WineSmarts
WineSmarts I and II courses will be held at the
American Wine Society Conference 2025 in Chantilly, VA!
Wine Smarts I is in its nineth year (2025) as an American Wine Society (AWS) wine education course. Originally called Super Tasting, this course is an entertaining and interactive way to explore the basics of how wine is made, and to learn to taste and evaluate wines with the Wine Aroma Wheel using some principal wine varieties. The course includes some background information on where the grapes are grown, flavor profiles and region highlights from old and new world counterparts. Eighteen wines will be featured in this course and as a bonus, the course also covers the basics of food and wine pairing and includes a certificate for passing the optional final Exam.
Instructors: Donna Albano, EdD and Brandon Seager, Oenologist, CSW, WSET3.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost: AWS Members $225 per person (includes lunch, 18 wines)
Non-Members $250 (includes lunch, 18 wines, and one year membership).
Deadline to register is October 10, 2025. Limited seating.
Sign up early to ensure your spot! Registration opens in March.
Download Cancellation and No Show Policy.
Contact Sharyn at: winesmartscoordinator@americanwinesociety.net for more information.
WineSmarts II is entering its fourth year (2025) as an AWS wine education course. We are pleased to offer it again at the AWS Conference! This course is designed as a continuation of the series, and will dive deeper into various winemaking processes, as well as exploring how climate and terroir affect growing regions and their resulting wines. Acquire a more in-depth ability to evaluate the nineteen wines covered in this course through blind tastings and fun, interactive learning challenges. Gain the skills and knowledge to make smarter, more confident wine purchases for your cellar or while dining out through label and wine list analysis. Take food and wine pairing to the next level by evaluating, comparing and contrasting flavors. WineSmarts I is not a required prerequisite to register for this class as it is open to anyone wishing to advance their wine knowledge. This course includes a certificate for passing the optional final Exam.
Instructors: Susan Lynham, dipWSET, CWE, FWS and Sharyn Kervyn, dipWSET, CWJ, CSW, Sommelier.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost: AWS Members $250 per person (includes lunch, 20 wines)
Non-Members $275 (includes lunch, 20 wines, and one year membership).
Deadline to register is October 10, 2025. Limited seating.
Sign up early to ensure your spot!! Registration opens in March.
Download Cancellation and No Show Policy.
Contact Sharyn at: winesmartscoordinator@americanwinesociety.net for more information.
We look forward to having you venture with us into the fascinating and fun world of wine!