Great Wine Deserves to be Understood

The Sip & Study
Wine Course

An immersive 8-week journey designed for wine lovers of all levels. This interactive curriculum, led by a certified sommelier instuctor, blends wine education, guided tastings, and hands-on activities with the cozy, community vibe Sip N Read is known for.

Starting Saturday, October 25, 2025

Only 8 Seats Available

I'm Ready to Enroll
 

We've all been there before...

Nodding along at wine tastings, pretending to know the difference between “bold” and “full-bodied,” hoping no one asks our opinion first.

But here’s the truth...wine isn’t meant to be intimidating.
It’s meant to be enjoyed.

This course is your permission slip to learn without pressure, to ask questions, and to finally get it in a way that sticks.

 

This course is designed for

Social learners who enjoy connecting with others over shared experiences.
Professionals looking to confidently navigate wine menus, pairings, and events.
Anyone curious about wine and eager to learn in a fun, relaxed setting.
Foodies who want to master the art of pairing wine with every meal.
Why You Should Join

Turn Curiosity Into Confidence

Throughout this course, you’ll learn to sip with confidence, understand what’s in your glass, and appreciate wine in a whole new way.

Learn with Confidence
If wine labels feel like another language, you’re not alone. In this course, you’ll finally make sense of the words, regions, and styles that used to feel out of reach. You’ll walk away knowing how to spot what you like, skip what you don’t, and talk about wine without second-guessing yourself.
Taste Like a Pro
No pressure, no pretense, just guided practice that helps you tune into what’s really in your glass. You’ll learn the Five S’s of tasting in a hands-on way, using curated flights that show how flavor, texture, and aroma come together to create something unforgettable.
Pair with Purpose
Wine and food can transform each other when paired intentionally. You’ll discover simple, practical ways to make everyday meals feel elevated, from weeknight pasta to special celebrations. No memorization, just easy principles that make sense and taste amazing.
Explore the Globe
Each pour is a passport. You’ll learn how geography, climate, and culture shape what’s in your glass. You’ll also taste your way through iconic regions and maybe discover a new favorite along the way.
Connect & Celebrate
Wine brings people together, and that’s exactly what this course is about. With just 8 seats per session, you’ll join a cozy, conversational group where questions are encouraged and laughter comes easy. Every class feels more like a shared experience than a lecture because that’s what makes learning stick.
What's Included

Your Wine Education Starts Here

Ready to sip smarter and have fun doing it? This isn’t a stuffy wine class, it’s an adventure in every pour, full of laughs, surprises, and "aha" moments that make you look at wine in a whole new way.

8 Weekly Classes

This course includes eight, 2-hour, in-person sessions, from 11:00am - 1:00pm, led by a certified sommelier instructor. Sessions are hands-on, conversational, and crafted to help you grow in both knowledge and confidence.

Guided Tastings

Participants will sample 3–6 curated wines during each session. Tastings are designed to illustrate specific lessons and highlight differences in varietals, regions, and production styles.

Wine Journal & Tasting Tools

Every participant will receive an exclusive wine essentials kit designed to enrich your learning experience. Your kit includes a copy of Wine Simple, a tasting journal, an aroma wheel, a corkscrew, and regional maps.

 

Food Pairing Labs

Explore the art of pairing through interactive tastings featuring artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal bites. You’ll see (and taste) how food and wine work together to create balance, depth, and magic.

Interactive Games & Quizzes

This isn't your average wine class. Each class includes creative activities and friendly challenges that help you remember what you’ve learned while keeping things light, social, and fun.

Graduation Celebration

End the course on a high note with a global tasting bar and certificate in Wine Appreciation & Tasting. It’s a moment to celebrate your new skills, your classmates, and your confidence to explore wine with ease.

Disclaimer

The Sip & Study Wine Course is an independent educational program created and taught by a Certified Sommelier Instructor at Sip N Read Bookbar. This course is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Court of Master Sommeliers, or any other certifying organization. Certificates issued upon completion are recognition of participation and achievement within the Sip N Read educational program.

 
wine is meant to be understood, celebrated, and shared.
wine is meant to be understood, celebrated, and shared.
Program Overview

Course Schedule & Curriculum

Ready to sip smarter and have fun doing it? Your Saturday wine escape awaits. This isn’t a stuffy wine class, it’s an adventure in every pour, full of laughs, surprises, and "aha" moments that make you look at wine in a whole new way.

Meeting Dates

We’ll meet for eight Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST, beginning October 25, 2025 and ending December 20, 2025, with no class on November 29.

Saturday, October 25, 2025
Saturday, November 01, 2025
Saturday, November 08, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Saturday, December 06, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025

 
Week 1 

What is Wine?

Kick off your wine journey by uncovering the essentials, what makes wine tick, how to taste like a pro, and a globe-spanning tour of key regions. Guided tastings and aroma adventures, will make learning a delight.

Week 2

What is a Grape?

Take a deep dive into the grape, the hero behind every bottle. Explore anatomy, terroir, and vineyard secrets while dissecting grapes and experimenting with flavors.

Week 3

Making Wine - Part 1: Red, Rosé and White

Step into the winemaker’s shoes. Learn the full vinification process from harvest to bottle, craft your own fermentation plan, and taste a curated flight of red, rosé, and white wines to see the theory in action.

Week 4

Making Wine - Part 2: Sparkling

Pop, fizz, and sparkle. Discover the magic behind Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco while pairing bubbles with cheeses, seafood, and sweet bites. Experience how effervescence elevates flavor and fun.

 
Week 5

Types and Styles of Wine

Sharpen your wine classification skills. Learn to identify sweet versus dry, light versus full-bodied, and the influence of climate on flavor. Blind tastings and an interactive game will put your knowledge to the test.

Week 6

Principal Grapes - Part 1

Meet the world’s most celebrated grapes, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah/Shiraz. Taste, compare, and pair each with curated bites to understand signature profiles like a true aficionado.

Week 7

Principal Grapes - Part 2 and Regional Styles

Expand your palate with Riesling, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Chenin Blanc. Explore Old World versus New World expressions through guided tastings, mapping exercises, and expert insights.

Week 8

Global Wine Showcase

Celebrate your wine mastery with a global tasting bar featuring wines, interactive team trivia, and a certificate ceremony. Toast your achievements and leave ready to impress at any dinner, wine bar, or casual sip session.

FAQS

Everything you need to know

1When are sessions?
We’ll meet for eight Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST, beginning October 25, 2025 and ending December 20, 2025, with no class on November 29.
2Do I need prior wine knowledge?
Not at all. This course is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
3Will I need to bring anything?
No. All tasting tools, materials, and food are provided. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe a notebook if you’re extra studious).
4Is alcohol consumption required?
Tastings are optional. Dump buckets are always available.
5Where are class located?
At Sip N Read Book Bar - 1620 Michigan Ave. Suite 122, Detroit, MI 48216.
6What happens if I can’t make a class?
Life happens, we get it. While classes are designed to be experienced in person, we’ll provide tasting notes, class materials, and key takeaways so you won’t miss out on the learning.
 
Limited spots available

Ready to Sip Smarter?

Why wait to feel more confident with wine? Say yes to learning, tasting, and connecting with people who love a good pour as much as you do. The only thing missing is you.
Reserve Your Spot Today for $315