Wine education? I’m in the self-directed program. The #1 & #2 criterion are it has to be enjoyable and involve actual eating and drinking.

Every few weeks I sit on my couch with a glass of wine and watch 3-4 recorded episodes of Andrea Immer’s TV show. For me, it’s a lot more fun then getting up early, driving to Greystone or Copia (see other posts), and sitting in a classroom with a wine master and 30 other people for hours on end. (After paying hundreds in tuition.)

I watch Andrea in vineyards and kitchens in Italy, Napa or Chile sipping wine with people who celebrate the pleasure of a really good pairing.

I take notes in a spiral bound pad and just let the experience slide over me. What I’ve learned comes into play when someone mentions a certain wine or place or pairing idea and something she said pops into my mind. It’s free and easy!