Get to know wine.
And your clients.
Use wine knowledge to build stronger business relationships.
Wine Classes
for professionals
Our expert sommeliers will teach you:
How to Decode Labels
Proper Etiquette
Tasting Techniques
To Order Confidently
About the founder
Corporate Corks founder Paul Abercrombie’s several decades of experience in public relations for companies in all manner of industries and wine-centric journalism have given him first-hand experience in how business and wine often complement one another.
Besides helping clients win publicity, he contributes articles on wine and related topics to publications such as The Washington Post, Hemispheres, Wine Enthusiast, Lonely Planet’s Budget Travel, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, AAA Living, PUNCH and National Geographic Traveler. He’s also written several books, including Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis and other Totally Green Cocktails (Harvard Common Press).
Paul holds Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 accreditation in wines.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What will I learn?
Totally depends on what you’re after.
Basic courses cover the fundamentals of grape varietals (aka, types of grapes), wine production, differences between old/new world styles, how to decode a restaurant wine menu and read a wine bottle label, along with tips on wine selection, proper etiquette, and tasting techniques to enhance overall dining experience and to build positive relationships in a business context.
These classes will also touch on how to pair unconventional foods and wines, how to identify good value wines on wine lists, and how to recognize flawed wines.
Classes can be tailored for all levels of wine experience, including specific wine-producing countries, areas and styles of wines.
If, for example, your business takes you to, say, France, South Africa or England (where, despite its beer-centric culture, some fantastic wines – especially sparkling wines – are being produced), we can tailor a seminar to fit your exact geographic or other enological needs.
How many kinds of wines will we learn about/taste?
Basic classes typically cover wines made from six to eight wines classic grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, including still and sparkling expressions. Individualized classes can focus on any number of wines, however nerdy and/or esoteric as you like, including sparkling, Sherry, and sweet and fortified wines such as Madeira and Port.
Who teaches classes?
Sommeliers experienced with teaching business professionals. All have worked in real-world restaurant, wine bar and wine education settings.
How long do classes run?
Our basic class runs around two hours, with lots of practical experience with everything from properly opening, decanting and pouring bottles, as well as sniffing, tasting and evaluating wines.
Individualized classes can be arranged for just about any length of time desired.
Where are classes available?
Throughout the U.S., though rural areas and pretty well anywhere in Alaska may admittedly be trickier to arrange. Ditto for outside America (for now).
In what settings are classes taught?
Courses can be arranged in a variety of settings, including offices, homes or even local wine bars/restaurants. Yachts and private jets are fine, too, if a bit over-the-top.
How many people can participate in a class?
We find the ideal size of our basic class to be anywhere from nine to a dozen-ish folks. Individualized classes can be as small as, well, an individual.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
Nope, we provide all wines and glassware, as well as water, notepads and spit buckets (trust us, with the typical basic class covering upwards of eight or more wines, you’ll likely be glad to learn how to use one).
Snacks, as well as multi-course meals, can be arranged for both basic and individualized classes, especially ones more focused on food and wine pairing.
Oh, and we ask participants to make sure they haven’t brushed their teeth minutes before the class and are not wearing excessive perfume, as these can fairly wreck your (and your fellow classmates’) ability to taste wine effectively.
How much do classes cost?
Basic classes run around $175 per person. Costs of individualized classes may vary, depending on the number and quality of wines showcased, among other factors.
Do you also have classes about spirits?
Not yet, though we’re certainly game to add them if there’s interest.
Can I give a class as a gift?
Absolutely!
Can classes be used for corporate team building events?
Our basic classes are pretty well ideal for such occasions.
Can I use a class for my bachelorette/bachelor party?
Please don’t.
Ready for the next step?
Speak to a Concierge