and wine styles, learning how they differ—and what makes them unique. Each session will offer participants a chance to taste and discuss wines in-depth, comparing them to other wines and exploring the nuances of each varietal and its region of origin.

The 10 Events in Series 1: An Introduction to Wine Varietals

1. Red: Old World vs. New World - April 24, 2025
The first session sets the stage with a comparison between Old World and New World reds. This tasting will focus on the stylistic differences between regions like Bordeaux or Burgundy (Old World) and Napa Valley or Australia (New World). We’ll explore how climate, terroir, and winemaking techniques influence the flavors and structure of the wines.

2. White: Old World vs. New World - May 28, 2025
Continuing the theme, we’ll dive into white wines from Old World regions like France and Italy versus New World regions such as California and New Zealand. The differences in acidity, fruit profiles, and overall structure will be the focus of this session.

3. Learning Wine Structure - June 18, 2025
This session takes a step back from varietals and focuses on the fundamental components of wine: acidity, tannins, alcohol, body, and sweetness. By tasting blind, participants will learn how these elements work together to form a balanced wine.

4. Red: Grenache, Syrah, Gamay, Mourvèdre - July 24, 2025
In this session, we’ll explore four distinct red grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Gamay, and Mourvèdre. Each has its own profile—Gamay with its bright fruitiness, Syrah with its peppery spice, Grenache with its boldness, and Mourvèdre with its depth. The challenge will be to identify each grape and discuss the key differences.

5. Pinots from Around the World - August 21, 2025
Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow and produce, but it’s also one of the most expressive red wines. In this session, we’ll compare Pinot Noirs from regions like Burgundy, California, Oregon, and New Zealand, exploring the subtle differences in climate and winemaking styles.

6. Italian Red Varietals - September 24, 2025
This session will be dedicated to exploring some of Italy’s most famous red varietals, such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Barbera. The goal is to understand the regional diversity and complex flavors of Italian reds.

7. French White Varietals - October 2025
We’ll turn our attention to the white wines of France, including Chardonnay from Burgundy, Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, and Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. This tasting will highlight the influence of French terroir on these popular varietals.

8. Southern Hemisphere Wines - November 2025
This features five distinctive wines from the Southern Hemisphere: Malbec and Torrontés from Argentina, Carmenere from Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, and Chenin Blanc from South Africa. We’ll explore how regional climate and style shape each wine’s character—from bold reds to aromatic whites—and learn to identify their key traits in the glass.

9. White: New World vs. Old World Part 2- December 2025
The second chance at redemption with white wines compares classic white varieties across continents. We’ll taste Riesling from Germany and Australia, Viognier from France and the New World, and Semillon from both Bordeaux and Australia’s Hunter Valley. Expect a deep dive into how climate, age, and winemaking shape these grapes in both Old and New World expressions.

10. Unique European Varietals and Zin - January 2026
Finally, we’ll explore distinctive European grapes—Albariño from Spain, Grüner Veltliner from Austria, Assyrtiko from Greece, Cabernet Franc from the Loire, Tempranillo from Spain, and Carignan from France—alongside California’s bold Zinfandel from Dry Creek. We'll focus on what makes each variety stand out and how tradition and terroir shape their profiles.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

Series 1 of The Wine Scholars Blind Tasting Club is an exciting journey through the world of wine, focusing on the core varietals and regions that define the global wine landscape. With each session, participants will build their confidence and knowledge, learning how to identify wines blind and appreciate the subtleties that make each varietal unique.

As the series progresses, we look forward to more tastings, more discussions, and more opportunities to explore the world of wine together. Cheers to expanding our palates and discovering the wines that speak to us!