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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.

WIN1 E868
Fall: 09/24/08 - 10/22/08 Class Full
Winter 2009: 01/07/09 - 02/04/09 Register online for California Wine Appreciation, 1/7/09-2/4/09
Wed. 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Erhart Ag Bldg. (10),  Conference  Rm. 241
5 Meetings
Fee: $210
1.0 CEU

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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 Mark Welch promotes and teaches sustainable farming practices in the Fruit Science, Crop Science, and in the Wine and Viticulture majors at Cal Poly with an emphasis in vineyard production. He oversees the commercial farming of approximately 70 acres (28.33 hectares) of permanent fruit and nut crops for the Horticulture and Crop Science Department. Cal Poly currently produces 15 acres (6.1 hectares) of wine grapes (Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay).  His wine and viticulture experience includes multiple harvest and winery work in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and work with Central Coast Vineyard Team (non profit organization) to identify and promote the most environmentally safe, viticulturally and economically sustainable farming methods, while maintaining or improving quality and flavor of wine grapes.

WIN1 E801

10/18/08 - 10/25/08 Register online for Introduction to Wine Industry
Sat., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Erhart Ag Bldg. (010) Rm. 222
2 Meetings
Fee: $290
1.4 CEUs

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Foundation for Applied Biodynamics

Biodynamic agriculture was inspired by a series of lectures given by Austrian scientist/philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. It is one of the oldest forms of ‘alternative farming’ in modern times. Based on a meticulous study of planetary rhythms and specialized compost preparations, Biodynamics strives for harmony within the agro-ecosystem. Like Organic agriculture, it avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. For decades, Biodynamic produce has been known globally for its superior shelf-life and flavor. This has attracted the attention of producers, particularly in the California wine industry. Many vintners and farmers are now seeking to incorporate Biodynamic practices into their management strategies.

The course will cover the basic principles and methods behind the successful application of Bio dynamics. Course participants will learn how to read the Biodynamic calendar, and will be given a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare two Biodynamic compost preparations at the Cal Poly Organic Farm (BD 500/horn manure & the ‘barrel prep’). This introductory overview of Biodynamics will be suited to farmers and gardeners alike.

Instructor Gena Nonini received her B.S. in Agriculture Business Management from Cal Poly and M.S. in Agribusiness from Arizona State. Using the Biodynamic® method, she farms grapes, almonds, citrus and row crops. Ms. Nonini is President of the Board of the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics and of the Biodynamic Trade Association; she also serves on the California Raisin Marketing Board.

WIN1 E871
11/14/08 - 11/15/08 Register on-line for Foundation of Applied Biodynamics
Fri., 7:00pm - 9:00pm & Sat., 8:00am - 5:00pm
Erhart Ag. Bldg. 10, Rm. 220
2 Meetings
Fee: $195
0.9 CEUs

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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
02/11/09 - 03/18/09 Register on-line for European Wine Appreciation
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Wed.
Erhart Ag. Bldg. (10) Rm. 241
6 Meetings
Fee: $250
1.2 CEUs

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Vineyard Practices

You will gain an understanding of the internal and external factors that can affect vine productivity. Grape growing practices will be explored using both historical and international perspectives. In addition, you will learn how to develop successful vineyard production strategies.

Instructor Keith Patterson, Ph.D., University of Missouri in Viticulture has been active in Viticulture research and teaching since 1985 and has been published extensively.

WIN1 E803
02/21/09 - 02/28/09 Register on-line for Vineyard Practices
Sat., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cal Poly, TBA
2 meetings
Fee: $290
1.4 CEUs

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Wine Marketing

This class will explore wine marketing strategies including public relations, distributor relations, special events, wine tourism, packaging and direct marketing. Trends in wine consumption patterns and consumer behavior will also be discussed.

Instructor: July Ackerman is the Director of Program Development for the Wine and Viticulture major. Prior to joining Cal Poly, Ms. Ackerman spent 17 years as a corporate and non-profit executive, and 5 years as a consultant for wineries and non-profits.

WIN1 E802
03/07/09 - 03/14/09 Register on-line for Wine Marketing
Sat., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cal Poly, TBA
2 meetings
Fee: $290
1.4 CEUs

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