Uncork the bold, expressive world of Zinfandel in this flavorful tasting experience celebrating one of California’s most iconic grapes. Explore styles ranging from juicy and fruit-forward to rich, spicy, and deeply concentrated. From old vines to modern expressions, discover why Zinfandel remains a favorite for lovers of powerful, personality-driven red wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Travel the world through Sauvignon Blanc in this refreshing comparative tasting featuring vibrant expressions from renowned wine regions across the globe. Explore how climate, terroir, and winemaking shape this beloved grape — from crisp citrus and mineral-driven styles to tropical, aromatic, and herbaceous interpretations. A perfect class for white wine lovers.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Discover the fascinating world of orange wines and skin-contact winemaking in this unique tasting experience. Explore textured, aromatic wines crafted through ancient techniques that blur the line between white and red wine. From fresh and floral to savory and complex, this class is perfect for adventurous wine lovers looking to expand their palate.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Explore the diversity of New Zealand’s wine landscape, from vibrant Sauvignon Blanc to expressive Pinot Noir and beyond. This class journeys from the North Island to the South, highlighting how climate, coastal influence, and regional terroir shape distinctive styles. Through a guided tasting of six wines, discover the character that defines modern New Zealand winemaking.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Experience the dramatic wines of Southern Italy in this exploration of volcanic vineyards and sun-soaked coastal regions. Taste bold reds and mineral-driven wines shaped by ancient soils, Mediterranean breezes, and rugged landscapes. From Sicily to Campania and beyond, discover the rich history, native grapes, and distinctive character that define Southern Italian wine.

$35 per person | $30 club member Click Here to Reserve

The world of wine is diverse and delightful and sparkling wines certainly add a dash of pizzazz to your glass. From luxurious Champagne to casual sippers like Prosecco, let's embark on a journey to explore this effervescent world of bubbles. Expand your breadth of bubbles into the world of Spanish Cava, French Crémant, Austrian Sekt and beyond. Tasting of six (6) sparkling wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Explore the elegant, expressive wines of Germany and France’s Alsace region—two neighbors with shared grapes but distinct styles. From crisp Rieslings to aromatic Gewürztraminer and beyond, taste how geography, history, and tradition influence balance and character. This class includes a guided tasting of six wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Explore the bold, high-altitude wines of Chile and Argentina in Extreme Terroirs. From the Andes to remote valleys, discover how elevation, sunlight, and rocky soils shape intense flavors and vibrant structure. Taste six wines that showcase the dramatic landscapes and unique conditions behind South America’s most thrilling wine regions.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Explore the world’s most iconic red blend in Global GSM: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre. From the Rhône Valley to Australia and California, GSM blends showcase rich fruit, spice, and structure in endlessly expressive ways. This class highlights how climate, terroir, and tradition influence style across regions, giving you a deeper appreciation of this timeless trio. The class is a guided tasting of six GSM wines from around the globe.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Explore Europe beyond the classics with a guided tasting of six distinctive wines. Discover wines such as Assyrtiko and Xinomavro from Greece, Etna Rosso from Sicily, Chasselas from Switzerland, Mencia froM Spain and Rebula from Slovenia. This class highlights indigenous grapes and overlooked regions.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Discover the perfect reds for warm-weather sipping in this fun and approachable summer tasting. Explore lighter-bodied, refreshing red wines that shine with a slight chill and pair beautifully with summer foods. From juicy and fruit-driven to bright and savory, these wines prove red wine season isn’t just for fall and winter.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Travel below the equator and discover bold, expressive wines from the Southern Hemisphere. This class features standout selections from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand—each offering powerful flavor, vibrant character, and regional flair. Includes a guided tasting of six wines that showcase the southern side of the wine world.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Go beyond Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne in this exploration of France’s hidden wine gems. Discover distinctive wines from lesser-known regions offering incredible character, unique grape varieties, and exceptional value. From crisp whites to earthy reds and unexpected styles, this class is perfect for adventurous wine lovers looking to uncover a different side of France.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Discover the elegance and diversity of sparkling wine in Champagne & Beyond: The World of Traditional Sparkling Wine. While Champagne sets the gold standard, exceptional bottles are crafted across the globe using the same traditional method. From Crémant and Cava to Franciacorta and beyond, explore how region, grape, and technique shape each wine’s personality. The class is a guided tasting of six traditional-method sparkling wines that showcase brilliance, finesse, and festive charm.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Explore the bold reds of Washington and California in this fun side-by-side tasting featuring six wines — three from each state. Compare styles, climates, and winemaking approaches as we taste everything from rich Cabernet Sauvignon to powerful blends and savory Syrah. Perfect for fans of full-bodied reds and anyone looking for great wines to enjoy alongside summer grilling and BBQ favorites.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Explore how oak transforms wine’s aroma, flavor, and texture. Compare new vs. neutral barrels, French vs. American oak, and aging styles across varietals. Taste wines that reveal oak’s influence—from subtle structure to bold spice—and understand how winemakers balance fruit, wood, and time in the cellar.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Rosé isn’t just one shade of pink. From pale and crisp to bold and structured, this class explores the wide world of rosé styles. Taste six distinct wines and learn how grape variety, region, and winemaking technique shape flavor, color, and character. A perfect class for pink wine lovers!

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Raise a glass to National Prosecco Week with a fun, bubbly celebration of Italy’s most beloved sparkler. Explore the refreshing styles, regional nuances, and winemaking traditions that make Prosecco a global favorite. Perfect for sparkling wine lovers and festive sippers alike. This class includes a tasting of six Proseccos.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Discover the diverse and dynamic wines of Portugal, from the crisp, refreshing whites of Vinho Verde to the rich, robust reds of Alentejo. This class explores native grapes, regional traditions, and modern expressions that make Portuguese wine so exciting. Includes a guided tasting of six distinctive Portuguese wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Journey through the sun-drenched vineyards of the Mediterranean, where coastal breezes and vibrant culture shape fresh, expressive wines. Explore selections from Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and beyond in this class celebrating seaside terroir and timeless tradition. Includes a tasting of six wines that capture the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Journey through the breathtaking regions of Northern Italy in this tasting of alpine whites and elegant reds. Explore crisp, mineral-driven wines alongside beautifully balanced reds shaped by mountain vineyards, cool climates, and centuries of tradition. From refreshing and aromatic to silky and complex, discover the diversity and charm of Northern Italian wine.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Uncover the bold rivalry between two of Spain’s most iconic wine regions in Ribera del Duero vs Rioja: Tempranillo Titans. This tasting class explores how climate, aging, and tradition shape the distinct styles of Tempranillo from these neighboring regions. From Rioja’s elegance and oak influence to Ribera’s power and depth, you’ll learn what sets them apart—and which reigns supreme on your palate. This class includes a tasting of six wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Discover the classic rivalry of Bordeaux in Battle of the Banks: Right vs. Left. Compare Merlot-driven wines from the Right Bank with Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends from the Left. Learn how soil, grape varieties, and tradition shape style and structure. Includes a guided tasting of six wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Journey through France’s Loire Valley, from the crisp, mineral-driven whites of Sancerre to the elegant, earthy reds of Chinon. This class explores how river influence, climate, and diverse soils shape the region’s signature styles. Through a guided tasting of six wines, discover the freshness, balance, and versatility that make the Loire one of France’s most dynamic and food-friendly regions.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Look beyond Rioja and discover the depth and diversity of Spain’s emerging wine landscape. This class explores lesser-known regions shaped by rugged mountains, Atlantic influence, and sun-drenched vineyards. Through a guided tasting of six wines, we’ll uncover the character, freshness, and innovation redefining modern Spanish wine.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Dive into the heart of California wine country with California Showdown: Napa Valley vs Sonoma. This engaging class pits two legendary regions against each other, exploring the bold, structured wines of Napa and the elegant, expressive styles of Sonoma. Learn how climate, terroir, and winemaking traditions shape their unique profiles—and decide which region captures your palate. This class includes a tasting of six wines.

Click Here to Reserve - $35 per person | $30 club member

Dive into the world of Bordeaux’s famed classification systems in this 90-minute masterclass. From the 1855 Médoc ranking to Saint-Émilion’s evolving hierarchy, learn how crus and terroir define reputation, style, and value. Taste eight benchmark wines along the way, each illustrating how history, soil, and tradition come together in one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

Click Here to Reserve - $75 per person

One grape, two personalities. Explore how terroir, climate, and winemaking shape Syrah’s refined elegance in France and Shiraz’s bold intensity in Australia and beyond. This class highlights the contrasts and common threads of this global varietal. Includes a guided tasting of six wines showcasing Syrah and Shiraz from diverse regions.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member

Bought to you by Capital Wine School of Washington DC
$950 – Includes course tuition, study materials, wine samples, the final examination, and a digital certificate and digital badge for those who pass the exam.

This 5-class course will be held at Echelon Wine Bar in Richmond on the following dates: March 2, 9, 15, 23, and 30 with the exam on April 13.  Each class meets from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  The exam on April 13 is from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

The aim of the course is to focus on the key grape varieties and regions of the world. While the course provides an overview of the wines of the world, including main wine grapes and regions, it also covers factors affecting wine quality and style, grape growing, and basic winemaking practices. The course emphasizes tasting assessment and the skills required to describe the aromas and tastes of wine. It helps to develop fundamental tasting and assessment skills. During each class session, students will taste 4-6 wines. The exam takes 1 hour and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, an internationally recognized credential in the wine industry.

The course fee includes the 5 classes at Echelon Wine Bar;  the WSET study pack (workbook and textbook); practice quizzes; wines for tasting during each class session; and the final exam at Echelon Wine Bar.

Exam Information: The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions which students have 1 hour to complete.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Please note: This will take you to the Capital Wine School for registration

Take a coast-to-coast journey through America’s top Cabernet Sauvignon regions. From the power of Napa Valley to the elegance of Washington State and hidden gems in between, discover how climate, soil, and style shape this iconic grape. Includes a guided tasting of six distinctive Cabernets.

Click Here to Reserve - $40 per person | $35 club member