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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • An instructor describes a bottle of wine to a class of onlookers.

Wine and Beverage Classes

Discover how to complement the flavors of your favorite foods while learning about the art and science behind producing these palate-pleasing beverages! Our classes are offered through the Wine and Beverage Institute during fall and spring semesters. 

2023-24 Classes

All classes are face-to-face and held on Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., in the McCutchen House (except for Biscuits and Bubbles on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Corner Suite on the first floor of Close-Hipp). Visit our Wine and Beverage Institute homepage to learn more about our commitment to expanding and sharing knowledge of the wine and beverage industry.

  • Bottles of wine

    Wine 101

    Aug. 22, 2023

    Whether you are new to the wine drinking world or just want a refresher, Wine 101 will cover the basics. Sandy will walk you through what are arguably the six most important grape varietals and along with Chef Walter they will help you learn how wine and food complement each other.

  • A glass of bourbon

    Bourbon

    Sept. 19, 2023

    Join Charlie during Bourbon Heritage Month for his take on this barrel-aged American whiskey. And, Chef Walter will have fun complementing bourbon with some creative culinary inspiration!

  • Syrah grapes hang from a vine

    Shiraz/Syrah

    Oct. 17, 2023

    This grape shows where it grows! Australia? France? US? This interesting grape goes by two different names! Craig has some great examples for us to explore. Chef Walter will create some delicious nibbles for us to enjoy.

  • Four biscuits sit on a wooden serving plate

    Biscuits and Bubbles

    Nov. 2, 2023

    Join us for this fantastic fundraising event, presenting Charleston-based Callie's Hot Little Biscuit (including specialties such as buttermilk, cheese and chive, pimento, and shortcake), Lizard's Thicket's famous fried chicken and an assortment of outstanding sparkling wines to complement. All will be paired with amazing conversation.

    Please note that this event will be held on the first floor of the Close-Hipp building in the Corner Suite! Proceeds benefit student study abroad scholarships.

    $75.00 / person

    Register Now

  • Three glasses of wine with a person pouring wine in the middle glass

    Blind Tasting

    Nov. 14, 2023

    Have you ever wondered how blind tasting works? Whether you are new to the wine world or a seasoned oenophile, Craig will teach you everything you need to know in order to blindly assess and identify wines. Chef Walter will create some great culinary complements for us to enjoy.

  • A glass of brandy sitting on top of a reflective, liquid-like surface

    Brandy

    Dec. 5, 2023

    December is a perfect month for discovering this distilled spirit that will warm you from the inside out! Craig will teach us about brandy and its many varieties. As always, Chef Walter will create something fabulous from his kitchen.

  • Sour grapefruit craft beer ready to drink

    Sour Ales

    Jan. 16, 2024

    Join Scott Taylor for an exciting look at the world of sour beers. Chef Walter is going to have fun with this one!

    $50.00 / person

    Register Now

  • Mezcal Mexican drink with orange slices and worm salt on wooden table

    Mezcal Maria

    Feb. 6, 2024

    Mezcal Maria (often referred to as Tequilla Maria) is excited to explore the world of Mezcal with us. And, of course the one and only Chef Walter has some great pairings in mind!

    $50.00 / person

    Register Now

  • Close-up of barman adding rum to cocktail drink with pineapple, cherry and mint leaves.

    Rum

    Feb. 27, 2024

    Join Charlie Partlow for this deep dive into one of America’s oldest distilled spirits and explore some of the exciting new things happening with Rum. Chef Walter will provide something delicious for us to nibble on.

    $50.00 / person

    Register Now

  • Pour wine in a glass

    Wines from the Iberian Peninsula

    March 19, 2024

    All the rage, these Portuguese and Spanish wines are delicious! Craig Locascio from BreakThru Beverage has gotten his hands on really interesting wines from the region. Served with some of Chef Walter's amazing food creations.

    $50.00 / person

    Register Now

  • Wine bottles with Pinot Noir sign

    Pinot Noirs

    April 9, 2024

    Location, location, location. Comparing Pinot Noirs from different appellations, you will be surprised at the impact of location on the taste of the wine as Craig Locascio from BreakThru Beverage will explain. As always, Chef Walter will prepare something delicious.

    $50.00 / person

    Register Now

 


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