Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/489430
COHASSET STORE 781- 383-9800 790 Chief Just. Cush. Hwy, Rte 3A, Cohasset WEYMOUTH STORE 781-331-2345 486 Columbian Street Weymouth Hours: Mon - Thurs: 9am to 9pm Fri and Sat: 9am to 10pm Sun: 11am to 6pm SHOP US ONLINE @ CURTISLIQUORS.COM starting with the ancient civilizations and ending with the 21st century and the predicted trends in the industry going forward. February's three-week class schedule will cover the geography of the major wine- producing regions of the Southern Hemisphere: South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. And those looking for a one- time course in a particular topic will enjoy the two-hour single sessions planned for several different nights throughout the year. The topics for these classes are everything from the basics of "what is wine?", to the common varieties of grape, to the differences in the wine-producing regions of the world, to practical food pairings and how to order an appropriate glass of wine with your meal in a restaurant. Curtis says of the spirit of the class, "Wine is alive. People will learn what's in a living, breathing wine." He encourages everyone who has any interest in wine at all to come, from the novice to the connoisseur, because learning makes people passionate about wine. The unique, casual, conversational style of the classes and the years of firsthand knowledge of the instructors make every lesson more of an interactive experience than a typical classroom-style lecture. Godas, who has been in the wine business since 1979, typically spends four weeks per year traveling to vineyards around the world. He explores the region, meets the people, observes the vineyard in operation, and then brings his experiences back to the classroom to enrich the lessons. He shares memorable anecdotes, photographs, videos, and observations, which bring color and a personal touch to the instruction. With their extensive network of wine makers and suppliers, Curtis and Godas hope to offer one-night tasting seminars with vineyard owners who can speak to their particular wine and answer specific questions throughout the session. The classroom will also be opened to craft beer courses and spirits tastings from local distilleries throughout the year, with the same goal of educating and socializing people who love beer and spirits. The prices for classes vary depending on the length of the class. A four- week course is $120, a three-week course is $90 per person. For the two-hour seminars held sporadically throughout the year, or if a guest would like to take only individual classes from the three or four-week courses, the price per class is $40 per person. Curtis and Godas encourage anyone who is curious to stop by the store to talk, drop in on any of the weekly wine tastings in the store on Saturdays, visit the website and the tasting blog, and look at pictures and updates on the store's Facebook page. Godas even hopes to integrate Skype conversations with vineyard owners into courses this year in addition to his own videos and photography. So far, Godas says all of the feedback from participants has been very positive and they are all excited to expand the audience and share their love of wine to and their expertise with a wider group of people throughout the south shore. 39