Stem
to Stern Wine Tasting
$12/person Reviewed by John Magi, Webmaster
If a casual, high level overview of wine tasting is what
you're looking for, then the Stem to Stern Wine Tasting
seminar is definitely for you.
This hour-long interactive
lesson allows those new to wines the opportunity to experience
wine tasting in a non-threatening atmosphere. For
one hour, the Disney Cruise Line's sommelier (trained
wine experts) walk you through tasting 5 wines and one
sparkling wine or Champaign.
Thoroughly enjoyable and educational, this class covered
many of the techniques and subtleties involved in choosing
and appreciating a wine. The most important lesson
learned here - there is no wrong wine. While many
people may be intimidated at the through of choosing the
wrong wine to go with dinner, these masters of winery
explain that it is always best to drink what you like.
They also stress the idea that everyone's palate and tastes
differ - so don't sweat the small stuff, enjoy the wine
that tastes best to you.
Presented in Palo,
attendees are greeted to intimate table settings with
pre-poured wines, water and cheese (to cleanse the palate).
As the course progresses and each sommelier presents a
wine, he explains it's origin, history and gives and at
least one interesting tid-bit about that wine including
some suggested pairings (i.e. what meal(s) that particular
wine accompanies best). He then proceeds to walk
everyone through observing the look, feel, smell and taste
of the wine. While some of the folks attending the
lesson spoke up to participate in the evaluation of the
wine, most were content to just sit-back, listen and learn.
The course ended with a lesson on how Champaign's and
sparkling wines are manufactured (perhaps the most fascinating
bit of information I walked away with from the class).
We also learned how best to open a bottle of Champaign
and, last but not least, how to evaluate it.
Finally, to top off a thoroughly enjoyable experience,
pins were distributed to all attendees as souvenirs.
5 glasses of wine, one glass of Champaign, an hours worth
of edutainment and a souvenir pin - what more could you
ask for to help you enjoy a day at sea?
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