Why taking an online wine course during the coronavirus crisis is a very good idea
On Sunday evening, sommelier Elise Moeskops had chilled the wine and lit the candles at restaurant Lastage* when the news came that the hospitality industry had to close immediately. She blew out the candles and a day later she had a brilliant plan: teaching wine online.
“The first thing I thought was, how am I going to keep myself entertained! No contact with guests, no chatting about wine. And I couldn’t go to a restaurant or wine bar myself either. I realised that the idea of boredom applies to more people. And since I often teach wine classes, I decided to do it online this time.”
The first online wine class last Wednesday was almost full straight away. “I posted a message on my social media and word spread quickly. The technology took a bit of figuring out, but once I got the hang of it, we could get started. One of my specialties is port, so that seemed like a lovely first lesson to me.”
Two wine regions every two weeks
The preliminary plan is to teach wine classes twice a week, at least for as long as the hospitality industry remains closed. The schedule for now is as follows:
Wednesday 25 March, 7:30 p.m.: Loire. Known for the grapes sauvignon blanc (Sancerre!) and chenin blanc. But did you know they also make delicious red wine here? Elise will tell you all about it.
Friday 27 March, 7:30 p.m.: Portugal. More than port! This country is rapidly gaining popularity for its unique grape varieties. Look, taste and learn!
Wednesday 1 April, 7:30 p.m.: Riesling. Famous in Germany, Austria and Italy… why is this grape so beloved by all top sommeliers? Take this class and you’ll understand why!
Friday 3 April, 7:30 p.m.: Northern Italy. What can you expect? Alpine wine from Alto Adige, including the hugely popular Pinot Grigio, as well as the romantic wines from Veneto, such as Soave and Amarone. Elise: “hopefully, by then we can celebrate in this class that things are getting a little better there.”
How does it work?
Sign up with Elise via Instagram (@elisemoeskops) or email wijn@restaurantlastage.nl. Let her know which class you would like to attend and whether you would like to pick up the tasting wines at Lastage on the day of the course. Elise will then prepare pours in small cups that you can take with you (without contact).
Who is it for?
The classes last approximately one to one and a half hours and are taught at wine-lover level. “I assume you understand the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy, but I try to keep it as broad as possible. The great thing about themed classes is that both beginners and more advanced wine lovers can learn something from them.”
And since all the friendly winemakers in Europe are also unable to work right now, or at least much less than usual, they will appear live in the class. Unique! All you need to do is set out a set of wine glasses and, if desired, pick up the tasting wines. If you are unable to pick up the wines in Amsterdam, you can also use your own wine. Contact Elise beforehand so she can tell you which wines are suitable for each class.
How much does it cost?
The class without wine costs €25, and with wine €45. Elise will send you a payment request and the link to the wine class. The classes are given via Zoom, so presentations can be shared. It is a good idea to click the link beforehand to adjust your Zoom settings. Happy tasting!
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