'Wine Basics' Offered At CWU

October 10, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- If you have ever wondered about the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, or what wine goes with what food, Central Washington University's office of continuing education is sponsoring a class that will help.

"Wine Basics" will be offered Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Mary Grupe Center on the Ellensburg campus. The cost is $49 per person.

"Wine shouldn't be complicated or intimidating," says Amy Mumma, who will lead the class. "That's why we're offering this class on the basics of wine in a fun, informal and interactive way."

The class is part of the Wine Trade Professional Certification Series offered by CWU continuing education. Mumma is a candidate in the international Master of Wine program and holds an advanced certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in London, as well as the Diploma of Tasting from the Universite de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.

The topics to be covered in "Wine Basics" will include:

• Tasting and comparisons of different varieties of both red and white wines;
• Understanding wine labels;
• Choosing a wine in the store or at a restaurant;
• Wine and food pairing; and,
• Proper wine storage and serving temperatures.

"In addition, participants will receive some handy information they can take with them when wine shopping or planning a meal," Mumma says.

The class is open to those 21 years of age or older who are interested in wines. The registration deadline is Oct. 28 and seating is limited.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1504 or 1-800-720-4503, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.