Past Wine Tasting Seminars & Classes

We at UnCork-It understand that some of the items we offer for sale are intimidating to those of us who have not dedicated our lives to the study of these items. Our goal is to help educate our customers so that they feel comfortable and knowledgeable  when deciding what item they should purchase.

Wine 101 Seminar
Wednesday, February 21 2007
7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM.
$20 per person
 
Lead by Christine Blumer of Wine Diva Enterprises.Class seating is limited. To reserve your seat, payment needs to be made in advance. Sign up at our Customer Service Desk or call 312-321-9400.


COGNAC SEMINAR & TASTING!
Thursday, November 9, 2006
7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM.
$20.00 per person.

The National Educator for Pierre Ferrand & Landy will teach this class as you sip & enjoy their products.

Joins us for a fun & informative Cognac Seminar & Tasting Learn all about the Process of making Cognac along with the Taste, Nose, and characteristic qualities of this beautiful beverage.

Taste several top quality cognacs from Pierre Ferrand & Landy as you enjoy cheese & crackers in our informal tasting room.

Seating is limited.  Please sign up at our customer Service Desk or call 312-321-9400 to reserve your seat. 

All participants will receive 10% off purchases of Cognacs tasted the evening of the class.


AUSTRALIAN WINE TASTING
Friday, November 17, 2006
7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM.
$20/person
 
Join David Muster the National Sales Manager for Lion Nathan Wine Group
 
Taste 2 of Australian wine icons -  St. Hallelett & Petaluma.  David will be pouring these outstanding wines from his portfolios as well as wines from his private cellar.
 
Seating is limited.  To reserve your seat call 312-321-9400 or register at our Customer Service Desk.  (There is a 48 hour cancellation policy.)

Private Champagne Tasting at UnCorkIt!
Wednesday, December 13th, 2006
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
$30.00 per person

You are invited to join us for a special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting!  Sample bubbly from around the world while enjoying gourmet cheese, crackers and appetizers.  We will be closing the store early for this exciting event.

Come and taste the different flavors and characteristics of of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines from all different regions and countries of the world.  Learn from the experts who will be pouring their products.

This is a private tasting so sign up early.  Names will be checked at the door.  Sorry no walk-ins.

To purchase your your tickets call 312-321-9400 or stop in at our Customer Service Desk.


UnCorkIt's! Wine 101 Class
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM.
$20 per person
 
Just in time for the holidays!  Taught by Certified Advance Sommelier Mr. Shelford Trotman. Shelford will introduce you to:
*  The principals of tasting
*  Grape varieties& their characteristics
*  Food & Wine pairings
*  Tips for the holidays

Class seating is limited. To reserve your seat, payment needs to be made in advance. Sign up at our Customer Service Desk or call 312-321-9400.


D.C. Flynt - Master of Wine
(New date and time) Wednesday, September 20th, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Take an amazing tour of Burgundy and Champagne with D.C Flynt, Master of Wine and fine wine importer. Mr. Flynt will be presenting selections from his portfolio of Burgundy and Champagne estates, and demystifying these fascinating, and sometimes confusing, regions of France. If you only attend one seminar all year, make it this one - you will learn an incredible amount about Pinot Noir from a true expert in a direct and easy to understand manner. Fee $10 includes hors d'ouvres prepared by our Deli Department.


Wine 101 - Welcome to Wine! with the Winediva
Guest speaker - Christine Blumer "The Winediva"
Wednesday, June 21 - 6:30-8:30PM
Wednesday, July 12 - 6:30-8:00PM

Learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro! Taste the six major grapes of the world and enjoy a lively lesson with Christine Blumer, "The Winediva", from Winediva Enterprises. Gain command of basic wine vocabulary and tasting technique while discovering the great wine producing countries of the world. Bring all your questions about wine and food pairing, storage, sulfites, or any other vexing wine dilemma. Class fee $25.

Go to http://www.winedivaent.com/ for more information about the Winediva!


Laurel Glen Tasting and Seminar
Guest speaker - Ms. Arya Campbell
Tuesday, May 16 6:30-8:00PM

Laurel Glen is one of California's shining stars and we're pleased to have Arya Campbell here to show a range of wines from this estate. In addition to their fine California estate selections, Laurel Glen also produces Terra Rosa of Argentina. Seminar limited to 30 attendees - $5.00 fee covers cost of wines, printed information, and appetizers provided by our Deli Department. All seminars are held in our on-site tasting room.


Seidelberg Tasting and Seminar
Guest speaker - Mr. Roland Seidel
Tuesday, May 2 6:30-8:00PM

This seminar introduces our customers to the fine wines of Seidelberg and De Leuwen Jagt, presided over by winery owner Roland Seidel. Mr. Seidel will take us through his wines, give an overview on the state of the South African wine industry, and answer all questions. Seminar limited to 30 attendees - $5.00 fee covers cost of wines, printed information, and appetizers provided by our Deli Department. All seminars held in our on-site tasting room.


ITALY'S FAMOUS RED WINES
Thursday, March 16 - 7:00-8:30PM
In this class, we will taste examples of Italy's most renowned red wines from Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany to Barolo from Piedmont and the robust, spicy Amarone from the Veneto region, as well as several others. Handouts with maps will be included. Please contact Tom Hyland at tnapawine@aol.com for more information. Class fee $25.


NORTHERN ITALIAN WINES: INTENSE WHITES AND REGAL REDS
Wednesday, April 19 - 7:00-8:30PM
Discover the beautiful whites from Friuli and Alto Adige along with the great reds of Piedmont such as Barbera and Barolo along with sparkling wines such as Prosecco and Franciacorta. Handouts with information on the wines as well as maps will be included. Please contact Tom Hyland at tnapawine@aol.com for more information. Class fee $25.


TUSCANY: AN OVERVIEW
Wednesday, April 26 - 7:00-8:30PM
This class will be a look at the whites of Tuscany, such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, as well as the famous reds (Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino) as well as the lovely dessert wine, Vin Santo. Handouts with information on the wines as well as maps will be included. Please contact Tom Hyland at tnapawine@aol.com for more information. Class fee $25.


Pinot Pride
March 7th 7:00 - 8:30 P.M
Teacher - Christine Blumer "winediva"

Discover the most food friendly grape in the world. Pinot Noir is an elegant match for most any cuisine. Get the inside scoop on why this supple and sexy wine delights and confounds winemakers around the world. Taste some great examples from its native Burgundy to emerging superstars in New Zealand. You will now understand what all the hype is about Pinot Noir and why the sales of this wine have doubled in the past few years.


Welcome to Wine - Wine 101
February 21st 7:00 - 8:30 P.M
Teacher - Christine Blumer "winediva"

Learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro! Taste the six ''noble'' grapes of the world and discover what all the fuss is about. Gain Command of basic wine vocabulary and tasting technique. Bring all your questions about wine and food pairings, storage, or any other wine questions. You will feel more comfortable with all your wine decisions after this fun informative class.


The Great Red Grapes and their Wines
February 1st, 2006 : 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Like the above, we will make a vinous tour of many of the world's most distinctive red grapes and their wines. Yes, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot, but also Pinot, Zin, Sangiovese, Syrah and Tempranillo. Similarly, you will learn what part of the wine's odor and flavor come from the grape and what comes from the other factors (terroir or place, winemaking, cooperage, etc.).
$60 per person.
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


The Wines of France: A Primer
February 8th, 2006: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Look at just about every wine that comes from California and the other "New World" countries and you see the influence of France. Viticultural practices, winemaking styles, oak regimes, etc. that are in place now come directly from a vigneron in Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone or elsewhere. We'll do a taste tour of this country from cold Champagne to the heat of the Mediterranean. We'll also cover the wine label and its laws as well as why the wines taste the way they do.
$65 per person
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


The Wines of California: A Primer
February 15th: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Yes, everyone drinks California wine: they sell us more than all the importing nations combined! But have you really looked into the variety of the Golden State's offerings?  Sure, we'll taste a broad range of wines but we'll also delve into the little-covered areas, the evolution / revolution of the last generation, the economics (why 1 Cab sells for $5 and another for $100 or more) and much more.
$60 per person.
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


The Basics of Wine
January 18th, 2006: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Here's a unique opportunity to  learn about grapegrowing, winemaking, winetasting and the language of wine in one 90 minute session. Our most popular seminar: Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.
$55 per person


The Great White Grapes and their Wines
January 25th, 2006: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Everyone's tasted Chardonnay's wine; but have you tried it compared with Riesling's, Gewurztraminer's, Sauvignon's, Chenin's or other white varieties' wines? Be an adventurous wineau: learn--and taste--how the world's most distinctive white grapes vary.
$60 per person
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


The Great Red Grapes and their Wines
February 1st, 2006 : 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Like the above, we will make a vinous tour of many of the world's most distinctive red grapes and their wines. Yes, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot, but also Pinot, Zin, Sangiovese, Syrah and Tempranillo. Similarly, you will learn what part of the wine's odor and flavor come from the grape and what comes from the other factors (terroir or place, winemaking, cooperage, etc.).
$60 per person.
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


The Wines of France: A Primer
February 8th, 2006: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Patrick W Fegan, Director - CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
Look at just about every wine that comes from California and the other "New World" countries and you see the influence of France. Viticultural practices, winemaking styles, oak regimes, etc. that are in place now come directly from a vigneron in Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone or elsewhere. We'll do a taste tour of this country from cold Champagne to the heat of the Mediterranean. We'll also cover the wine label and its laws as well as why the wines taste the way they do.
$65 per person
Call 312-491-0284 or e-mail PWFegan@aol.com for details.


Thursday November 3rd 7:00-8:30 P.M.
Mr. David Muster, National Sales Director of Distinguished Vineyards

Join us for a night of education, fun, and appetizers in this exciting 1:30 minute class. David represents several wines from Australia as well as some other wines. 

David will take you through the entire process of winemaking in a fun informative way as you sip and learn about the wines he is pouring. David will pour wines from St Hallett including Faith Shiraz, and Blackwell Shiraz. He will also be pouring Witherhills (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Nior. In addition to the above he will pour and explain Petaluma Riesling. David welcomes group involvement and questions as his passion for good wine is evident to all that meet him.

Learn about the body of a wine, the legs, nose, tannins, flavors and more. Leave this class with a true understanding of the entire process of a good wine. You will be able to taste flavors and notice life in your wine that you would have never noticed before.

This class is great for beginners as well as sophisticated consumers. Ladies, David is very good looking so book early! 

Class size isa maximum of 40 people. Class is filled on a first come first serve basis and your seat will be reserved after it is paid for. Feel free to call our Customer Service Desk at 312-321-9400 or you may just stop in and sign up. Everyone who attends will be issued a coupon good for 5% off any of the wines tasted. Coupons are only valid the night of the class so please use them that evening if you want to purchase any of the above wines.


Wine Appreciation 101
Tuesday October 18th 7:00 - 8:30 P.M.
Laura Levy Shatkin - Content Producer of Taste on NBC5 Chicago TV.

Become better equipped at finding wine that suites your taste. Knowing just a bit about your food preferences and how you take your coffee can help guide you towards the wines that you would prefer. This introductory course covers the basic components in wine that give it flavor, texture and body. Sip wines and fully understand the body, aroma, and taste of each wine and how they differ from others.  Once you learn the basics you will feel much more comfortable in all your choices and you will much better understand that wine is not as complicated as you may think. Don't be intimidated any longer, Demystify wine- take the journey.
 
This class is filled on a first come first serve basis. The wines will be accompanied by cheese and crackers. Class participants will be issued a coupon good for 5% off anything in the store valid the night of the class only. Sign up at our customer service desk, or call the store to reserve your seat.


Wines for Winter
Tuesday November 15th 7:00 - 8:30 P.M.

Laura Levy Shatkin - Content Producer of Taste on NBC5 Chicago TV.

When we hibernate for those long winter months, there's nothing better than having some full-bodied, soul satisfying, deep red wine to sip by the fireplace. Sip and learn about some of the rich red wines that pair nicely to winter dishes and make cold weather a bit easier to tolerate. Learn the flavors profiles of the wines and some producers that offer great quality at great values. Wine is very seasonal and is often misunderstood as educated consumers know that wines are seasonal. By learning about the vast assortment of Reds you will comprehend and appreciate how complex and wonderful rich wines can be. Laura welcomes group involvement and will be happy to answer any of your questions.
 
This class is filled on a first come firs serve basis. All wines will be accompanied by cheese and crackers. Class participants will be issued a 5% off  anything in the store valid the night of the class only. Sign up at our customer service desk, or call the store to reserve your seat. 

Friday, October 14th from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Kathy Benziger of Benziger wines

Join us for this great seminar with host Kathy Benziger. Kathy is one of the family members of this great wine making family and will teach this 1:30 minute class. Learn from seed to glass the techniques that her family has used throughout the years. Kathy will introduce you to all her family wines including their high end Tribute line. Learn the varieties of grapes, soil, and all secrets (well most of them) that gives Benziger wines the quality name that they have.

Kathy will pour several varieties of her wines and explain to you each and every taste and quality that goes into their products. She will introduce you to their newest lines and be happy to answer any of your questions.

This seminar will include appetizers and one on one discussion with Kathy. The class size is limited to 38 and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Everyone who attends will get a 5% off coupon good for purchases on all items tasted during the class. Coupons will only be valid the day of the tasting so please use them that night.

To reserve your seat please call 312-321-9400 and our customer service person will take your reservation. Or if you wish just stop in and ask at the customer service desk. Don't be shy - ask Kathy to sign that special bottle you buy and make it a collector item!


Tuesday, September 13th from 7:00-8:30 P.M.
Mr. David Crane - National Educator of Kenwood Vineyards

Join us for a special tasting of Kenwood wines, Valley of the Moon wines, and Jack London wines.

David will give a 1:30 minute class on Kenwood Vineyards wine making process from A-Z. He will pour wines from all three brands and explain in detail the process, flavors, characteristics, and all other information about each variety. Learn the variety's of grapes, soil, and the entire process from seed to glass. David will explain each specific taste as you sip each of the wines and enjoy appetizers in this private setting.

Seats are limited and are sold on a first come first serve basis. The cost of the seminar is $35.00 per person and tables seat 7 people. Everyone who attends will get a 5% off coupon good on any of the wines discussed and tasted. Coupons are valid for the night of the tasting only so please use them after the class if you are interested in purchasing any items.

To purchase a seat in this exciting class please call 312-321-9400 and our Customer service person will put your name on the list. You can also sign up in the store at our Customer service desk. For more details please call and ask for George or Michael. 

Upcoming Events and Seminars

UnCork-It - Purveyors of fine wine, cigars,  liquor, beer, cheeses, party goods and hors d'oeuvres.