Grapes of graphs

Illustration by Sarah Hansel

If you’ve had visions of yourself sipping a robust wine with a worldly smirk of understanding, but don’t know where to start, consider dropping $30 for “Wine 101: How to Truly Enjoy & Taste Wine.” This marks the first of three Wine 101 classes at the Old Sugar Mill (35265 Willow Avenue in Clarksburg), hosted by Three Wine Co. All the sessions will be led by sommelier Norma Poole, who holds degrees in viticulture and social work. (That psychological training could come in handy for those pupils intimidated by wine.) Attendees will sip six vinos and discern their characteristics using a sensory analysis chart and aroma wheels to pinpoint the type of wine and oak. Ideally, you’ll even learn to identify acids and tannins and how they contribute to the flavors—or rather, since we’re getting all fancy, the notes. Find tickets and information at http://threewinecompany.com/
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