Explore the many expressions of Sangiovese, Italy’s most iconic red grape. From the bright, savory wines of Chianti to the bold, age-worthy depths of Brunello di Montalcino, this class showcases how region, tradition, and terroir shape this versatile varietal. Includes a guided tasting of six distinctive Sangiovese-based wines.
Experience the ultimate sparkling showdown as Italy’s elegant Franciacorta goes glass-to-glass with France’s iconic Champagne. This class explores the traditional method behind both wines, highlighting regional differences, grape blends, and aging styles that create their signature bubbles. Taste six sparkling wines.
Explore Oregon’s premier wine region: Willamette Valley. This class dives into the valley’s signature grape—Pinot Noir—alongside standout whites like Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Discover how cool-climate terroir shapes elegant, expressive wines. Includes a guided tasting of six wines from top producers in the Willamette Valley.
Discover the classic rivalry of Bordeaux in Battle of the Banks: Right vs. Left. Compare Merlot-driven wines from the Right Bank with Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends from the Left. Learn how soil, grape varieties, and tradition shape style and structure. Includes a guided tasting of six wines.
Go beyond Barolo and explore the hidden gems of Italy’s Piedmont region. Taste expressive wines made from Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Arneis, and Moscato. From crisp whites to bold reds and aromatic sparklers, discover Piedmont’s rich diversity beyond its most famous bottle. Includes a tasting of six wines.
Explore how winemakers around the world interpret the classic Bordeaux blend. In Global Bordeaux Blends, taste six wines from regions like California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia—all showcasing unique takes on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and more. Discover how terroir, tradition, and innovation shape these globally inspired blends.
Set sail on a global tasting with Vines by the Sea: A Coastal Wine Journey. Explore wines shaped by ocean breezes and maritime climates—from Portugal to Greece, California to New Zealand. Discover how proximity to the sea influences freshness, minerality, and style. Includes a guided tasting of six coastal wines.
Explore the bold, high-altitude wines of Chile and Argentina in Extreme Terroirs. From the Andes to remote valleys, discover how elevation, sunlight, and rocky soils shape intense flavors and vibrant structure. Taste six wines that showcase the dramatic landscapes and unique conditions behind South America’s most thrilling wine regions.
$950 – Includes course tuition, study materials, wine samples, the final examination, and a digital certificate and digital badge for those who pass the exam.
This 5-class course will be held at Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg on the following dates: October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10 with the exam on November 24. Each class meets from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The exam on November 24 is from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.
The aim of the course is to focus on the key grape varieties and regions of the world. While the course provides an overview of the wines of the world, including main wine grapes and regions, it also covers factors affecting wine quality and style, grape growing, and basic winemaking practices. The course emphasizes tasting assessment and the skills required to describe the aromas and tastes of wine. It helps to develop fundamental tasting and assessment skills. During each class session, students will taste 4-6 wines. The exam takes 1 hour and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, an internationally recognized credential in the wine industry.
The course fee includes the 5 classes at Echelon Wine Bar; PDF copies of the class lectures; the WSET study pack (workbook and textbook); practice quizzes; wines for tasting during each class session; and the final exam at Echelon Wine Bar or Online with Remote Invigilation.
Note: This is a structured educational class with seated tastings and classroom style lectures.
17 Guided Learning Hours (including one hour for the examination) and 11 hours’ private study.
To ensure a quality experience for all participants, each class or course requires a minimum number of registrations. If this minimum is not met, we may need to cancel the session. In such cases, registered students will be notified as soon as possible and provided with options for rescheduling or a full refund.
By purchasing your ticket(s), you agree to our payment, refund, cancellation, and reschedule policy.
Click Here to Register
Please note: Registration is done through Capital Wine School
Take a grand tour of Spain’s most iconic wine regions in Vino España. From the bold reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the coastal whites of Rías Baixas and vibrant Cava from Catalonia, explore the diversity of Spanish wine through a guided tasting of six regional selections..
Explore the Southern Rhône beyond Châteauneuf-du-Pape in this class highlighting hidden gems from Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and more. Discover rich, expressive reds and vibrant whites that showcase the region’s diversity, terroir, and tradition. Includes a guided tasting of six wines from some of the Rhône’s most underrated appellations.
Travel below the equator and discover bold, expressive wines from the Southern Hemisphere. This class features standout selections from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand—each offering powerful flavor, vibrant character, and regional flair. Includes a guided tasting of six wines that showcase the southern side of the wine world.
Discover the diverse and dynamic wines of Portugal, from the crisp, refreshing whites of Vinho Verde to the rich, robust reds of Alentejo. This class explores native grapes, regional traditions, and modern expressions that make Portuguese wine so exciting. Includes a guided tasting of six distinctive Portuguese wines.
Explore two of Bordeaux’s most prestigious Right Bank appellations in this side-by-side tasting of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Compare Merlot-driven blends, discover subtle stylistic differences, and learn what makes these regions royal in reputation and character. Includes a guided tasting of six wines showcasing Right Bank elegance and power.
Indulge your senses in Palate Play, a guided tasting of six wines paired with artisan cheeses and decadent chocolates. Discover perfect matches like sparkling wine with triple crème, Malbec with Pecorino, and Shiraz with dark chocolate. A playful and delicious journey through texture, flavor, and harmony in every bite and sip.
Journey through the sun-drenched vineyards of the Mediterranean, where coastal breezes and vibrant culture shape fresh, expressive wines. Explore selections from Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and beyond in this class celebrating seaside terroir and timeless tradition. Includes a tasting of six wines that capture the warmth of the Mediterranean.
$40 per person | $35 per club member | Click Here to Reserve
Explore the elegant, expressive wines of Germany and France’s Alsace region—two neighbors with shared grapes but distinct styles. From crisp Rieslings to aromatic Gewürztraminer and beyond, taste how geography, history, and tradition influence balance and character. This class includes a guided tasting of six wines.
Rosé isn’t just one shade of pink. From pale and crisp to bold and structured, this class explores the wide world of rosé styles. Taste six distinct wines and learn how grape variety, region, and winemaking technique shape flavor, color, and character. A perfect class for pink wine lovers!
Uncover the bold rivalry between two of Spain’s most iconic wine regions in Ribera del Duero vs Rioja: Tempranillo Titans. This tasting class explores how climate, aging, and tradition shape the distinct styles of Tempranillo from these neighboring regions. From Rioja’s elegance and oak influence to Ribera’s power and depth, you’ll learn what sets them apart—and which reigns supreme on your palate. This class includes a tasting of six wines.
Raise a glass to National Prosecco Week with a fun, bubbly celebration of Italy’s most beloved sparkler. Explore the refreshing styles, regional nuances, and winemaking traditions that make Prosecco a global favorite. Perfect for sparkling wine lovers and festive sippers alike. This class includes a tasting of six Proseccos.
Take a coast-to-coast journey through America’s top Cabernet Sauvignon regions. From the power of Napa Valley to the elegance of Washington State and hidden gems in between, discover how climate, soil, and style shape this iconic grape. Includes a guided tasting of six distinctive Cabernets.
Go beyond Barolo and explore the hidden gems of Italy’s Piedmont region. Taste expressive wines made from Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Arneis, and Moscato. From crisp whites to bold reds and aromatic sparklers, discover Piedmont’s rich diversity beyond its most famous bottle. Includes a tasting of six wines.
Discover the radiant charm of three sun-loving white Rhône varietals in this golden-hour-inspired tasting. Explore the floral, rich, and textured profiles of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, and learn how they shine solo or in blends. A perfect class for fans of full-bodied whites with character. This class includes a tasting of six wines.
Dive into the heart of California wine country with California Showdown: Napa Valley vs Sonoma. This engaging class pits two legendary regions against each other, exploring the bold, structured wines of Napa and the elegant, expressive styles of Sonoma. Learn how climate, terroir, and winemaking traditions shape their unique profiles—and decide which region captures your palate. This class includes a tasting of six wines
The world of wine is diverse and delightful and sparkling wines certainly add a dash of pizzazz to your glass. From luxurious Champagne to casual sippers like Prosecco, let's embark on a journey to explore this effervescent world of bubbles. Expand your breadth of bubbles into the world of Spanish Cava, French Crémant, Austrian Sekt and beyond. Tasting of six (6) sparkling wines.
Born in the Old World, these popular grapes gradually took root in the New World, picking up unique nuances. One of the great joys of wine is exploring how the same grape can reveal exciting and nuanced differences depending on where it’s made. Join us as we look at some classic grapes and styles from the Old World and showcase one New World region where each has flourished, creating new benchmarks and expressions. Tasting includes six wines.
Mendoza is a large province (nearly the size of Illinois) located in central-western Argentina. The massive Andes Mountains create a dramatic skyline in the west and also play an important role in Mendoza's wines.
The Andes act as a rain shadow, stopping wet Pacific Ocean weather from the Argentine highlands. It makes Argentina one of the sunniest and driest wine-growing regions with less than 9 inches of rain per year. (As dry as the Gobi Desert!)
Fortunately, ample snowmelt from the Andes irrigates the vineyards, making it possible to produce wine. Explore specific regions in Mendoza including Maipú Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley and San Rafael. Tasting of six wines.
The Iberian Peninsula is home to many notable red wines. Tempranillo, often tannic and full-bodied, is the signature grape of Spain, and Port, a fortified wine, has been produced in Portugal since the seventeenth century and is sought after around the world. Join us as we taste through wines of these two underrated wine regions of Spain & Portugal. Tasting includes 6 (2 oz) pours of each wine.
While California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma still reign supreme as the top wine regions in the United States, there are plenty of wine regions across the nation that are rapidly growing in prominence. Not only are these regions producing world-class wines, but they are also helping to create the basis of a thriving wine industry – everything from wine tourism to wine festivals. Tasting of six (6) wines from regions of Oregon, California, Washington, NY State, Virginia and Texas.
If there is French wine that everyone deserves to taste, it’s probably Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s like the gateway drug to French wine. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a French wine appellation known for its bold Grenache-based red blends. Officially, the region makes both red and white wines with up to 13 different grapes. (Unofficially, there are 20 varieties used in the region!). Let’s dig into the details of this historic wine and find out why Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the Southern Rhône’s most exclusive appellation. Tasting includes six wines.
Rosés are a growing trend and there are all types of rosé from around the world and three main ways to produce this wine: direct press, blush blend and saignée. Join us as we taste through some great rosé wines and explore pink wines including some bubbles. Tasting includes 6 wines.
In a Parisian hotel 46 years ago, some of France's biggest wine experts came together for a blind tasting.
The finest French wines were up against upstarts from California. France made the world's best wines and Napa Valley was not yet on the map -- so the result was believed to be obvious. Instead, the greatest underdog tale in wine history was about to unfold.
Taste through some of these legendary wines and learn more about this amazing story!
Click Here to Reserve - $55 per person | $50 per club member
As it is frequently noted, Italians have a firm sense of identity that is rooted in their home province, and wine — often made with indigenous grapes that express a local character. Let us share these wines with you revealing the complexity of Italy's history and love of wine. Tasting includes 6 wines.
Click Here to Reserve | $40 per person | $35 per club member
Join us for an adventurous, fun, interactive evening of wine trivia and tastings. For wine lovers and connoisseurs alike, come test your wine knowledge and palate for a fun tasting challenge! Tasting of six (6) wines.
The Southern Hemisphere offers some of the most delicious and affordable wines in the world. With its range of grapes and climates, the variety of wines produced south of the Equator is unparalleled. Taste wines from Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa & Uruguay. Tasting includes six (6) wines.
Join Todd and Aimee for a comparative tasting of Lost Creek wines vs other famous wine regions around the world. We will be comparing the following...
2022 Barrel Select Chardonnay vs Sonoma Chardonnay
2019 Allure vs French Bordeaux Blend
2021 Tannat vs Uruguayan Tannat
$45 per person | $40 club member
Champagne is the most famous region in the world known for its magical bubbles. Champagne, like all wines, is an experience for all of the senses – color, aroma, texture, flavor and in this case sound too. Learning to recognize and define the distinctions in Champagne is what makes tasting Champagne especially fascinating. Tasting of six Champagnes from France.
Join us for our monthly Sip & Savor Social. Enjoy a tasting of 10 wines for $10. Make a reservation for 11am, 12pm or 1pm and stop anytime during your time slot to taste the 10 wines hand selected by our Wine Director. Interested in enjoying the brunch menu please be sure to make a separate reservation for a table during this time.
Please note: This is a walk around tasting. Wines will be available for purchase and by-the-glass at special pricing for this event only. Please make a separate reservation if you would like to dine with us at a table. Seating is limited. Bar seating is available on first-come first-serve basis.
The texture of a wine is the tactile sensation it leaves in the mouth, and it's often described using words that refer to textiles. Cashmere and silk are two fabrics that can be used to describe the texture of a wine: Cashmere bering a soft, warm, and delicate texture and silk as a delicate and caressing texture. Tasting of six (6) wines.
