What You’ll Learn:

Led by Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser, this workshop takes the mystery out of the Deductive Tasting Grid, helping you build confidence in identifying grape varieties, assessing wine structure, and describing flavor characteristics.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the key markers and impact compounds for major red and white grape varieties
• Use the Deductive Tasting Grid to evaluate wine appearance, aromatics, and palate
• Apply proper tasting technique, including how to hold the glass and assess structural elements
• Recognize and describe common wine faults (TCA, VA, oxidation, Brett, and more)
• Understand cause and effect in wine—from grape to glass

Course Modules:

Module 1: Tasting Overview

• Create a proper tasting environment
• Understand visual clues like clarity, color, and viscosity
• Define and apply the concept of Cause and Effect in wine

Module 2: The Deductive Tasting Grid

• Learn to smell and interpret wine aromas using the FEW (Fruit, Earth, Wood) system
• Evaluate the palate for sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, and balance
• Format accurate conclusions about grape variety, origin, and quality level
• Identify eight common wine faults and their sensory markers

Module 3: Signatures and Impact Compounds

• Discover the aromatic and structural signatures of classic red and white grapes
• Learn the impact compounds that define varietal character

Module 4: Key Markers

• Match key sensory markers with specific grape varieties and wine styles.