Loire Masterclass

February 14 | 12:00 PM | Scout Wine Merchants | $50
Taught by Dr. Travis Reed, FWS

Discover the diversity and elegance of France’s longest wine river at this immersive Loire Valley Masterclass.

Guided by the Wine Scholar Guild’s expert curriculum, this masterclass represents a single afternoon of the French Wine Scholar course, offering a focused introduction to the Loire Valley’s history, geography, and cultural significance—and how these elements shape one of France’s most dynamic wine regions. Please note that this session is not suitable for anyone currently enrolled in the French Wine Scholar course. Former FWS students are always welcome to revisit the region through tasting.

This masterclass is ideal for wine lovers intrigued by freshness, balance, and terroir-driven wines, as well as those considering deeper wine study through Wine Scholar Guild certifications. It provides a compelling snapshot of the Loire’s complexity and educational depth.

Expect a curated tasting featuring crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, expressive Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, elegant Cabernet Franc, and other regional standouts that highlight the Loire’s remarkable range.

Grape to Glass: Pinot Noir

📅 February 12 | 6:00 PM | Zin Uncommon California Italian | $40
Taught by Nate Norfolk

Pinot Noir is often known as the "Heartbreaker grape" for how difficult it is to grow. In this class, you'll learn to fall in love with different styles of Pinot Noir as we explore what makes this varietal so captivating and complex. Through six curated wines from premier regions around the world like Burgundy, Oregon, and New Zealand. We'll examine the subtle differences and develop your palate to appreciate why passionate winemakers accept the challenge of working with this temperamental yet rewarding grape.

Come curious, leave inspired!

Black WIne Producers 2026

February 11 | 6:00 PM | Uplifting Mansion | $40
Taught by Jessica Janz-McKnight

This February, we’re proud to return for our third year celebrating Black History Month through wine and culture. Join us for a tasting class spotlighting exceptional wines from Black winemakers in the U.S. and beyond. This is a night to discover new producers, hear the stories behind the bottles, and show up ready to celebrate COMMUNITY.

Your freshest style is encouraged.

Sip with us. Come curious, leave inspired! 🖤🍇

Beaujolais, Jura, & Savoie Masterclass

February 7 | 12:00 PM | Scout Wine Merchants | $55
Taught by Toni Johnson, FWS

Immerse yourself in the unique charm of three fascinating French wine regions—Beaujolais, Jura, and Savoie at this exclusive Wine Scholar Guild curriculum masterclass.

Part of the Wine Scholar Guild curriculum, this masterclass forms a single afternoon of the French Wine Scholar course, making it a perfect introduction for anyone considering enrolling in the full program. You’ll delve into the history, geography and cultural influences that define these regions’ unique winemaking styles. Please note that this session is not suitable for anyone currently enrolled in the French Wine Scholar course. Former students are always welcome if they wish to revisit the session’s tasting experience.

This masterclass is perfectly crafted for wine enthusiasts with a passion for one of France’s most esteemed regions, offering an exceptional deep dive into Beaujolais, Jura and Savoie’s storied vineyards, wines and rich heritage. It is also ideal for those curious about advancing their wine studies as this masterclass serves as a valuable introduction and taster event to the Wine Scholar Guild's comprehensive courses. This session is an excellent opportunity to explore whether the Wine Scholar Guild's in-depth courses align with your goals in wine education.

Expect a curated tasting of wines, including vibrant Gamays from Beaujolais, aromatic whites and oxidative wines from Jura and the crisp, mountain-inspired wines of Savoie.

Bourgogne (burgundy) Masterclass

January 31 | 12:00 PM | Scout Wine Merchants | $60
Taught by Toni Johnson, FWS

Immerse yourself in the world of Bourgogne (Burgundy) at this exclusive Wine Scholar Guild curriculum masterclass.

This masterclass forms a single afternoon of the French Wine Scholar course, making it a perfect introduction for anyone considering enrolling in the full program. You’ll delve into the history, geography and cultural influences that make Bourgogne a benchmark for elegance and complexity in winemaking. Please note that this session is not suitable for anyone currently enrolled in the French Wine Scholar course. Former students are always welcome if they wish to revisit the Burgundy session’s tasting experience.

This masterclass is perfectly crafted for wine enthusiasts with a passion for one of France’s most esteemed regions, offering an exceptional deep dive into Bourgogne’s storied vineyards, wines and rich heritage. It is also ideal for those curious about advancing their wine studies as this masterclass also serves as a valuable introduction and taster event for the Wine Scholar Guild's comprehensive courses. This session is an excellent opportunity to explore whether the Wine Scholar Guild's in-depth courses align with your goals in wine education.

Expect a curated tasting of an impressive range of wines, from the steely Chardonnays of Chablis to the voluptuous Pinot Noirs of the Côte de Nuits, and even some lesser-known treasures from Bourgogne’s smaller appellations.

Grape to Glass: Tempranillo

January 26 | 6:00 PM | Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens | $45
Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Coleman

Tempranillo is Spain’s signature grape variety, found in the wines of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, La Mancha, and other regions. Let’s hunker down for winter with some luxurious reds!

Held in the breathtaking Villa Terrace, this class is your chance to dive deep into Spain’s gift to the world. Better still you’ll get to learn from Spanish wine expert and Milwaukee Wine Academy founder, Dr. Jeffrey Coleman.

Come curious, leave inspired!

Champagne Masterclass

January 24 | 12:00 PM | Scout Wine Merchants | $60
Taught by Toni Johnson, FWS

Embark on an effervescent journey into the heart of Champagne at this exclusive Wine Scholar Guild masterclass. 

Guided by the Wine Scholar Guild's expert curriculum, this masterclass forms a single afternoon of the French Wine Scholar course, offering an insightful introduction to the region’s history, geography and culture - and their influence on the world’s most celebrated sparkling wines. Please note that this session is not suitable for anyone currently enrolled in the French Wine Scholar course. Former FWS students are always welcome if they wish to revisit Champagne’s tasting experience.

This masterclass is perfectly crafted for those with a passion for this iconic sparkling wine, offering an unparalleled deep dive into the Champagne region, its wines and its unique heritage. It is also ideal for those curious about advancing their wine studies as this also serves as a valuable introduction and taster event for the Wine Scholar Guild's comprehensive courses. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore how their fantastic, in-depth and insightful programs align with your wine education aspirations.

Expect a curated tasting of a wide array of Champagnes, ranging from elegant Blanc de Blancs to robust Pinot Noir-driven blends, and even some lesser-known gems from this iconic region. 

Grape to Glass: Grenache

January 8 | 6 PM | Zin Uncommon (Delafield)
Taught by Tim Cole

Often the underdog, always the crowd-pleaser, Grenache is a grape that deserves the spotlight.

In this varietal deep-dive, we’ll explore Grenache’s many faces: bold and juicy reds, delicate rosés, and everything in between. Discover how this versatile grape expresses itself across regions like Spain, Southern France, and California.

This one’s for the curious sipper who loves to go beyond the expected.

Come curious, leave inpsired!

Sparkling Wines of Italy

📅 December 15 | 5:30 PM | Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens

Say cin cin to the holidays with this Italian-inspired sparkling tasting featuring Prosecco, Franciacorta, Lambrusco, and more.

Held in the breathtaking Villa Terrace, this class is your passport to the best bubbly Italy has to offer—perfect for gifting, hosting, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious end-of-year moment. ✨🍾

Come curious, leave inspired!

Holiday Sparklers: Champagne vs. The world

📅 December 14 | 2 PM | Uplifting Mansion| $50

Bubbles is synonymous with celebration, and this class is your guide to finding the right sparkling wine for every occasion.

Champagne is the standard against which all over traditional method sparkling wines are measured. This class will put that to the test with matchups from around the world. Are you Team Champagne or Team World? 🥂🎁

Come curious, leave inspired!

Atlas of Wine: Venice to the Alps

📅 November 24 | 5:30 PM | Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens

From the sparkling shores of Venice to the dramatic slopes of the Alps, this tasting tour explores the diverse wines of Northeastern Italy.

We’ll sample crisp whites, alpine reds, and local gems that reflect this region’s stunning geography and centuries-old winemaking traditions. It’s the perfect way to close out fall with a sense of adventure—and a sip of something unexpected. 🌄

Come curious, leave inspired!

Wines for Thanksgiving

📅 November 13 | 🕕 6 PM | 📍 Zin (Delafield)

Planning your holiday table? Let us help you pick the perfect bottles.

This tasting focuses on versatile, crowd-pleasing wines that pair with everything from turkey and stuffing to mac and cheese and tofurkey. Whether you're hosting, traveling, or just want a great bottle to bring to dinner, we’ve got you covered with six festive, food-friendly wines that will make your Thanksgiving shine. 🦃🍷

Come curious, leave satisfied!

SHADOWS in the VINEYARD

MWA wine Book Club: October Meeting

📚 Book: Shadows in the Vineyard by Maximillian Potter
📅 Date: October 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

In January 2010, Aubert de Villaine, the famed proprietor of the Domaine de la Romance-Conti, the tiny, storied vineyard that produces the most expensive, exquisite wines in the world, received an anonymous note threatening the destruction of his priceless vines by poison—a crime that in the world of high-end wine is akin to murder—unless he paid a one million euro ransom. Villaine believed it to be a sick joke, but that proved a fatal miscalculation and the crime shocked this fabled region of France. The sinister story that Vanity Fair journalist Maximillian Potter uncovered would lead to a sting operation by some of France's top detectives, the primary suspect's suicide, and a dramatic investigation. This botanical crime threatened to destroy the fiercely traditional culture surrounding the world's greatest wine.

Shadows in the Vineyard takes us deep into a captivating world full of fascinating characters, small-town French politics, an unforgettable narrative, and a local culture defined by the twinned veins of excess and vitality and the deep reverent attention to the land that runs through it.

Atlas of Wine: Piedmont

📅 October 27 | 5:30 PM | Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens

Step into the elegance of Piedmont, Italy’s revered region for Nebbiolo, Barbera, and white truffles. From Barolo’s bold depth to Arneis’s subtle charm, this class takes you through the wines that have earned global acclaim.

Held in the historic Villa Terrace Museum, this is a tasting rooted in culture, terroir, and timeless Italian craftsmanship. 🍷✨

Come curious, leave inspired!

Prohibition Pours: A Sip of the Past

📅 October 19 | 2:00 PM | Spite House
Step back in time with us for an unforgettable wine experience inside
one of Milwaukee’s landmark homes

Prohibition Pours: A Sip of the Past blends curated wine, local history, and vintage ambiance into one immersive afternoon. Explore the Queen Anne House on tour between 2–3 PM, and then settle in for a guided tasting of four wines, each selected to reflect the style and spirit of wine during the 1920s.

This collaborative experience is led by Milwaukee Wine Academy and Historic Milwaukee. Together, we’ll unpack the underground world of bootleggers, home winemakers, and speakeasy culture, all while tasting wines that nod to the era.

Expect:

• 🍷 A guided tasting of four prohibition-inspired wines

• 🏛️ A tour of the historic Spite House, built in 1897

• 📚 Storytelling and historical insight from Historic Milwaukee

• 🧀 Light bites styled after vintage social gatherings

• 🎶 1920s-inspired outfits and music

Limited to 25 guests. Reserve your spot now.

Atlas of Wine: tuscany

📅 September 29 | 5:30 PM | Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens

Tuscany isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling.

Join us for a tasting experience that brings the rolling hills, historic estates, and timeless wines of Tuscany to life inside Milwaukee’s own Italian-inspired gem, Villa Terrace Museum. From the earthy elegance of Chianti Classico to the depth of Brunello and Super Tuscan blends, we’ll explore six wines that define the heart of Italian winemaking.

This class marks the start of our Italian wine series and is the perfect pairing of culture, architecture, and craftsmanship. Come sip your way through Tuscany—and let the villa transport you there. 🇮🇹🍷

Come curious, leave inspired!

Big Macs & Burgundy

MWA wine Book Club: September Meeting

📚 Book: Big Macs & Burgundy by Vanessa Price and Adam Laukhuf
📅 Date: September 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Sancerre and Cheetos go together like milk and cookies. The science behind this unholy alliance is as elemental as acid, fat, salt, and minerals. Wine pro Vanessa Price explains how to create your own pairings while proving you don’t necessarily need fancy foods to unlock the joys of wine. Building upon the outsize success of her weekly column in Grub Street, Price offers delightfully bold wine and food pairings alongside hilarious tales from her own unlikely journey as a Kentucky girl making it in the Big Apple and in the wine business. Using language everyone can understand, she reveals why each dynamic duo is a match made in heaven, serving up memorable takeaways that will help you navigate any wine list or local bottle shop. Charmingly illustrated and bubbling with personality, Big Macs & Burgundy will open your mind to the entirely fun and entirely accessible wine pairings out there waiting to be discovered—and make you do a few spit-takes along the way.

Atlas of Wine: Sonoma

📅 September 18 | 6:00 PM | Zin Uncommon California Italian

Think you know California wine? Think again.

Known for world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and bold Zinfandel, Sonoma County is one of California’s most iconic wine areas, and for good reason.

Led by MWA co-founder Tim Cole, this class explores the incredible diversity of Sonoma through a tasting of six styles that reflect the valley’s microclimates and character. Whether you're into silky reds or crisp whites, this class will show you why Sonoma deserves a permanent spot in your wine rotation. 🍷🌿

Come curious, leave inspired!

Atlas of Wine: Mexico

📅 September 14 | 2:00 PM | Wantable

Raise a glass to Mexican Independence Day and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with a wine class that spotlights one of the most exciting, and underappreciated, wine regions in the world.

From the coastal valleys of Baja to the high-altitude vineyards of Central Mexico, we’ll explore six expressive wines that reflect the diversity, resilience, and innovation of Mexican winemaking. Along the way, we’ll share the stories of producers redefining what it means to make wine in Mexico today.

Whether you're new to Mexican wine or already a fan, this tasting offers a unique opportunity to experience terroir, culture, and tradition through the glass. Come celebrate the vibrancy of Mexico, one sip at a time.

Come curious, leave inspired!

Lush

MWA wine Book Club: August Meeting

📚 Book: Lush by Rochelle Dowden-Lord
📅 Date: July 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Lush is raw, honest, and real! An intimate memoir about addiction, identity, and reclaiming power through self-awareness and storytelling. Rochelle Dowden-Lord weaves wine into her narrative in unexpected and moving ways. This isn’t just a book club; it’s a community space to reflect, sip, and support. Join us as we explore resilience, reckoning, and what it truly means to pour into ourselves.

BACk to school: wine 101

📅 August 24 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
Intimidated by wine lists? Confused by wine talk? It's time to build your wine confidence! Our "Back to School: Wine 101" class offers a fun, approachable introduction to the world of wine.

Taught by Alex Biondo, this class will journey through six classic styles that form the foundation of wine appreciation – from crisp, celebratory sparkling to rich, velvety full-bodied reds. Each glass showcases an iconic wine region, teaching you the essential vocabulary, tasting techniques, and food pairing principles that transform wine from mysterious to accessible.

Whether you're a complete novice or looking to refresh your knowledge, this judgment-free experience will equip you with the skills to navigate wine shops and restaurant lists with newfound confidence. Come discover the joy of wine education!

The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine

MWA wine Book Club: JuLY Meeting

📚 Book: The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine by Benjamin Wallace
📅 Date: July 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Scandal, intrigue, and a bottle that may (or may not) have belonged to Thomas Jefferson. The Billionaire’s Vinegar uncorks one of the most infamous wine frauds in history and we’re diving deep into the mystery. Join us for an evening of spirited discussion, vintage drama, and a tasting that proves not everything expensive is what it seems.

Corks & kicks: a wine and sneaker culture event

📅 July 12 | 3:00 PM | Radio Milwaukee Rooftop
Wine meets streetwear at Corks & Kicks, Milwaukee’s freshest cultural tasting experience. We’re fusing the world of wine with the energy of sneaker culture. It’s a vibe, a community, and a new way to explore wine through music, design, and self-expression.

🎟️ Your $50 Ticket Includes:

• A signature wine cocktail on arrival

• Curated bites

• DJ set & live sneaker style showcase

• Photo booth and social-style moments

• Access to all event programming in an iconic creative space

Whether you're laced up in classics or sipping rosé in something bold, this is the place to flex your flavor and your fit.

Summer Whites: Taste of Northern Italy

📅 June 29 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
Discover the captivating white wines from Italy's northern frontier! This specialized tasting class, led by Dani Zarr, explores the pristine expressions born where Alpine peaks meet lush valleys and crystalline lakes.

Sample six exceptional whites that reveal Northern Italy's remarkable diversity - from the chiseled precision of Alto Adige's Kerner and Gewürztraminer to Friuli's structured Ribolla Gialla and Veneto's classic Soave. Experience the vibrant tension between cool-climate freshness and Mediterranean ripeness that defines these extraordinary wines.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Trentino, Lombardy, and beyond as we explore the elegant, mineral-driven whites that have made Northern Italy a paradise for white wine enthusiasts. Limited seats available!

Rebel School Of Wine

MWA wine Book Club: June Meeting

📚 Book: Rebel School of Wine by Tyler Balliet
📅 Date: June 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Step into the unconventional world of wine with Rebel School of Wine—a sharp, witty, and eye-opening journey through the industry’s rule-breakers and taste-makers. Tyler Balliet challenges everything you think you know about wine, and we’re here for it. Join us as we unpack what it means to break the mold and sip with purpose. Perfect for those who believe wine should be bold, inclusive, and a little rebellious.

Tyler Balliet will be joining us digitally to answer questions and share stories from the creation of this masterfully fun work!!! Join us in celebrating this author and rebellious education!

Celebrate National Drink Rosé Day in full bloom with Sip & Bloom, a rosé-filled evening set in the lush garden of 414loral! This floral-forward tasting experience features a curated lineup of rosé wines from around the world—crisp, dry, sparkling, and everything in between. 🌍🍷🌺

You’ll learn what makes rosé so versatile and vibrant, from grape varieties to winemaking methods. Plus, guests will create their own fresh floral bouquet with guidance from a local florist—because nothing pairs with pink wine like pretty petals.

🌹 Wine. Flowers. Community.
Join us as we sip, learn, and bloom together.

🎟️ Tickets include:

• A guided tasting of premium rosé wines

• A DIY floral bouquet station

• Light bites + vibes for days

Let’s raise a glass to rosé and radiant nights. 💕 #SipAndBloom #NationalDrinkRoséDay #MKEWineAcademy

The Versatility of Chenin Blanc

📅 May 25 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s most versatile white grapes—and we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. In this class, we’ll explore six unique expressions from France, South Africa, and the U.S. Whether you’re a curious sipper or longtime fan, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the grape’s range, flavor, and global reach. Come taste why Chenin is a quiet powerhouse and a must-know for any wine lover.

A Derby Experience: Black Whiskey producers

📅 May 4 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
For the first time, we are teaching a whiskey class. To head this up, we’ve brought in Marcia McColl, a Bourbon expert from DC to teach this class on Black Whiskey producers. Students will try 4 different whiskies and learn how to make a signature cocktail to celebrate the Kentucky Derby and springtime vibes.

Wines of South Africa

📅 April 27 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
April 27 is Freedom Day, which commemorates South Africa's first democratic elections post-apartheid in 1994 resulting in the election of Nelson Mandela as President. In honor of that amazing legacy and the incredible wine history of South Africa, Milwaukee Wine Academy has a line up of six South African wines. We will taste an assortment of sparkling, white and red wines to explore South Africa's iconic wine styles.

MKE WINE Weekend: 414 Day Wine Dinner

📅 April 14 | 6:00 PM | The Diplomat
Night FIVE to close out Milwaukee Wine Weekend it’s a celebration of the city, global wine, and culinary excellence.

Join us for the 414 Day Wine Dinner at The Diplomat.
🍽️ A five-course menu by James Beard Award-winning Chef Dane Baldwin
🍷 Wine pairings from Kumusha Wines an award winning project of South African winemaker Tinashe Nyamudoka
✨ A one-night-only experience honoring the richness of Milwaukee’s food and wine culture

Celebrate 414 Day the elevated way.

Tickets: $105 (plus taxes and gratuity).