Philosophy
To demystify wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector. Whether it is an intimate sensory class, corporate team building exercise or a large-scale wine social, Learn About Wine is the one stop resource for education, service and enjoyment of wine.
History
Ian Blackburn founded Learn About Wine in 1995 and it was the first business of its kind: a wine education and event website dedicated to the education, service, and enjoyment of wine. That year he developed a curriculum for a class called “Wine Camp,” and started teaching it to consumers—Learn About Wine was born!
Significant Dates in Learn About Wine History
1995 - First Learn About Wine program offered
2001 - Generation two of the website, classes and programs
2005 - September - Founded LASUPPORTSLA for Katrina benefit
2007 - Accepted into the Master of Wine Program
2008 - Generation three website, new programs, wine clubs…
Classes & Events
Learn About Wine hosts unique classes, events and tours that remain on the cutting edge of the industry and is the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California.
Wine Camp — An Introduction to Wine
Learn the wine basics from A - Z! Smell and taste seven types of wine and build your knowledge of how it’s made, what to pair it, how to serve it, how to purchase and store it, and its history. Over 25,000 people have taken this class, offered monthly this class continues to sell out.
LAW SCHOOL — Learn About Wine Credential Education Program — Pass the BAR exam!
Learn About Wine reaches out to the trade and avid consumers that want to credential their wine studies with a JW — Junior Wine Executive. This 3-4 session education includes the following: Text Book — Learning materials — Riedel Tasting Seminar — Two Exams — Certificate of Completion — JW lapel pin* (*only for graduates) — some classes will be inclusive of meals and other amenities.
Extreme Champagne
Smaller growers, artisan champagnes, rare vintages, exotic, hip, cutting edge, find the extreme’s in quality with smaller producers that make your palate say “wow”! Typically 10 wines are tasted.
C.U.L.T. — California Ultra Luxury Table Wine
For years we have read about these wines. Priced to keep them out of reach, this classes gives us all an opportunity to taste and learn. Drink them, don’t save them…. We taste the best Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Bond, Colgin, Turley, to classics like Spottswoode, Shaffer, Silver Oak, and Heitz, to the new kids on the block like Aubert, Saxum, Linnie Calodo, Buccella, Radio Coteau and Mauritson.
Wine and Chocolates/Wine and Cheese
Whether you fancy sweet or savory, you will delve deep into the composition, history and story behind this decedent duo by sampling wines and chocolates or chesses from around the world.
PALATE BUILDER — TASTE LIKE A PRO!
Develop your sight, smell and senses! Come sharpen your palate, expand your wine vocabulary, and exercise your nose through smelling and tasting great wines of the world. Using a specialized sensory kit, Ian will assist you in honing your ability to describe what you taste and smell.
Wine Business 101 — I want to work in the wine business
This two and half hour course will help you explore your career options including importing, distributing, negotiating, marketing, and sales. Learn from resident wine industry expert, Ian Blackburn, about the past, present, and future of this dynamic industry. This class is perfect for someone who is trying to break into the industry, as well as for those who are looking to expand their insight in to the wine-drinking world.
TASTE — Friday Night Wine Tasting!
This monthly consumer wine series is held at various locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. These large scale events bring food, music, art, fashion and wine lovers together for an unforgettable evening at some of the area’s most fashionable locales including Two Rodeo, LACMA, HD Buttercup, Maple Drive/Paperfish and the Beverly Center.
VINTAGE Series (Burgundy or Bordeaux)
Exploring Wines of the past, the years gone by… gaining perspective, appreciation of time, bouquet, winemaking, wine cellaring, collecting. Wines such as Petrus, Chateau Margaux, Ausone, Chevel Blanc, we open the best. From Burgundy, small specialists Dugat-Py, Domaine Romanee Conti, Armand Rousseau, and dozens of others… learn thru tasting.
Private Corporate Events
Ian teaches private education for corporate clients such as Amgen, Pfizer, Disney, Nestle, Deloitte, Latham Watkins, Bank of New York, Washington Mutual, and Quinn Emanuel. Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States. Book your own private corporate event today!
Regional Tours
Learn About Wine takes groups through various the growing regions of Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Napa Valley, all the way to Bordeaux, France or Baja, Mexico to experience the vineyards and the winemaking process first hand.
Membership
In 2007, Learn About Wine has started Membership programs to enhance the relationship with our customers. Membership has benefits and we intend to grow with benefits package to create community. Today, approximately 18,000 subscribers and 200 paid members work to improve the wine community of Los Angeles and tomorrow the world.
