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The Everyday Guide to Wine

See and sip-or, if you must, gaze and gulp-through some of the world's most delightful wines.
The Everyday Guide to Wine is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 141.
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Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it and love her! I am only on the second class, and I have learned so much! She is so interesting and knowledgeable. Not to mention beautiful and with a lovely smile. I am looking forward to learning more from her and am now interested in working at a local winery. She is so inspiring! Thank you for a wonderful course!
Date published: 2023-07-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Makes a complex subject digestible Some reviewers were negative about the instructor's presentation of her credential. I do not agree with those reviewers. I did not know the instructor's credential existed. By sharing the details of attaining the credential, the instructor helped me set reasonable expectations for myself. The course organization is helpful. The instructor starts with high cut concepts and methodically drills down as the course progresses. As to cost and volume of wine to purchase: My partner and I are on #5. Because it's just the two of us, we are breaking down that six bottle lesson into smaller units. It's just the two of us and we don't want 6 opened bottles at one time. For example, today we just tasted the Rieslings and we'll have dinner that should pair nicely with the dry Riesling. Tomorrow evening we'll have the sweeter Riesling with a good blue veined cheese for dessert. Next weekend, we'll do the middle tasting of two wines. LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Whether your interest in this course was born from an interest of food or if you're finding an interest in food because of this course, please consider incorporating the book What to Drink with What You Eat. It has two core sections. Both are organized alphabetically. One by food, the other by wine. It's very efficient and incorporates feedback from food and wine professionals. If you plan your meals around your Everyday Guide to Wine course you will 1) reinforce and enhance your course learning and 2) get extra mileage out of the wine you purchase for the course. I hope the book title doesn't get cut from this review. I'm not associated with book at all, I just love it's utility.
Date published: 2023-01-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Masterpiece! My friend got this set as a gift. We got a group of 4-6 people together every week and watched a video while tasting the recommended wines. Just an amazing series and will help you appreciate (and love!) tasting different wines.
Date published: 2022-12-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great introductory course! I took this course an year ago, just wanted to keep a postive review. It is a good holiday course for sure and it delivered with such enthusiasm by a professor who is exceptionally knowledgeable on the subject matter. Of course the full experience of the course, is possible, only if you start tasting some of the wine described practically. Happy winetasting!
Date published: 2022-12-11
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Everyday guide to wine tasting. This course is well organized and covers a broad and interesting number of topics. The The wine tasting lessons are interesting but demand a lot of preparation and some The The wine tasting lessons demand some effort and expense in assembling the wines. Of course there is no other way to present these topics so the student is left to decide on the level of participation and effort he/she wants to devote this section. Overall the course is interesting, well organized, and informative.
Date published: 2022-11-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The real deal I generally read the lowest recommendations first. Such is the case in the “Everyday Guide to Wine”. I beg to disagree with them. My overall opinion is Ms. Simonetti-Bryan presents an excellent course. Maybe you think she is too animated. Maybe she is to a degree, but she clearly is dedicated to her pursuit of teaching wine to a wide array of viewers. Watch a skilled auto mechanic teach newbies about his trade. He/she teaches with the same passion. Technically, Ms. Simonetti-Bryan is accurate in everything she says. She has the highest certification attainable in the wine industry. She has a command of chemistry, flavor profiles, geography and the science of wine. I have experience in the science (chemistry) of wines, taught wine classes, sold high-end wines and interacted with flavor scientists at UC Davis. This woman knows her stuff and presents the info with true passion. Is she a little over the top at times (like the gold top in lecture 7; maybe, but so what?). Actually, her treatment of sparkling wines is stellar. The woman has the talent to present this course. I give her a 4.8/5. I know a lot about wines and I even learned something new. She is the real deal and so is this course. Watch and learn.
Date published: 2022-08-19
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Overview for Wine Appreciation Excellent value for money most knowledgeable ( well she is one of only 500 MWs) hope she will do more in depth courses such as Burgundy as a stand alone course
Date published: 2022-07-25
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Self Promotion I recently purchased this course and have only watched the 1st lecture but am somewhat disappointed. I've watched many Great Courses courses and this is the only one in which the presenter spends most of the time telling us how great they are. Just knowing that she is a Master of Wine as explained in the course material is good enough to know she's knowledgeable. Over and over we are told how much great work she did, how hard she's worked, and how smart she is regarding wine. The 1st lecture is titled: "Why Learn About Wine?" Never once did she address the subject. She spent the entire 30 minutes telling us how many blind tests she's done, how many wine regions she's visited, and hard it was to become a "Master of Wine" or MW. And to make sure we appreciate her skill she tells us that 'sommeliers' are simply waiters who specialize in serving wine, not really experts like herself. Much of the lecture seemed to be a wine industry marketing sales pitch. I'll watch a few more lectures and then decide if it's worth watching anymore. Disappointed!
Date published: 2022-06-06
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Overview

Take a tasting tour of the world and learn how to speak the language of wine with an acclaimed Master of Wine.

About

Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan

Working on each of The Great Courses series has been one of most enjoyable and fulfilling projects in my career. While an easy process, the content, video, filming, and editing teams are some of the most professional I've worked with, they are a complete joy to work with.

INSTITUTION

Institute of Masters of Wine

Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan is among a small number of people to have received the highest credentials in the wine and spirits industry. She is one of only a few hundred people in the world to have achieved the Master of Wine (M.W.) title from The Institute of Masters of Wine in London, England-the highest and most difficult title to achieve in the industry. She also has a Professional Certificate in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan has taught courses for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, has trained thousands of professionals in the wine and spirits industry, and has judged international spirits and wine competitions, including the Ultimate Beverage Challenge in 2010 and 2011. She has also hosted seminars with Food Network stars such as Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Mario Batali. In 2008, she won the Wiesbaden Tasting Trophy from The Institute of Masters of Wine. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan is a frequent guest on television programs, including Fox Business, Fox News, and Bloomberg TV. Additionally, she has been featured in publications such as Fortune, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and Wine & Spirits Magazine.

By This Expert

The Everyday Guide to Wine
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The Everyday Guide to Wine

Trailer

Why Learn about Wine?

01: Why Learn about Wine?

Ms. Simonetti-Bryan answers this question in an engaging introductory lecture that sets the stage for the subsequent lectures. Survey the millennia-old history of wine, discover what kind of wine consumer you are, explore wine culture in America, and more.

30 min
A Taster's Tool Kit

02: A Taster's Tool Kit

Wine tasting can seem like a mysterious ritual, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Here, learn how to properly perform the five steps of tasting: seeing, swirling, sniffing, sipping, and savoring. Also, make sense of wine-related terminology, including "full-bodied," "crisp," "length," "balance," and "finish."

28 min
Winemaking-From Vineyard to Harvest

03: Winemaking-From Vineyard to Harvest

The sensation of drinking a good or bad wine relies on what happens to its source grape in the vineyard. This lecture takes you through the first half of the wine-making process and reveals how climate, altitude, weather patterns, and other factors play a critical role in shaping a wine's flavor and quality.

30 min
Winemaking-From Harvest to Bottle

04: Winemaking-From Harvest to Bottle

Continue your look at winemaking by focusing on the grape's journey from the vine to your palate. When are grapes ready to be picked? What is the difference between wine fermented in steel and in oak barrels? Why is there heated debate over filtering wines? Discover answers here.

29 min
The Whites-Riesling to Chardonnay

05: The Whites-Riesling to Chardonnay

In the first lecture on the Noble grape varieties (used in those wines you see most often), focus on the most captivating varieties of white wine: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. As you explore each wine's unique characteristics, you'll strengthen your ability to compare it with other wines and grape varieties.

29 min
The Reds-Pinot Noir to Cabernet

06: The Reds-Pinot Noir to Cabernet

Experience the Red Noble grape varieties, specifically Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Studied together, these varieties will expose you to the fascinating range of red wine grapes-from the light-bodied and aromatic to the full-bodied and tannin-rich.

32 min
Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines

07: Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines

Venture into the world of sparkling wines, one of the least-understood but highest-quality wines in the world. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan reveals how wines like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco originated, how they're produced, and how they taste. She even shows you the correct way to open and serve your favorite bottle.

33 min
Port, Sherry, and Other Fortified Wines

08: Port, Sherry, and Other Fortified Wines

Fortified wines-wines whose alcoholic strength has been fortified-are the perfect accompaniment to the beginning or end of a meal. Here, learn more about these wines as you taste your way through the distinctive characteristics of ruby port, sherry, and Madeira.

33 min
What to Drink with Dessert

09: What to Drink with Dessert

Sauternes; Tokaji; Ice Wine; Vin Santo- wines go great either with or as dessert. Survey the range of dessert wines, paying particular attention to three ways these wines can be produced: the process of "noble rot," the harvesting of frozen grapes, and the drying of grapes.

30 min
French Regions-Bordeaux and Loire

10: French Regions-Bordeaux and Loire

French wines are the benchmarks of quality, which makes France the perfect place to begin your tour of some of the world's greatest wine regions. You explore the powerful reds and delicate whites of two wine-producing regions, learn how to read a wine label, and gain insights into how chateaux in Bordeaux are classified.

33 min
French Regions-Burgundy and Alsace

11: French Regions-Burgundy and Alsace

How do you top the rich, full-bodied wines of Bordeaux? Find out in this engaging lecture that takes you through the silky and delicate wines of Burgundy (including those from Chablis and Beaujolais) and the German-influenced tastes of Alsace (including varieties of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris).

32 min
French Regions-Rhone, Languedoc, Provence

12: French Regions-Rhone, Languedoc, Provence

Sample beautiful wines from the Rhône Valley and the coastline regions of Languedoc and Provence. You are introduced to a youthful and floral Viognier, a refreshing rose from Tavel, and a peppery red from Mas Belles Eaux.

31 min
Wines of Northern Italy

13: Wines of Northern Italy

Welcome to Italy, home to over 1,000 grape varieties. You sample a Barolo and Amarone (two pillars of Italian wine), a Pinot Grigio (the quintessential crowd-pleasing white wine), and other northern Italian wines.

37 min
Wines of Southern Italy

14: Wines of Southern Italy

Explore the wines of southern Italy. You visit Tuscany, home of Chianti; Campania, the source of the legendary Lacryma Christi (or "Tears of Christ"); and Sicily, whose Nero d'Avola is a rising star among red wine drinkers.

30 min
The Tastes of Germany and Austria

15: The Tastes of Germany and Austria

Germany is home to some of the most versatile wines to pair with food. Austria, following a scandal, has turned around its reputation and has begun producing a fantastic quality of wines. Explore both regions, with a particular focus on their variations of Riesling. Also, learn how to decode German wine labels.

29 min
The Tastes of Spain and Portugal

16: The Tastes of Spain and Portugal

Conclude your tour of Old World wine regions with Spanish and Portuguese wines. Many of the wines you learn about and sample-including a Rioja, a Rueda, a Jumilla, and a Duoro red-bridge the gap between traditional and international modern styles of winemaking.

31 min
U.S. Regions-California

17: U.S. Regions-California

California produces 90% of America's wine and is the fourth-largest producer of wine in the world. Travel through the state's rich wine regions-including Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Santa Barbara-and explore its grape varieties, including the predominant Zinfandel.

35 min
U.S. Regions-Washington and Oregon

18: U.S. Regions-Washington and Oregon

How do Oregon producers differ from their California neighbors? What's so unique about Washington's grape vines? Learn the answers to these and other questions as you taste their versions of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah.

32 min
Other U.S. Regions, Mexico, and Canada

19: Other U.S. Regions, Mexico, and Canada

Where are the wine pioneers of today and tomorrow? The answer: New York, Virginia, Texas, and other U.S. states, each of which, you discover, has its own approach to making quality wines. Also, take brief trips to wine regions in Mexico and Canada, where you sample one of Ontario's internationally popular ice wines.

32 min
Sampling Argentina and Chile

20: Sampling Argentina and Chile

South American wines have grown in popularity around the world. Here, Ms. Simonetti-Bryan guides you through the Chilean regions, including Maipo, Rapel, and Curicó, as well as Argentine vineyards in Mendoza and San Juan.

30 min
The Best of Australia and Tasmania

21: The Best of Australia and Tasmania

In terms of wine, Australia and Tasmania has it all: cool and warm climates, French and American oaks, white and red varieties. Australia also makes the top wine imported into the United States. Survey its popular wines, including a Riesling-like Semillon from Hunter Valley and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawara.

32 min
Wines of New Zealand and South Africa

22: Wines of New Zealand and South Africa

Visit New Zealand and the regions of Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough, and Martinborough. Then, travel to Stellenbosch in South Africa, whose high-end Bordeaux blends are a delicious mix of Old World and New World tastes.

34 min
Becoming a Knowledgeable Wine Buyer

23: Becoming a Knowledgeable Wine Buyer

Discover tips on how to purchase wine, how to order the perfect bottle at restaurants, how to store wine for the short and long term, how to treat wine as an investment, and much more.

30 min
Wine for Any Occasion and Any Food

24: Wine for Any Occasion and Any Food

Conclude with answers to questions about pairing wines with food and occasions. Should a wine complement or contrast a meal? What kind of wine should you serve on particular holidays? What are some myths about wine pairing? How should you serve wine to guests?

31 min