, which opened its own co-working and education space in Germantown over the summer, has become a trove of classes for food lovers. New and notable: Pete Holland, a sommelier with the prestigious certification by the Court of Master Sommeliers, is teaching two interesting wine classes in December.
One is his introductory class, Wine 101 (previously offered in September), and the second, Sparkling Wine Primer, focuses on wines that pack a frisson of fun.
Holland began learning about wine at Tom Colicchio's Craft Los Angeles, and he also worked at Michelin-starred Quince in San Francisco (under prominent Italian wine expert David Lynch).
He's currently in charge of the highly regarded wine program at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, though his Skillery classes are not affiliated with the hotel.
Here's the description of the classes:
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3WINE 101: AN INTRODUCTION
If "I like it" is all you know about wine, then this class is for you.
Snooty servers, judgmental clerks, confusing labels, misleading marketing, and opaque pricing — who hasn't encountered these barriers? They keep would-be wine lovers watching from the sidelines, too overwhelmed and intimidated to explore further. But a little knowledge can make the world of wine far more approachable- and much more fun.
This beginning class will take a broad view of the world of wine: what's out there, why it costs what it costs, and how to decode labels to find what you like at a price you can afford. You'll leave armed with the knowledge and confidence you need to become a savvy wine consumer (as well as with a 15% off coupon for the Wine Shoppe of Green Hills).
While this class is will not be focused on tasting, we will be tasting some wines, of course. Please bring an ID.
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
SPARKLING WINE PRIMER
Champagne has bubbles, but not all wines with bubbles are Champagne. Prosecco, Crémant, Cava... There's a world of sparkling wine out there, and most (if not all) of it deserves our love- especially at this time of year.Dive deep into these libations with Hermitage Hotel sommelier Pete Holland. You'll learn about the regions and methods that produce these miraculous beverages, and leave knowing what to buy on a budget- as well what you're paying for when you pony up for the real thing.
While the main item being dispensed at this class is knowledge, we will be tasting at least six sparkling wines.
Wine 101 is $30 for Skillery members, $35 for non-members. Sign up
here. The Sparking Wine Primer is $40 for members, $45 for non-members. Sign up
here.
The Skillery is located at 1323 Sixth Ave. N. in Germantown
