The classes can be fun, but not necessary. It is pretty easy to learn the basics and many of the wine shops in the area, particularly in DC, have free wine tastings. If you go to a good shop, you can learn for free in about 30 minutes what a class will charge you for. Read the Wed. column in the New York Times (the Post is not very good for this), and there are a gazillion wine blogs where you can pick up the introductory stuff pretty well. If you are looking to become a wine expert, knowing different labels as opposed to different regions, it will take a lot of work and a lot of money, but if you want to learn the basics you can do that relatively easily and get free wine to boot. One of the things to know is that there are millions of wineries and it is very hard to get an edge (kind of like investing) and so what you really want to find is a wine shop that you trust. Wine prices vary a lot so trusting someone is your best bet.

Anonymous wrote:Here's a list of local ones. (The list may be a little outdated, but a start.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/the-washington-post-food-sections-2012-2013-cooking-class-listings/2012/09/17/72f8e16c-00da-11e2-9367-4e1bafb958db_blog.html#Wine,%20Beer%20and%20Spirits

Thanks! Have looked at many of those, was just wondering if anyone had personal experiences to share. Leaning towards Capitol Wine School however.

Here's a list of local ones. (The list may be a little outdated, but a start.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/the-washington-post-food-sections-2012-2013-cooking-class-listings/2012/09/17/72f8e16c-00da-11e2-9367-4e1bafb958db_blog.html#Wine,%20Beer%20and%20Spirits

We're interested in taking an introductory wine tasting class and I'm wondering if anyone has done this before in the DC area? There seem to be a few options and I don't know which is best. Any experiences to share or recommendations?