Wine is simply the fermented juice of fresh grapes, yet the variations may be infinite. On the other hand, wine tasting is simple, pleasurable, fun, and can be stimulating to the mind as well as the senses. Wine flavors change according to the variety of grapes, location of the vineyard, seasonal weather conditions, grape growing methods, winemaking techniques and equipment, the age of the wine, how it has been stored, the serving temperature, and even by the environmental conditions and context of where the wine is consumed.

Grape growing in Mexico started at the beginning of the 16th century.  Immediately after the conquest of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City), the establishment of vineyards began either from native vines or from vines brought from Europe.  Since then, viticulture has grown especially in the north of Mexico. While viticulture in Mexico started approximately 450 years ago, it is only recently that a new wine-loving culture and a new passion for wine have developed. Now, Mexico produces approximately 140 million liters of wine per year, and 90% of this wine is produced in Baja California.  Due to new plantings in the last decade, wine-grape growing has become one of the most important agricultural products of Baja California.

Some of the best wines in Mexico are produced in Baja California.  These wines have received numerous awards in international competitions, however, we seldom have the opportunity to taste wines from the several wine regions of Mexico and compare them to wines from the rest of the world.  Furthermore, wines from all over the world are now more accessible than ever, thus we now have the opportunity to sample wines made from uncommon grapes and/or produced following regional cultural practices.  Consequently, the objective of this course is to discuss historical, viticultural and winemaking aspects from Mexico and other wine making regions of the world.  In this course, we will taste 50 different wines from Mexico, USA, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

This course is aimed for persons without any previous experience in wine tasting as well as those with ample knowledge of wine varieties and wine regions of the world. Wine tastings have been designed to obtain a better knowledge about grape varietal characteristics and from the classic wine regions of the world. The course will impart the knowledge necessary to understand wine while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, ultimately ensuring an enjoyable occasion. 

This wine tasting course is coordinated by Alejandro Cabello-Pasini.  Dr. Cabello-Pasini received his doctorate degree in Coastal Oceanography from the University of New York at Stony Brook and recently finished a degree in winemaking from the University of California at Davis.