discover Wine classes in melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

• What wine courses are available for beginners?

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  Armadale Cellars offers several beginner-friendly options. The Beginners Wine Class is a single session limited to 10 participants that covers sight, smell, taste, varietal characteristics, service, cellaring, and food and wine matching. It features six of Australia's finest table wines with a strong food component. For those wanting more depth, the Introduction to Wine Four Week Course provides comprehensive training across all facets of wine appreciation. The One-Night Palate Trainer, held monthly from 6:30pm–8:45pm at $79, teaches you to identify specific wine faults that occur in 1 out of 12 bottles.

• How much do wine courses cost?

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  Pricing varies by course type. Single-session courses range from $30 (Twenty Wines for $30) to $199 (Champagne Challenge, Chardonnay Challenge, and Pinot Noir Challenge, all including supper). The One-Night Palate Trainer costs $79. Multi-week courses like the Advanced Red Wine Four Week Course are priced at $299 and feature over $2000 worth of premium red wines. Specialty experiences such as wine dinners at partner restaurants range from $199 to $259 per person and include multiple wines paired with multi-course menus.

• What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel my booking?

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  Bookings are non-refundable, but Armadale Cellars will happily reschedule your booking if given at least advance notice (specific notice period should be confirmed directly with the venue). Gift vouchers are also available for purchase, allowing giftees to redeem towards a date of their choice, providing flexibility for recipients.

• Are there courses focused on specific wine types or regions?

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  Yes. Specialized courses include Understanding Burgundy ($159 for 9 wines and charcuterie), which covers the complexities of Burgundy's classification system and terroir. Challenge-format tastings focus on individual varieties: the Shiraz Challenge, Chardonnay Challenge, Pinot Noir Challenge, and Champagne Challenge (all $159–$199 including supper) feature blind tastings of 12+ premium examples from multiple regions. Additional offerings include Introduction to Whisky and a Wines of Portugal Dinner, each exploring specific production regions and styles.

• Do wine courses include food?

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  Many courses feature a food component. The Beginners Wine Class has a strong food element. Challenge-format tastings ($159–$199) include supper with each wine. Wine dinners at venues like Scopri, Kenzan, and partner restaurants feature 5–10 course menus specifically matched to wines. The One-Night Palate Trainer and introductory courses do not explicitly mention food. Specific details about food inclusions should be confirmed when booking.

• How large are the classes, and can I attend virtually?

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  In-person classes are typically intimate. The Beginners Wine Class is limited to 10 participants. Underground cellar tastings accommodate 24 seats maximum for events like Twenty Wines for $30. Virtual options are available: the Pikes Virtual Tasting for Two is conducted via Zoom with wines shipped to participants, and the Rustenberg Wine Estate Online Tasting is a video chat experience at $99 for two including six 187mL wines. Both virtual options include curated wine packs delivered to attendees.