Explore the World of Wine During New Series at Community House

Is 2013 the year you've finally decided to wise up on your wine choices? Then you're in luck: this winter, The Community House will be offering a six part series of classes about wine from all over the world.

Each class will be taught by Nidal Daher, a certified sommelier and president of Sommelier Connections, Inc. Classes begin Jan. 30 and continue every Wednesday through March 13.

Attendees for all classes must be 21 or older. To register, visit The Community House online at www.tchserves.org or call 248-644-5832. Each individual class ranges in price from $25-$34 while it costs $149 to attend the entire, six-class series.

An Introduction to Wine — Jan. 30

Enjoy a casual and uncomplicated introduction to the world of wine. This is a great foundation course with topics including: wine grape varieties, wine making techniques, types of wines and wine labels, ordering from a restaurant wine list and proper wine storage. Evaluate and rate wines while tasting six wines representing different regions around the world.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, Jan. 30
• Cost: $28

California and the Pacific Northwest — Feb. 6

Discover wines of California, Oregon and Washington state. Learn to find the values as well as highly acclaimed and rare wines from these regions. Learn to discern the differences between varieties and how to optimally match wines with appropriate meals. A parallel tasting of eight wines representing these areas is included.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, Feb. 6
• Cost: $28

France: A Comprehensive Approach to French Wines — Feb. 13

Explore the diversity of French wines through a comprehensive and condensed approach covering all important French wine regions. The class includes a discussion of the regions of Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Alsace, Burgundy, and the Rhone Valley.

Discover the classic French grape varieties and learn about their important characteristics and their regions of origin. We will breakdown the complex labeling laws and classification system in each of the regions and discuss famous wine makers, and important vineyards. Learn how to evaluate wines as experts do through a dynamic tasting of eight wines representing the regions discussed.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, Feb. 11
• Cost: $34

Italian Wines — Feb. 27

Take an introductory exploration into the world’s largest wine producing country. Through a step-by-step process, the prominent production regions will be analyzed. Italy, the mother of cuisine and producer of unique styles of wine, is an exciting area to explore.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, Feb. 27
• Cost: $25

Spain and Portugal — March 6

These two countries share similarities in terroir and are known for reds, whites and fortified wines. They offer a unique take on Old World traditions. Learn about their grape varieties and taste delicious ports, interesting Sherries, earthy red wines and refreshing whites from these areas. A discussion on food and wine pairing will complete this lecture.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, March 6
• Cost: $25

South of the Equator — March 13

Learn about wines from the lands of Australia and New Zealand as well as the emerging popular wines from Chile, Argentina and South Africa. Instructors will provide you with eight wines and a clear explanation of the different classifications and breakdowns of the various growing regions.

• Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
• When: Wednesday, March 13
• Cost: $25