In Northern California, vineyards, wineries and the wines they produce are a main stay of our economy. One of the elements of creating a successful wine is creating enthusiastic wine tasters who can appreciate all that goes into making wine.

Wine tasting is fast becoming one of the "Great American" past times for those in the world famous California wine producing areas. Whether you live here or are just passing through, taking a day to just get away from everything and visiting a winery or two will do wonders for your five senses and the soul.

Whenever I would go wine tasting I would always feel inadequate next to someone who appeared to be a true wine connoisseur. The holding of the glass, the swirling of the wine, the smelling of the fragrance, the tasting of the wine, the spitting of the sip and the description of the bouquet, always made me think to myself “I don't know what the heck I am doing, I hope nobody is watching". Have you ever felt that way also?

That was all before attending Wednesday night's Delta King Wine School taught by noted Certified Wine Educator, G.M. "Pooch" Pucilowski. Pooch is also the Wine Editor for the Sacramento Magazine and Chief Judge at the California State Fair Wine Competition as well as many other wine judging events.

This wine tasting class was exactly what I needed. Pooch taught this class of about 15 people, from varying backgrounds, from law enforcement people to retired and semi-retired people, all there for different reasons and wanting to know more about wine and the "art" of wine tasting. It appeared that the overall purpose of everyone at this class, was to know what to do, when to do it and what to expect when they are wine tasting.  

The class itself was on the beautiful Delta King, in a charming room that was specifically prepared for this wine tasting class which included h'ordeurves. Pooch, in his very casual and comfortable style, presented to us the basics of a few of the varietals, which included what judges look for in the "stylistic characteristics" that generally determine what the varietals "should" possess in terms of how it should look, smell and taste.

One of the most important lessons I learned that night from Pooch was that everyone has different taste buds. He made it clear that no one will taste a wine exactly the same and no matter what any wine judge says, you are ultimately the judge of a good wine. Once you realize that, then wine tasting becomes a personal connection between you and the wine you taste.

These classes are being taught on Wednesday's this month. The next class on the 11th starts at 6:30pm and Pooch will be teaching about the "Five Types of Wine", where we will be able to identify the distinctive differences in the five categories of California wines. We will also learn how bubbles get into a bottle of champagne. 
The class is about two hours and very lively. Even after a few tastings you won't want to nod off.

I highly recommend taking these classes to anyone who is interested in learning more about this very enjoyable activity that is sweeping the California country sides. Wine tasting season is rapidly approaching, this year go with confidence. I attended Pooch's class so that I could write a series of articles for Sac Press that will inspire couples to take some fabulous wine country dates. Visiting local Northern California wineries is a great way to start a new relationship or to add a new and romantic taste to an existing relationship.

No matter which way you decide to drive, you are going to find some good wines and enjoy some good times.
 

For more information on Pooch's classes aboard the Delta King go to www.deltaking.com/wine_school.html