Join industry expert David Kemmerer for an in-depth look at four of Portugal’s most important wine regions: Vinho Verde, Douro, Lisboa, and Alentejo. The class will explore the hallmark grape varieties of each region and the distinctive styles they produce — from the crisp, mineral-driven whites of Vinho Verde to the concentrated reds of the Douro, the coastal freshness of Lisboa, and the generous, structured wines of Alentejo.

Think you know Beaujolais? Time to meet the whole family. In this deep-dive tasting, we’ll explore all 10 crus of Beaujolais. From the light and floral to the dark, structured, and age-worthy. Same grape (Gamay), same general region, but wildly different expressions thanks to shifts in soil, slope, vintage, and microclimate.

Some wines come with more than just tasting notes — they come with legends. In this spine-tingling class, we’ll pour wines tied to ghost stories, haunted vineyards, and eerie winery lore. As you taste, you’ll hear tales of phantom winemakers, cursed vintages, and historic cellars where not all the residents are living.

SOIL enrichment trips are immersive educational experiences designed to deepen your understanding of wine in its place of origin. These expertly curated journeys blend hands-on wine education, cultural exploration, and sensory discovery. From walking historic vineyards to engaging in expert-led tastings and savoring local cuisine, each SOIL trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the traditions, terroir, and craftsmanship behind the world’s finest wines.

The Northern Rhône isn’t just the spiritual home of Syrah — it’s also where Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne reach breathtaking heights. In honor of her birthday week, Chelsea is pulling bottles from her personal cellar to share the wines that made her fall in love with this region. Together, we’ll explore benchmark appellations and lesser known gems.

Discover the science behind wine’s aromas and flavors at this immersive, full-day workshop led by sensory scientist Sietze Wijma DipWSET.

What happens when two top tasters trained in completely different systems go glass-to-glass in a blind wine battle?

Watch as they each identify the same mystery wines using their own deductive methods, break down testable markers, and explain how structure, aroma, and technique lead to a final call. Expect bold calls, sharp insights, and maybe a little friendly shade.

Are we training tasters to think… or just to conform? In this opinionated (and eye-opening) session, our lead educator takes the mic to unpack the unspoken issues behind the tasting grids used in major wine certifications.

Can your palate tell the difference between a $7 bottle and a $37 bottle? In this fun, judgment-free blind tasting, we’ll pit Trader Joe’s wines against comparable styles from well-known producers to explore where value ends and quality begins. You’ll taste side-by-side flights without knowing what’s in your glass until the final reveal.

Guest Educator: Sofia Yankelevitch

Raise your glasses to an exquisite year of wine appreciation as we invite you to join us in celebrating the 3 year anniversary of The Oenophile Institute! Immerse yourself in an enchanting open house party filled with delights. Share your passion with fellow enthusiasts in a spirited bottle share, and let's toast to many more years of unforgettable wine moments.

Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia is quietly producing some of the most compelling wines in Europe — and it’s time you got to know them. In this deep-dive masterclass led by Slovenian wine specialist Manjula, we’ll explore the country’s diverse wine regions, indigenous grape varieties, and cutting-edge natural and traditional winemaking styles.

Explore the nuanced world of Pinot Noir through the lens of the Côte d’Or’s most iconic villages. This class offers a focused tasting of both village-level and premier cru wines from five distinct communes, showcasing how variations in soil, slope, and microclimate shape the character of Burgundy’s most celebrated red grape. Through side-by-side comparisons, students will deepen their understanding of terroir expression, quality tiers, and the stylistic differences that make each site unique.

Educator: Chelsea Young

Over the past 40 years, a handful of vintages in the U.S. have risen above the rest—moments when winemakers whispered they just knew. In this immersive, one-time-only event, we’ll unravel what makes a vintage truly great in the U.S.—from drought years that gave us haunting intensity to cooler seasons that made acidity sing.

Welcome to a class that promises to challenge your taste buds and perceptions! In this session, we're diving deep into the world of Kirkland Signature wines and putting them to the test against their "supposed" label counterparts. Kirkland, known for its range of quality private label products, including wines, has garnered quite the reputation. But are these wines truly on par with their higher-priced, brand-name equivalents?

Guest Educator: Kelly Cornett

Join us for an intimate evening with author Keith Herdon, as he shares insights from his newly released book, Wine Conversations: Exploring Meaning, Mystery, and Myth. This special event offers a rare opportunity to dive into the stories and discoveries of industry professionals he interviewed, exploring the experiences, challenges, and inspirations that shape the world of wine.

A copy of Wine Conversations: Exploring Meaning, Mystery, and Myth will be given to all attendees.

Step into Chelsea’s world, where her love-hate relationship with French wine takes center stage. This isn’t your typical class—this is an unfiltered, passionate journey through France’s most iconic wine regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, and the Loire Valley. Chelsea will walk you through her complex feelings for these wines— She’ll share the quirks, the terroirs, and the rich history that both fascinate and frustrate her. If you’ve ever wondered why Chelsea thinks French wine is both maddening and magnificent, this class is your front-row seat to her love letter—and occasional rant—to France.

Join us for a mouthwatering adventure as we unlock the secrets to constructing the ultimate charcuterie board and pairing it with the perfect wines. From artful arrangements of savory meats and artisanal cheeses to decoding the enigmatic dance between flavors, we'll arm you with the skills to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Break free from the traditional tasting grids and unleash your creativity in this fun and interactive blind tasting class! You’ll sample four wines blind, but instead of focusing on structured notes, you’ll be encouraged to let your imagination run wild with your descriptions. From poetic metaphors to quirky comparisons, the most creative tasting note wins the ultimate prize—your tasting note printed on a custom t-shirt! This class is perfect for wine lovers who want to explore their unique palate while having a blast with fellow enthusiasts.

The cosmic forces of science and the consequences of time have found it agreeable for Eric Crane to return to OI for his highly anticipated class on Italy. Expect a heady mix of historical context, DOCG regulations, and obscure ampelographic details, all brought to life by a glass in hand.

Have you ever been curious to discover what it takes to become an MW, the famously difficult and exacting course of study that on completion means you would join a group currently numbering 500 people who have passed this exam since its inception in 1953? Join Mark Pygott, MW, and the Institute of Masters of Wine for a look at how to assess wines MW style and how to approach the theory questions that are posed in the exam. 

“The Unusual Suspects” - A Blind Tasting Competition with Kelly Cornett

Are you ready to put your taste buds to the test and take a walk on the wild side? Join Kelly Cornett of A Cork in the Road Podcast for a blind tasting competition like no other. Six wines will be poured, each from a variety or region that is on the fringe of testable according to CMS and WSET.

Step into the fascinating realm of wine acidity with our advanced class, meticulously crafted for dedicated wine enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Journey with us as we unravel the intricate layers of acidity's influence on wine character, from its profound impact on structure to its role in shaping aroma and aging potential.

Educator: Eric Crane

A delightful journey of taste and texture as we explore the timeless art of pairing wine and cheese. In this class, we blend tradition with innovation, offering a comprehensive exploration of both classic and modern pairings that will tantalize your palate and inspire your senses.

With educators: Stephanie Patrick & Chelsea Young

Indulge in the elegance of age-worthy wines during our special class celebrating Open That Bottle Night! Join us for a captivating evening where we explore the nuances of cellaring, guiding you through a tasting of back vintages that embody the beauty of time. Discover the elements that render a wine worthy of aging, gain insights into valuable resources for vintage exploration, and master the delicate art of opening and decanting old wines.

Educator: Chelsea Young

Delve into the intricate tapestry of farming methods shaping the world of viticulture. From conventional to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic practices, we'll explore the spectrum of approaches that influence grape cultivation and winemaking. Uncover the science behind conventional methods, the eco-conscious strategies of sustainable farming, the commitment to purity in organic vineyards, and the holistic harmony of biodynamic agriculture. Along the way, we'll analyze the environmental, economic, and quality implications of each approach, providing you with a nuanced understanding of how these farming methods contribute to the diverse flavors in your wine glass.

Educator: Eric Crane