Ithaca Community Wine Course: Demystifying French Wine
Master the appellations, grape varieties and styles in France's acclaimed wine regions
Tour Overview
Have you wanted to enjoy French wine but have been too intimated by the mystique behind the label and the bottle? Want to walk into any wine shop or look at any restaurant menu and be able to purchase in confidence? Or just want to spend a Thursday night tasting and discovering really good wine? Then these classes are for you!
This course has been designed for members of our extended community and visitors who want to learn more about wine in a way that fits into your schedule and your budget. Each week, certified sommelier, Dr. Laura Winter Falk, will dive deep into one of the acclaimed eight major wine regions in France, sharing its history, famous appellations, indigenous grape varietals, and wine styles that have captivated people for over 2600 years!
As you taste the different wines from quality producers, you will also learn how to identify the structural and aromatic elements of the wine and how they are traditionally expressed from that region. Every class also includes a food pairing component where the wines are featured with a weekly sommelier-selected dish (paid directly to La Tourelle that evening).
Ages
21+
Duration
2 Hours
Location
La Tourelle Hotel in Ithaca!!!
Required
Minimum of 6 people
Schedule
Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM
Hosted at La Tourelle, in their downstairs event space.
Thursday will become your favorite day of the week as you expand your wine knowledge. Sign up for one class or sign up for them all! The classes you choose to attend are up to you!
Price: $83 – $95 per person (depending on the featured French wine region). Book now, and pay two weeks prior to the class when the class minimums are confirmed.
Minimum / Maximum: 6 students minimum / 24 students maximum.
Hosted at: La Tourelle, in their downstairs event space.
Important note: If you are planning to attend one or more of the classes this fall, please reserve all the classes you plan on attending. No payment is due at the time of booking. Your card will be charged two weeks before the class date. Reserving ahead helps plan for class size and wine needs. Classes that book below the minimum will likely be cancelled, so if there is one you really want to attend we suggest booking as early as possible.
Course Offerings, Fall 2025: Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Course Schedule, Fall 2025:
- Sept 25 – The White Wines of Burgundy: (Bourgogne – Chablis Cote d’Or Village – Cote d’Or Premier Cru – Bouzeron) – $89
- October 2 – The Red Wines of Burgundy (Bourgogne – Cote d’Or Village – Cote d’Or Premier Cru – Beaujolais ) – $89
- October 9 – No class
- October 16 – The Wines of Bordeaux (Bordeaux AOC, Saint-Estephe – Pessac Leognan – Saint-Emilion – Sauternes) – $89
- October 23 – The Wines of the Loire Valley (Nantes – Savenniers – Saumur Champigny – Vouvray – Chinon – Pouilly-Fumé) – $89
- October 30 – No Class
- November 6 – The Wines of Alsace (Riesling – Pinot Gris – Gewurztraminer – Muscat – Cremant d’Alsace – Edelzwicker) – $89
- November 13 – The Wines of the Rhone Valley (Saint-Joseph – Cote Collines Rhodaniennes – Côtes-du-Rhône – Vacqueyras – Tavel ) – $89
- November 20 – The Wines of Provence and Occitanie (Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence – Bandol – Picpoul de Pinet – Limoux – Cohors – Madiran) – $83
- November 27 – No Class (Thanksgiving)
- December 4 – The Wines of Champagne (Region [Cote du Barr] – Maison [NM] – Vigneron [RN]- Style [Extra Brut]) – $95
Why Choose This Tour
- Learn French wine in simple guided classes.
- Explore major French wine regions step by step.
- Improve tasting skills and flavor recognition.
- Enjoy curated wine and food pairings.
- Learn in small, relaxed group sessions.
Reception/Presentation Inquiry Form
Per Person
Four-Course Pairing
10-30 people
Six Course
10-30 people
- Sorry, there is no availability for April 2026.
Included in Your Experience
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees or unexpected costs
Dedicated support
Assistance available before and during your experience
Personalized service
Every detail is considered for your comfort
Related Tours
More Experiences to Explore
5.0
Ithaca is Gorges & Waterfalls: Downtown Ithaca Walking Tour
- Ages 8+
- 2 hours
5.0
Ithaca is Gorges & Waterfalls: Fabulous Falls Driving Tour
- Ages 3+
- 1.5 hours
5.0
Slow Wine of the Finger Lakes
- 21+
- 2 Hours
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5.0
Micro Producers in the Finger Lakes
- 21+
- 2 Hours
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5.0
Ithaca is Gorges & Waterfalls: Guided Natural History Hike
- Ages 3+
- 1.5 hours
5.0
Private Wine Classes
- 21+ (Up to 10 People)
- 2.5 Hours