Wine Isn’t Something You Memorize. It’s Something You Learn to Navigate.
Learn the simple framework that helps you understand what you’re tasting, compare unfamiliar wines to familiar ones, and explore with more confidence.Tuesday, September 8th
Not sure which path is right? Start with Framework Foundation. Your full $47 tuition can be applied to The Curious Palate if you continue.
You Were Given the Pieces. Not the Picture.
You’ve probably learned bits and pieces about wine over the years. Regions. Grapes. Labels. Pairings. Vintages. Ratings.
But more information doesn’t always make wine feel easier. Sometimes it makes it feel even more complicated.
What most wine lovers are missing isn’t knowledge. It’s a framework—a way to understand what they already taste and compare something unfamiliar to something they already know.
Think of Wine Like a Box of Crayons.
Eight crayons aren’t every color in the world. But once you understand the basic colors, thousands of variations begin to make sense. That’s the idea behind the Flavor Navigation Framework.
Pinot Grigio
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Plus two important styles: Rosé + Sparkling
These aren’t the only wines worth knowing. They’re reference points.
Start With the Map.
Framework Foundation — $47
A 45-minute live introduction to the Flavor Navigation Framework.
You’ll leave understanding why wine literacy is not about memorizing labels, how familiar wines can become anchors, how to compare wines by structure, why flavor is relative, and how to use your Pocket Guide as a navigation tool.
Tasting along is optional. Bring Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, either one, or both.
If you continue into The Curious Palate, your full $47 Framework Foundation tuition is applied to the $197 series price.
Monthly Table attendees may apply their $19 registration toward Framework Foundation. If you haven’t attended a Monthly Table yet, your Framework Foundation registration includes one complimentary seat at the September, October or November Monthly Table.
- Acidity
- Body
- Tannin
- Sweetness
- Alcohol
- Oak
- Structural fingerprints
- Relative positioning
Learn to Use the Map.
The Curious Palate — Founding Series — $197
A six-class guided experience built around the Flavor Navigation Framework
Includes:
- Framework Foundation live or recording
- Five live guided tasting classes
- One spouse, partner or friend in the same room at no additional charge
- Wine shopping lists
- Tasting/navigation materials
- Pocket Guide/reference materials
- Replays for the stated access period
Class 1: Navigate the Landscape: Flavor Is Relative
Why wine isn’t experienced in isolation; why food changes wine; why wine changes food; why context matters.
Tasting: Pinot Grigio + Chardonnay
Class 2: Discover Your Own Compass
Recognize acidity, body, tannin, oak, sweetness and alcohol within the Navigation System.
Tasting: Sauvignon Blanc + Riesling
Class 3: Pairing Without Panic
Build enough confidence to say, “I think this pairing will work…” before tasting it.
Tasting: Pinot Noir + Syrah
Class 4: Navigate the Wine List
Orient yourself quickly in restaurants, wine shops, on vacation, while gift buying, and around unfamiliar grapes or regions.
Tasting: Merlot + Cabernet Sauvignon
Class 5: Build Your Own Journey
Create a long-term exploration path through travel, recipes, cellaring, regions, hosting, Monthly Table, membership, conversation and helping others.
Tasting: Rosé + Sparkling
This Is for You If…
- You enjoy wine but feel like you’re supposed to know more.
- You default to the same few wines because unfamiliar bottles feel risky.
- Wine lists make you second-guess yourself.
- You’ve learned wine facts but still don’t feel confident.
- You want to understand your own palate instead of being told what to like.
- You want wine to feel interesting, not intimidating.
You Are Not Trying to Know Every Wine.
You are learning how to approach any wine.
Before: “Do I know this wine?”
After: “Where does this fit?”
Before: “What am I supposed to like?”
After: “What characteristics do I enjoy?”
Before: “Tell me what to buy.”
After: “Help me compare these two.”
Framework Foundation
$47
Best if you want to learn the system first before deciding whether to continue.
The Curious Palate — Founding Series
$197
Best if you already know you want the complete six-class experience. Framework Foundation is included live or by recording.
Already enrolled in Framework Foundation? Your full $47 tuition applies toward The Curious Palate.
Do I need wine experience?
No. The Framework is designed to give you a structure before adding more information.
Do I need to buy all the wines?
For Framework Foundation, no. Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are optional. For The Curious Palate, you’ll receive a shopping list in advance for each class.
Can someone taste with me?
Yes. The Curious Palate includes one spouse, partner or friend in the same room at no additional charge. This can be a great way to share the cost of the wine and a great way to share the experience.
What if I miss Framework Foundation?
The Curious Palate includes the Framework Foundation recording.
What if I miss Framework Foundation?
The Curious Palate includes the Framework Foundation recording.
What if I start with Framework Foundation and want to continue?
Your full $47 tuition is applied toward the $197 Curious Palate Founding Series.
What if I attended the August Monthly Table?
Your $19 Monthly Table registration may be applied toward Framework Foundation.
Curiosity Replaces Uncertainty.
You don’t need to know every wine. You need a way to understand what you’re tasting, compare what’s unfamiliar to what you already know, and decide where you want to explore next.