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Imagine you're at a wine tasting or perhaps a gourmet dinner, and the people around you really love wine and seem to know a lot about it. You might hear terms like “tannic” or “herbaceous” tossed around, or references to the vineyard’s "terroir" and the "minerality" of the wine. It can be easy to nod along while quietly wondering what it all means. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Wine has its own vocabulary—a rich language used to describe aromas, flavors, the winemaking process, and even the vineyard’s soil. For those new to wine, it may seem complex or even [...]

To say champagne is in a class all its own isn't much of a stretch. It's long been a symbol of life at its best and that makes it somewhat unique among alcoholic beverages. Champagne has since become synonymous with luxury and celebration, beginning from the time of the French aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries to the present, a glass of bubbly signified (and still does) living the high life or celebrating the high points, milestones and achievements in life. What champagne really does is make an occasion feel special and extraordinary -- not too shabby for a beverage whose defining effervescence [...]

When it comes to wine, personal preference is everything. Your go-to bottle might change based on the season, your mood, or even the dish on the table. But have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to certain styles of wine? It turns out that our wine choices often reflect broader patterns in taste and sensory preference—whether we love bold flavors, bright acidity, or refined elegance. To explore this idea, the folks at Coravin—makers of the innovative device that lets you pour wine by the glass without pulling the cork—commissioned a poll of 2,000 wine drinkers. The results? While purely for fun, [...]

You're never too old to learn something new, so they say. Let’s raise a toast to that sentiment! Better yet, learning and experiencing new things keeps our brains sharper as we age (research studies have repeatedly confirmed this) and that makes for a better quality of life as the years go by. Okay great. But what to learn? Call us biased but we'd say, very enthusiastically, WINE...learn about wine! Why? Because it's the best kind of learning. Your brain gets a BIG boost, your senses are stimulated (and sharpened) while you have fun discovering new aspects of something that's so much [...]

Ever find yourself staring at a wine list, not sure what to order? Or maybe you’re a budding wine enthusiast who wants to dive into the fascinating world behind every bottle. No matter where you are in your wine journey—whether you’re just starting out or practically a tasting room regular—Capital Wine School has the perfect class for you. Let’s break down how our courses can help you grow your wine confidence, one glass at a time. […]

The Perfect Gift for Every Wine Lover Are you hunting for a thoughtful, unique holiday gift that will impress and delight any wine lover on your list? We've got you! Whether your loved one is a seasoned wine enthusiast or a complete beginner, our class gift certificates will offer them an unforgettable journey into the world of wine. Yes, the Capital Wine School is based in Washington, DC, but many of our courses are available online. This means your recipient can learn from the same expert instructors , all from the comfort of home, no matter where in the US they [...]

Wine education can be a fascinating and rewarding journey for both serious connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) classes offered by Capital Wine School are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to deepen your appreciation and understanding of fine wine. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your WSET wine classes. Before The WSET Class Understand The WSET Courses and Learning Levels Each WSET course has specific levels of learning and areas of wine it focuses on. Spend some [...]

In today's fast-paced world, finding hobbies that allow us to relax and enjoy life outside of work is crucial. Many hobbies can turn into jobs, but learning about wine is a unique activity that offers relaxation and enjoyment without the pressure of making it a career. Wine classes provide a perfect opportunity to explore a new hobby, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wine. The Benefits of Wine Education Wine education offers a multitude of benefits beyond just the pleasure of drinking wine. Understanding the history, culture, and geography of wine can enrich your appreciation and [...]

The holidays are just around the corner, and with that comes holiday parties and end of the year parties to celebrate a job well done. It’s a great time of year to build morale and camaraderie in the office, especially as final deadlines are due and stress levels are high with holiday plans. If you’ve been looking for something fun and unique to do with your employees and fellow coworkers to let them know how much you appreciate them, a private wine tasting is the perfect way to do just that. Why is a Private Wine Tasting the Best Idea for [...]

It’s that time of year again. The leaves begin changing, the temperature starts to drop, and we begin preparing for the holiday season and all the fun that goes with it. Sweaters, pumpkin pie, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, gift shopping, Santa visits, and so much more will be on the list of must-dos this holiday season, and while it can be the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. With so much to plan and do, the holiday season may seem very overwhelming, but we have a way we think will [...]