Wine Classes Offer Accessible Tastings

Chris Forbes is sharing his love of the wine experience with classes that include tastings at .

“We taste 10 different wines after I lecture,” Forbes said. “The theme can be anything—wines from a different region, tastings from different villages, a particular grape, or a host of things.”

Forbes of got involved in the classes 11 years ago and started teaching when the former instructor left. Classes started this past Tuesday evening and cost $25 each.

“I get to buy a lot of wine, drink a lot of wine, taste a variety of them and I am just fascinated by the subject,” Forbes said. “I get to do a lot of research.”

To prepare for classes, Forbes goes to the local state store to see what kinds of wines are in stock. He then researches a few online and makes his final selections. His favorite choice is Sauternes of France, a sweet wine.

Forbes aims to bring the experience of wine to a more accessible level.

“A lot of people think wine is snobby and I try to dispel that,” he said. “Wine is just a beverage and it can be as ordinary as you make it or as extraordinary as you make it.”

Forbes stresses that whatever participants like is important.

“If you like something that costs $5 a bottle and don’t like something that costs $50 a bottle, don’t buy that $50 bottle,” he said.

Recently, Forbes and his wife opened a $150 bottle of wine that they had saved for 10 years, and it ended up being a bust.

“There’s a lot of snobbery or false quality,” he said.

The class makes it a more enjoyable and relaxing experience for all.

“This class is a lot of fun,” he said.

Participants enjoy young and old wines, including selections from Forbes’ own collection that are up to 20 years old.

Classes run on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. through November. For more information, email wsccpgh@yahoo.com.