Kent Wine Academy - Intermediate Wine Appreciation Course

Kent Wine Academy

Intermediate Wine Appreciation Course

Discover the Art, Science, and Joy of Wine

Perfect for wine lovers ready to go beyond the basics, this immersive day course builds your knowledge, sharpens your palate, and deepens your appreciation of the world’s most iconic and intriguing drink.

Module 1: What Is Wine?

• A brief journey through the origins and history of wine
• How wine is made: from vineyard to glass
• The global wine map: key regions & emerging stars
• Grape varieties: familiar favourites & hidden gems

Module 2: White Wines Uncorked

• How white wine is made — key processes and styles
• Grape focus: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and more
• Tasting techniques: aromas, acidity, body and flavour profile
• Guided tasting of 3–4 white wines demonstrating stylistic differences

Module 3: The Rise of Rosé

• How rosé is produced – direct press vs. saignée
• Regional expressions: Provence, Spain, and modern rosé trends
• Tasting: discover the versatility and charm of rosé styles

Module 4: Exploring Red Wines

• Red wine production – extraction, ageing and structure
• What shapes red wine style: grape, climate, oak and time
• Iconic varietals: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & more
• Fine reds: what makes a wine collectible or age-worthy?
• Tasting of diverse red wine styles using professional descriptors

Module 5: Bubbles, Sweetness & Strength

• Sparkling wine: Traditional vs. Tank method explained
• Compare and contrast: Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava
• Sweet wines: Botrytis, late harvest, and ice wine
• Fortified classics: A tour of Port and Sherry styles
• Tasting flight of all styles to enhance understanding

Module 6: Wine & Food Pairing Essentials

• The golden rules of wine and food pairing (and when to break them!)
• Acidity, tannin, sweetness and umami: the science behind the match
• Practical pairing session using wines tasted during the day

What You’ll Gain:

• Confident tasting and evaluation skills
• A deeper knowledge of how wines are made and where they come from
• The ability to confidently choose and pair wines with food
• A certificate of completion from Kent Wine Academy