The Wine School at Time
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The Center City Wine School Opens Its Doors
Philadelphia, PA. The Center City Wine School is open for business. Located at 1315 Sansom Street, the school is the newest venture by Keith Wallace, owner of The Wine School of Philadelphia and the Main Line Wine School, and Jason and Delphine Evenchik, owners of Time and Vintage Restaurants.
In the Summer of 2009, Founder Keith Wallace approached the Evenchiks and made a suggestion. Why not offer wine education in one of the city’s go-to places for great food and wine?
The opportunity to partner with the school was an exciting proposition for Jason and Delphine: “We are thrilled to be hosting the wine school at Time Restaurant. We’ve known both Keith and Brian Freedman for some years and have always been fans of the school but didn’t have the space to hold classes at Vintage. This is going to be a seamless partnership and we cannot wait for the first class to start!â€
Time Restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere for learning about wine from some of Philly’s most beloved instructors – wine lovers committed to a no-frills, and oft-irreverant approach to teaching others about wine and the inherent joys that can be found in any given glass.
Perfectly situated at the heart of Center City, this newest classroom is sure to become a well-sought out venue for folks wanting to experience some of the Wine School’s popular classes, classes which include but are not limited to Wine 101, Food and Wine Pairing, Sommelier Smackdown, and Top Wine Regions.
With a variety of students and configurations – young, old, couples, friends, those on their own – and three locations at the ready to conduct its classes, the Wine School is now the forerunner in Philadelphia’s growing wine education scene. Visit www.vinology.com to sign up for a class today.
For further information, please contact Beth Case at 800-817-7351, ext. 33
or email beth@vinology.com
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Keith Wallace & Brian Freedman Asked to Write Food & Wine Book
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The Wine School of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA. Keith Wallace and Brian Freedman are writing a food and wine book for a national publishing house! Philadelphians know Keith and Brian from The Wine School of Philadelphia, as well as a number of wine and food publications. The book is to be based on the school’s popular Corked & Forked series of cooking and wine classes.
Keith debuted the Corked & Forked cooking classes earlier this year. “I had been a chef in my early twenties, so I figured I could relive a bit of my wayward youth,†he says. “I didn’t expect they would be such a success, and I sure as hell didn’t expect that a publishing house would want me to turn these classes into a nationally-distributed book. That was a real surprise.â€
Keith brought Brian into the mix immediately. “I still have to run The Wine School and I have another potential book in the works. Well, that, and Brian and I have fun cooking together and drinking.†The classes are going to continue, but now with added spice: Keith and Brian will be trying out their cookbook ideas on the unsuspecting folk of Philadelphia. Those attending classes will get a taste – literally – of what’s to come, and be able to add their two cents into the mix.
Organized by season and occasion – from a summer picnic to autumn brunch – every important moment of any given year will be captured in the upcoming cookbook. Deceptively simple but impressive recipes will be paired with great beers, wines, cocktails, and cordials. But don’t take “every important moment†too too literally. Keith and Brian will also be including the ever-important meals like “Making Up With the Girlfriendâ€, “On the Death of a Beloved Goldfishâ€, “Sorry I Used Your Razor and Left it Rusting in the Soapdishâ€, and “Just ‘Causeâ€, to name a few.
The recipes promise to be healthy, creative, and delectable; and all of them will be designed with real people in mind. An added plus is that each of the 100 recipes to be featured will include tricks of the trade and explanations so that even the most novice of cooks can feel like a superstar chef. And with Keith’s and Brian’s vast food and drink knowledge, the suggested beverage pairings are sure to heighten all the dishes in their arsenal, elevating the simplest of dinners into a special occasion.
Which major publishing house has the rare honor of publishing this tome? Wallace isn’t saying just yet, though he does offer an obvious hint to whom it may be: “I will say that I love them: they are my heroes. This is my first book, and it’s going to be as tough as slaying Medusa to get it done on time.â€
Corked & Forked food and wine pairing classes have been scheduled through July 2010. Check them out at www.vinology.com, and be sure to come along for a ride which promises to be one riotous, albeit delicious, culinary adventure.
To set up a time to speak to Keith Wallace, please contact Beth Case at 800-817-7351, ext. 33, email beth@vinology.com.
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The Wine School vs. Vince McMahon
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Vince McMahon Issues Smackdown Against Wine School
Philadelphia, PA. Vince McMahon is taking on his oddest foe to date: a sommelier wine tasting. The World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., has issued a cease and desist against The Wine School of Philadelphia and its popular “Sommelier Smackdown†series of wine classes.
In a letter to the school’s owner, the WWE’s lawyers are threatened legal action if the school does not stop hosting the series of wine tastings. “I feel kind of special,†says Keith Wallace, “I am being picked on by Vince McMahon. I better start working out.â€
The Sommelier Smackdown is a series of food and wine pairing events that take place in Philadelphia. The event pits a sommelier against a member of The Wine School team, and the audience gets to vote for the winner.
Mr. Wallace says he will not stop running the classes, at least for now. “They don’t have a leg to stand on. I am not going to bow down to a bully,†he says. “They claim that they own the term “smackdown†but they don’t.â€
In response to the WWE threat, Wallace is calling out Mr. McMahon and the wrestler Chris Jerico to a wine-tasting double-team cage match.
Keith Wallace is the Founder and Director of The Wine School of Philadelphia. He is a contributing writer for The Daily Beast, and is currently working on his first book for Running Press.
To speak to Keith Wallace, please call 215-965-1514, ext. 33.
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The Big Red Smackdown
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The Wine School of Philadelphia
The Big Red Smackdown at The Wine School
In honor of Vince McMahon and the WWE
Philadelphia, PA. Outgunned perhaps, but not outwitted, The Wine School of Philadelphia’s very own Keith Wallace laid down the gauntlet last week when he challenged Vince McMahon and Chris Jerico to a Sommelier Smackdown challenge. The whole thing started when McMahon issued a cease and desist ordering the school to stop using what [he claims] is his trademark word: “smackdownâ€.
Wallace has not yet heard from either McMahon or the WWE’s lawyers. Nonetheless, he’s organized The Big Red Smackdown to take place Saturday, November 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at The Wine School of Philadelphia.
“The LA Times, Wine Business News, the Inquirer, all ran with this story,†says Wallace. “But imagine my surprise when no less than a dozen pro wrestling online news sources picked up the story, a number of them making it the story of the day.â€
“And I always imagined these big lugs knocking back cans upon cans of light beer.â€
So, in honor of these (presumed) wine-appreciating wrestlers, and because it’ll be darn fun, Wallace organized the Big Red Smackdown. This particular match will feature reds coming from the school’s top instructors’ cellars.
That’s right, Keith Wallace, Brian Freedman, Frank Cipparone, and Collin Flatt, will be pouring and arguing the merits of their favorite reds. And the first folks to snatch up these tickets are in for one delicious and rumbling good time.
To order tickets, go to www.vinology.com
The Big Red Smackdown takes place Saturday, November 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
To speak with Keith Wallace, please call 800-817-7351, ext. 33, or email keith@vinology.com.
Thanksgiving at The Wine School
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Philadelphia, PA. Thanksgiving is upon us and with that comes entertaining friends and family, many coming from out of town. Make your holiday weekend ever more festive and memorable by attending one of the Thanksgiving Wine Classes at The Wine School of Philadelphia.
On Wednesday, November 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, “The Wines of Spain†will be conducted at Time Restaurant, our Center City classroom. Spain boasts wines from the famous region of Rioja to the lesser known regions of Priorat and Riax Biaxas. This is one of the school’s favorite classes to teach as there are some amazing Spanish wines available, and they won’t break the bank. You may just learn about a few wines that will go wonderfully with the next day’s dinner.
On Friday, November 27, from 7:30 – 9:30 PM, following that big day of eating and sleep, join us as we clarify (and taste) some of the most common but confusingly-named wines around. In “What the *#*A!†is Cabernet Franc?†we offer folks the chance to experience the major differences as well as the relationships between the following grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. A great opportunity to nail down the differences of some of the better known, albeit confusing, wines.
And definitely don’t miss out on “The Big Red Smackdown†taking place Saturday, November 28, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. This special Smackdown is being held in honor of Vince McMahon of the WWE, and those lucky enough to snatch up these tickets will be drinking the favorite red wines from the school’s founder and his team of high-spirited instructors. You don’t want to miss the chance to listen to these men argue and banter all while tasting and learning about favorite wines from their individual cellars. With Keith Wallace, Brian Freedman Frank Cipparone, and Collin Flatt.
Thanksgiving Holiday Wine Classes
Wednesday, November 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM: “The Wines of Spainâ€, Center City Classroom
Friday, November 27, from 7:30 – 9:30 PM: “What the *&^*% is Cabernet Francâ€, Bacchus Classroom
Saturday, November 28, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM: “The Big Red Smackdownâ€, Bacchus Classroom
To order tickets go to www.vinology.com.
For more information, please call Beth Case at 800-817-7351, ext. 33, or email info@vinology.com.
Keith Wallace Tapped as Daily Beast Contributor
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The Wine School of Philadelphia
Local Philadelphian Tapped as Daily Beast Contributor
July 23, 2009, Philadelphia, PA. The Daily Beast has contracted Philly’s own Keith Wallace to write about wine. The Daily Beast is a website published by Tina Brown, the former editor of The New Yorker and Vanity Fair. The site is one of the most popular news sites on the web, with a monthly readership of over 1.5 milliion people.
“The chance to write a column for The Daily Beast is an incredible honor,†says Keith. “Especially since Tina killed a short story of mine when she was the editor of The New Yorker.†Keith has written for Wine & Spirits Quarterly, Dining Out Magazine, and Philadelphia Style. He is best known as founder of The Wine School of Philadelphia and the creator of the Philly Uncorked show.
His first column for The Daily Beast is titled “The Great Cabernet Rip-Offâ€. In the piece, Keith takes to task the wineries who are over-inflating the prices of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
To speak with Keith Wallace, please call 800-817-7351, ext. 55, or email keith@vinology.com.
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The Wine School Offers Private & Corporate Events
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Wine School Offers Corporate Events
July 2009, Philadelphia. Wine tasting events don’t have to be daunting, out-of-pocket affairs. Not when the Philadelphia-based Wine School offers an array of wine events at moderate prices; and, importantly, promises to bring its assured and entertaining sensibility to wine events both large and small.
Wine events are the perfect way to learn about wine and show your appreciation to staff and clients in a convivial and smart atmosphere. The spectrum of events offered by The Wine School are exemplary not only because they feature extraordinary wine instructors at the top of their game, but also because one has an opportunity to choose from a range of casual, intimate 1-hour affairs to 2-hour luxury tasting galas.
Founder Keith Wallace has made it known that he selects only the most knowledgeable of intructors to conduct school events. But with one caveat: Make wine fun, interesting, and enjoyable. Thus, the school’s instructors have been recognized for years for their candid insights as well as their easy-going approach to wine. Clients from PricewaterhouseCoopers to Delloite to Bank of America have praised these “wonderful introductions to the world of wine which participants still talk about 6 months after the event.â€
Corporate Events, Classic Wine Tasting Events, Wine and Cheese Pairing Events, Celebrity Sommelier Talks, and Luxury Wine Galas are just a sampling of the types of affairs the school provides. Best of all, these are only the kernels from which the school’s staff works to curate events specific to a client’s needs and wants. Meaning, no matter what the size, style, and budget a client has to work with, The Wine School comes to the table prepared to deliver.
The growing interest in wine has not slowed down, and whether one wants to host a wine dinner, post-seminar gathering, or intimate office party, the school has an event that can be specifically tailored for you. So despite the recession, or in spite of it, do yourself and your hardworking employees a favor and set up an event today.
Start Your Wine Education at The Wine School
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The Wine School of Philadelphia
Coming in August
The Wine School’s Summer Accelerated Core Program
Start Your Wine Education Today!
July 13, 2009, Philadelphia, PA. Can you learn the skills of a wine master in a single week? If you live near Philly, you can. This August, The Wine School of Philadelphia is debuting its new high-intensity wine program – The Accelerated Core Program.
The program fuses the school’s top two programs into a single immersive wine learning experience. In the mornings, students attend the Foundation Wine Certificate Program. With its emphasis on plain talk and unique teachings in sensory evaluation, this course endows students with the techniques and knowledge to quickly become world-class wine tasters, often bettering sommeliers in blind-tasting tests.
In the afternoons, the focus shifts to examining the major wine regions of the world. This is the Global Intermediate Certificate Program, which takes a close look at various wine styles, wine regions, and winemaking across the globe. This concentrated section not only teaches students how to comprehend various countries’ appellations, wine laws, and terroir; it also takes a thorough approach in deciphering and reading wine labels, while encouraging interactive discussions on the future of wine in the context of wine history, people, and place.
Graduates of the Accelerated Core program will earn both the Foundation and the Global Intermediate Certificates in just one week, and for only $640. This is remarkable since it usually takes a full half year and $1,270 to accomplish this level of wine education.
For those students unable to attend the entire Accelerated Core Program, good news: You are still welcome to attend the Accelerated Foundation course from 10 am – 1 pm; and the Accelerated Global Intermediate course running from 2 – 5 pm.
The Accelerated Core Program, Monday – Friday, August 17 – 21
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Foundation Program, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Intermediate/Global Wine Program, from 2:00 PM – 5 PM
With its respectable cache of instructors and its arresting approach to wine, The Wine School stands at the forefront of what has become a steadily growing field of study. The Foundation and Intermediate Programs were designed to provide a solid bedrock for anyone wanting to attain a higher knowledge and appreciation of wine.
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Wine School Offers Summer Wine Suggestions
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Wine School Announces Summer Wine Tasting Suggestions
July 2009, Philadelphia. To desire wine is to throw oneself into a lifelong adventure that will never be fully satisfied. And The Wine School – with it’s no frills and down-to-earth manner – has been providing wine tastings throughout and for all seasons. This July, the school recommends those wines that make the perfect quaff for all your summer occasions.
Late spring and early summer sees the ushering in of Rose wines. As these wines have gained in popularity, so have other countries become interested in producing Rose wines from the grapes for which they are well known. There are Tempranillo Roses from Spain, Malbec Roses from Argentina, and Syrah Roses from Australia and California. All delicious, to be sure; but for the money, and the experience, those Roses from the Provence of France are the best value – these delightful wines burst with flavorful fresh fruit notes, tend towards a light dancing acidity, and end in a smooth luscious finish. Perfect for sipping on the back porch with friends.
For a refreshing pick-me-up, there is nothing better than bubbles. Champagnes, as delightful as they are, are quite expensive. But those Proseccos hailing from the Veneto region of Italy – specifically those from Valdobbiadene – are the perfect substitute. Proseccos from this region are vibrant and crisp and cost a fraction of what a nice Champagne cost. It is also the main ingredient in the Bellini – a perfect summer cocktail consisting of 4 oz. Prosecco and 2 oz. peach puree. Fun, fresh, and refreshing.
To assume that only lighter wines should be consumed during the summer months is a mistake: Big red Zinfandels from Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Paso Robles, California make the perfect go-to wines for grilled red meats. And the subtle and earthy Chinons from the Languedoc region in France are unmatched when paired with a perfectly cooked hamburger. Cru Beaujolais – with their minimun tannins and light alcohol content – pair wonderfully with roast chicken and grilled salmon. They also drink beautifully with a variety of cheeses.
Because so many kinds of wine are produced around the world – and fantastic and interesting ones at that – one can spend a lifetime and still never taste them all. And because summer is the season of relaxation, vacation, friends, family, and gatherings, it is also the perfect season to expand your wine knowledge. So go to your adventures, and be sure to delight your palate along the way.
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