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Introduction to Sustainable Wine Grape Growing

This course will review, compare and contrast various wine grape growing techniques. The various agricultural practices will be linked to wine quality, environmental values and current sustainable certification programs. Attendees will be encouraged to discuss their specific areas of interest. The second meeting will include a field trip at a sustainably certified vineyard which participates in several research projects.

Instructor: Jean-Pierre Wolff, Ph.D, is the owner and vintner of Wolff vineyards, a 125 acre ecologically friendly, certified sustainable vineyard in the Edna Valley. Dr. Wolff was a recipient of the 2008 San Luis Obispo County Green Award, the 2007 Air Pollution Control District Award and the 2003 Central Coast Vintner of the Year Award.

WIN1 E864
06/20/09 and 06/27/09 Register online for Introduction to Sustainable Wine Grape Growing
Erhart Ag Building (10), Room 200
2 meetings
Fee: $290
1.4 CEUs

Please note: This is a special program. Any requests for withdrawal or transfer will incur a $35 administrative fee. After 5/31/09, no refunds will be issued

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Wines of the Southern Hemisphere

JUNE 30 UPDATE -- JUST TWO SPOTS REMAINING, REGISTER NOW!

Discover the world of wines down under. You will taste unique varietals made from places and with flavors that will surprise your palate and challenge your senses. Fine wines from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina will be featured. This course will be an overview of the grapes, winemaking and geographical and cultural aspects of each region.

Note: Please bring three glasses to each session.

Minimum age: 21 years old, must bring photo identification to first class session.

Instructor Michael Botwin, Ph.D., is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and director of The American Wine Society, San Luis Obispo chapter. He has explored all five wine regions of the Southern Hemisphere, along with other parts of the globe. He has taught wine appreciation courses since 1973 and has published articles on wine in professional journals.

WIN1 E866
08/12/09 - 9/09/09 Register online for Wines of the Southern Hemisphere
Erhart Ag Building (10), Room 201
5 meetings
Fee: $245
1 CEU

Please note: This is a special program. Any requests for withdrawal or transfer will incur a $35 administrative fee. After 5/31/09, no refunds will be issued

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Vineyard Pest Management

Pest management is a critical component of viticulture. This course addresses the identification, prevention, and treatment of the major vertebrate, insect, mite, weed, and disease pests in vineyards on the Central Coast. A combination of classroom instruction and vineyard visits will help make the connection between pest management theory and practice. We will begin by learning the biology and life cycle of key pests, and present management options, including sustainable and organically approved practices. This course is suitable to those with a few vines in the backyard or with larger acreages. Students are responsible for their own transportation on field trips.

Instructor: Michael Costello, Ph.D., has a B.S. in Crop Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a Ph.D. in Entomology from UC Berkeley. His research has focused on vineyard pest management since 1992, and he has authored 14 scientific articles or book chapters on the topic. He spent four years as the Viticulture Farm Advisor for Fresno County, and has been at Cal Poly since 2000.

WIN1 E870
07/06/09, 07/08/09 and 07/11/09 Register online for Vineyard Pest Management
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, & Saturday , 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Crops Unit Bldg. 17, Rm 101
3 meetings
Fee: $245
1.4 CEUs

Please note: This is a special program. Any requests for withdrawal or transfer will incur a $35 administrative fee. After 5/31/09, no refunds will be issued

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Introduction to Wine Industry

Explore the history of wine making from its beginnings to modern day, the basics of winemaking, wine serving, and food and wine pairing. You will also discover the origins of wine grape varietals and their importance. In addition, you will learn how climates, microclimates, and soils have an influence on grape quality. Participants will be given a one hour lunch break each class meeting.

You will need to bring three (3) glasses to each class for wine pairing.

Minimum age: 21 years old, must bring photo identification to first class session.

Instructor: Steve Rasmussen who holds a B.S. in Fermentation Science from U.C. Davis, was with Robert Mondovi Winery and Inglenook for three years. He served as ecologist at Corbett Canyon for two years, and has also worked as a consultant for wineries in Argentina. He has been the winemaker at Talley Vineyards Winery since 1986.

WIN1 E801
11/14/09 and 11/21/09 Register online for Introduction to the Wine Industry
Saturday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cal Poly, TBA
2 Meetings
Fee: $290
1.4 CEUs

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California Wine Appreciation

Learn to be a wine connoisseur. Do you know the difference between a Merlot and a Cabernet? This course provides basic knowledge and experience in taste discrimination of a variety of Central Coast and other California wines. Learn the sensory evaluation of various components in wine. The varietal characteristics of wine produced on the Central Coast and in other parts of California are reviewed.

Note: Bring three glasses to each class.

Minimum age: 21 years old, must bring photo identification to first class session.

Instructor Michael Botwin, Ph.D., is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and director of The American Wine Society, San Luis Obispo chapter. He has taught wine appreciation courses since 1973 and has published articles on wine in professional journals.

FALL 2009
WIN1 E868
10/07/09 - 12/09/09 Register online for California Wine Appreciation
(No class 11/11/09 and 11/25/09)
Wed. 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Cal Poly TBA
5 Meetings
Fee: $210
1.0 CEU

WINTER 2010
WIN1 E868
01/06/10 - 02/03/10 Register online for California Wine Appreciation
Wed. 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Cal Poly TBA
5 Meetings
Fee: $210
1.0 CEU

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European Wine Appreciation

Learn how European geography and climate influence wine from different regions. The focus will be on French wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Southern France plus Loire, Alsace and Champagne. You will also learn about Italian and Spanish wines and discover how European wines differ from those of California. Additionally, you will learn how to read and interpret European wine labels. You should have taken the California Wine Appreciation or another basic wine appreciation course prior to taking this course.

Note: Bring three glasses to each class.

Minimum age: 21 years old, must bring photo identification to first class session.

Instructor: Michael Botwin, Ph.D., is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and director of The American Wine Society, San Luis Obispo chapter. He has taught wine appreciation courses since 1973 and has published articles on wine in professional journals.

WIN1 E869
02/10/10 - 03/17/10 Register online for European Wine Appreciation
Wednesday,. 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Cal Poly TBA
6 Meetings
Fee: $250
1.2 CEU

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Best of the Central Coast

This class will offer four evenings of fun and informative tastings of some of the finest wines of the Central Coast led by professional wine judge Ron Rawlinson and featuring noted winemakers. Each night will feature in-depth analysis of one genre of great wines, including where they come from and how and why they are made in their particular styles:

• The Rhone Zone - Our entire area is famously emerging as THE home for winning wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and blends that can include other even more exotic grapes.
• Meritage Marvels - With Bordeaux as the model, Paso Robles produces some amazing world-class varietal and blended wines of Cabernets, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, as well as wonderful whites from Sauvignon Blanc.
• Burgundian Beauties - Critics are convinced that Central Coast Chardonnays charm and our Pinots (Blanc, Gris and Noir) please. Explore elegant wines with and without the cloak of French oak.
• Just Desserts - We've got a bevy of sweet treats that are sure to delight! From white to red, from ports to late harvest offerings.

Bring 4 glasses to each class meeting and water. Must be 21, bring your ID.

Textbook: no text book required

Instructor: Ronald Rawlinson has years of experience as an instructor, retailer, restaurateur, winemaker, marketing consultant, wine competition judge, writer and speaker.

WIN1 E874
10/06/09 - 10/27/09 Register online for Best of the Central Coast
Tues., 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WIN1 E874
Cal Poly, TBA
4 Meetings
Fee: $195
1.2 CEUs

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Sensory Evaluation of Wine (E)

You will receive a hands-on experience that prepares you the consumer or wine marketing professional, to properly evaluate and appreciate the sensory properties of wine, including color, appearance, odor, aroma, flavor, taste, and the overall impression of the wine. The students will then evaluate both white and red wines using  "anchors," which provide familiarity with and recognition of the odors, aromas, tastes and flavors of the wines. Lastly, the students will become aware of the changes in perception that wine undergoes when consumed with various foods. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to evaluate wine with a new confidence and will be able to communicate why you did or did not like a particular wine. Minimum age: 21 years old, must bring photo identification to first class session.

Textbook: Required Text: Aroma Wheel, Anne Nobel. Handouts will be provided.

Instructors: Ronald Rawlinson has years of experience as an instructor, retailer, restaurateur, winemaker, marketing consultant, wine competition judge, writer and speaker and Clark Smith winemaker, journalist and Director of Wine Evaluations for AppellationAmerica.com, will discuss the postmodern winemaking movement beyond the Aroma Wheel to focus on wine soulfulness, aromatic integration and minerality. He will also review his work characterizing the varietal flavor profiles of the 307 North American appellations, and demonstrate environmental interactions between wine, lighting and music.

WIN1 E809
10/14/09 - 10/24/09 Register online for Sensory Evaluation of Wine
Wed.,  6:30 pm - 9:30 pm and Sat., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cal Poly, TBA
4 Meetings
Fee: $290
2.0 CEUs

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