Overview

Course No. 9162

After seeing what the West Coast has to offer, we wish they all could be California … wish they all could be California wines. More than 21 million people visit California wine country every year to sample wines that are unlike those found anywhere else in the world. And now you can get a well-rounded experience of California’s great wines—without having to leave your home!

In the six lectures of The Everyday Guide to Wines of California, you’ll join acclaimed Master of Wine Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan on an engaging and interactive tour of the unique flavors California has to offer. By surveying both perennial top-sellers and experimental underdogs, you’ll discover why California is one of the world’s greatest wine producers.

Filled with interactive tastings, suggestions for food pairings, shopping tips, and more, you’ll learn how to enjoy all of California’s offerings (whether you’re a novice to the world of wine or a seasoned connoisseur)—one delicious glass at a time. Central to The Everyday Guide to Wines of California are the wines themselves—some of which are the most popular in the world and most of which are easy to find in your nearest wine shop. You’ll be able to sample right alongside Ms. Simonetti-Bryan as she introduces (or reintroduces) you to the pleasures and intricate details of wines. She will give you insights that will change the way you think about sipping wine, shopping for it, serving it, giving it as a gift, making it a part of your meals, and more. Completing this course is a wholly unique way to elevate the quality of every sip you take of California’s finest wines.

Video Lessons

01: California’s Superstar Status

What makes California unique among other wine-making regions of the world? How does a French Chardonnay compare with its California counterpart? What’s the best way to read a California wine label? What are some general guidelines for opening a wine bottle and tasting in a winery? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this lecture that prepares you for the rest of your journey through California wines.

Duration: 34 min

02: Noble Whites-Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

This lecture focuses on two white grape varieties—Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay—that are extremely popular and easy to find. Alongside Ms. Simonetti-Bryan, sample some of California’s best, including a Fume Blanc by Robert Mondavi and Chardonnays from Sonoma and Napa. Also, get tips on some delicious food-pairing suggestions, the best temperature at which to chill and serve these wines, and more.

Duration: 33 min

03: Rising Stars-Fragrant Whites and Organic Wines

Explore some of California’s most fragrant and exciting new white wine varieties, which yield a variety of aromas and tastes reminiscent of flowers and fruits: a Pinot Gris, a Viognier, and an unoaked Sauvignon Blanc. Then, go beyond tradition (and into somewhat controversial territory) and see how California growers are experimenting with organic wine—wine made from organically farmed grapes without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Duration: 32 min

04: Elegance in a Glass-Sparklers and Pinot Noir

Turn now to California’s sparkling wines and one of its most popular reds: Pinot Noir. These wines not only showcase a more elegant side to California, they’re also some of the most versatile food-pairing wines that the state has to offer. Compare and contrast how bubbly wines taste when made using traditional and Charmat methods. Then, explore the tastes, aromas, and finishes of a variety of Pinot Noirs.

Duration: 31 min

05: Big, Bold Reds-Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Learn everything you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which make up approximately 42% of the red grape variety plantings in California. How does a Cabernet Sauvignon stand up to a Bordeaux? What should you look for in a Cab/Merlot blend? How does California’s terroir affect its Cabs and Merlots? How do you age a Cabernet, and what does the aging process do to the wine’s taste?

Duration: 34 min

06: California’s Secret Red Gems

Conclude your tour of California wines with a look at some of its most interesting reds: a red Zinfandel, a Syrah, a Rhone Valley Syrah, a Petite Sirah, and a Grenache. Also, learn more about the recent trend in California winemaking for creating unique red blends from different grape varieties (you’ll also get suggestions for making your own personal blends). These particular wines, you’ll soon discover, are worth seeking out.

Duration: 32 min