Our Classroom

The Wine School @ Amanti Vino

Our Weekend Wine Education Series is a constantly changing group of topics that are taught on Saturday afternoons. Every month brings new selections, along with repeats of some of our more popular offerings. Our Wine Tasting 101 a must for wine lovers of all ages and skill levels. In this class we explore the basic method for tasting and analyzing a glass of wine, whether it be an aged Barolo or a zippy New World Sauvignon Blanc. Students leave class with the ability to articulate the styles and flavors that they enjoy, presenting a myriad of new opportunities for the adventurous palate. This class is often paired with a cheese plate and a fun lecture from Michael Trullinger, Amanti Vino's favorite cheese monger. Some other popular classes have included:

• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• The Wines of Italy
• The Wines of Burgundy
• Beer Tasting
• Champagne and Sparklers
• Wine and Chocolate
• and much, much, more.

Each student receives a tasting pour of four different wines and about 90 minutes of instruction, regardless of the topic. Classes range from $30 to $60 a person depending on the wines that are poured. After each class all students receive additional savings on bottles or cases purchased that day.

The Wine & Spirits Education Trust in New Jersey at Amanti Vino

Amanti Vino is an Approved Program Provider for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. The WSET was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications. We now even have a membership body - the Institute of Wines & Spirits - for those who have passed the WSET Diploma, our top qualification.

In addition to courses and qualifications for those in the 'trade', we have an increasing number of 'consumers', or enthusiasts, who attend courses. They may attend a course because of a wish to gain a formal qualification or simply a desire to enhance their knowledge of the ever-increasing variety of wines and spirits being produced in the world today.

Upcoming WSET Classes in New Jersey at Amanti Vino:

Evening WSET Foundation (Classes Forming) - The Foundation class is quickly becoming the most popular option in our young WSET program. Going into more depth than our Saturday classes, it is perfect for the novice wine lover looking to add some structure to their wine knowledge. We will cover proper tasting method, explore the major grapes grown around the world and uncover the mysteries of food & wine pairing. There will be two sessions on Tuesday, June 29th and Tuesday July 6th from 7:30 to 10pm. There will be a fun multiple choice test at the end of the second evening to test your knowledge. Once your test is graded you will receive a certificate, a WSET lapel pin and the ability to move onto the Intermediate Certificate class. The cost to attend is $285 and includes your wine text, two wine tasting sessions (including 6 wines in each), all hand-outs and a written exam.

WSET Advanced Certificate (Beginning July 8, 2010) - The Advanced Certificate is among the most intensive wine education program available in the United States. Students cover the world's most important regions and grapes, tasting almost 100 wines in the process. This class demands a serious commitment, both in the classroom and away from it. Students who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate will possess more knowledge than most servers or bartenders and even some wine professionals. The Intermediate Certificate is a mandatory prerequisite. The cost of the program is $1400 per student.

Parties & Events

Our classroom is also available for private parties, wine tastings and more intimate classes. We are happy to help you design a class or a tasting for your friends and colleagues, catering to all budgets and levels of knowledge. Topics are completely customizable and we will work with you to ensure that your guests leave with smiles on their faces. Whether you want to gather your most wine savvy friends for an in depth discussion on Burgundy, test your palates with some blind tasting or get your friends together for some informal wine tasting games before heading to dinner, the Amanti Vino classroom provides the perfect setting. The space can also be rented for private parties, with or without catering. Call us at the store or email will@amantivino.com to discuss the possibilities.