Bevinars is the snob-free, geek-free place to learn wine tasting fundamentals and more.
You could pay a fortune to see one of Mark Oldman’s famous, “five-star” (Food & Wine) “wildly popular” (Aspen magazine) live seminars at the nation’s top food festivals or you can take a Bevinars virtual wine class for a fraction of the cost and from the comfort of your own living room.
If you’ve ever been to one of Mark’s presentations, you know it is brimming with humor and his trademark “nuggets” of useful insider information that you won’t find anywhere else. Moreover, class video recordings are available for those who miss a class or want to review.
OUTSMARTING WINE 101: The Ultimate Class in Wine Tasting Fundamentals (January 25, 2023, 7pm ET)
Mark Oldman doesn’t just teach you about wine; he cuts through all of the complication and geekery such that you feel like you outsmart it.
Inspired by Mark’s first award-winning book, Oldman’s Guide to Outsmarting Wine (Penguin), this class is designed to be the ultimate introductory wine class. Focusing on tasting techniques and basic wine styles, it covers exactly what you need to conquer dinner parties, business dinners, gift selection, handling and storage, and the wine shop.
Moreover, if you’ve ever been to one of Mark’s presentations, you know it is brimming with humor and his trademark “nuggets” of useful insider information that you won’t find anywhere else.
Learn more here.
FEBRUARY 2023 SERIES
Go here to view the full series or see below for individual classes.
1] EXPLODING WINE MYTHS: FEBRUARY 1, 2023, 7pm ET / 4pm PT
The greatest impediment to wine appreciation are the endless myths – so much fake news! — surrounding wine. We are going to take a critical and often humorous look at a breathtaking number of untruths, half-truths, and outmoded notions standing between wine and your enjoyment of it. Many of these misconceptions will surprise you, and some of them the wine industry would rather you not know about.
Learn more here.
2] SECRETS OF CHILE: FEBRUARY 8, 2023, 7pm ET / 4pm PT
The original South American success story in wine, Chile has long been famous for its wallet-friendly and approachable bottles. But as gifted winemakers upgraded technology and developed cooler climate regions, the country is also becoming known for wines of depth and nuance.
We will start with Sauvignon Blanc and how this grape stands apart in Chile’s Pacific Ocean-cooled vineyards. We then shift to Pinot Noir, which is finding success in the country’s cooler climate growing zones. Next comes Carmenere, Chile’s signature grape and a wine of immense likability if you know where to look. Finally, we alight upon Cabernet Sauvignon, the country’s bread-and-butter grape and often a key ingredient in the country’s top wines.
In addition to the featured wines being presented, Mark will clue you into a slew of other tempting Chilean choices, from Syrah to Carignan to the native Pais.
Learn more here.
3] OUTWITTING THE WINE LIST: FEBRUARY 15, 2023, 7pm ET / 4pm PT
It is the nerve center of wine tasting fundamentals: the restaurant, with its inflated prices, impenetrable lists, sometimes clueless servers, and public-speaking pressures. Relax: we’re going to cover concrete ways of maximizing your wine dollars in restaurants and demystify the tasting ritual. We are going to discuss a slew of wine types which are safe to order and which ones to avoid. We will also explore fail-safe strategies of conversing with a sommelier so that you can order wine without a whiff of embarrassment. And we will cover one of the favorite solutions to overpriced wine lists: BYOB and how to do it gracefully.
Learn more here.
4] SECRETS OF ARGENTINA: FEBRUARY 22, 2023, 7pm ET / 4pm PT
We will examine the country’s signature white dry wine, Torrontés, whose uniquely aromatic-but-dry charms may make it your new favorite white wine. And we will take a deep dive into the country’s marquee success, Malbec, discussing both everyday and special occasion versions that never fail to seduce the winter drinker. In addition to the featured wines being presented, Mark will clue you into a slew of other Argentinian beauties, from Bonarda to Cabernet Franc to Tempranillo.
And we will cover tasting techniques, decoding the label, new trends, and food pairings — including hearty winter fare and regional favorites such as gaucho steaks, empanadas, and chimichurri sauce
Learn more here.
