Training the Nose

For more information, try these resources:

* “Hugh Johnson’s How to Enjoy Your Wine” (Fireside, 1998)

* “The World Atlas of Wine” by Hugh Johnson (Simon & Schuster, 1999).

* “Jancis Robinson’s Wine Course” (Abbeville Press Inc., 1996).

* “Making Sense of Wine” by Matt Kramer (William Morrow, 1989; available on audiocassette).

* “Oz Clarke’s Pocket Wine Guide 2000” (Harcourt Brace & Co., available in November).

* “The Essential Wine Book: An Indispensable Guide to the World of Wines” (Fireside, 1997).

Some World Wide Web sites:

* https://www.winespectator.com/. An online version of the Wine Spectator.

* https://www.wine-lovers-page.com/. Topics run from which wine to serve with baloney sandwiches to discussion groups.

* https://winetoday.com/. Lots of information about California wines and wineries, with plenty of links.

Where to take classes:

Check with your local wine shop, cooking store, community college and university. Here are some places that offer classes:

* Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Napa Valley; (800) 333-9242.

* Learning Tree University: Irvine, (949) 442-0690; Chatsworth, (818) 882-5599; and Thousand Oaks, (805) 497-2292.

* Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Center, 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa; (714) 979-4510.

* The Wine House, 2311 Cotner Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 479-3731.

* Woodland Hills Wine Co., 22622 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; (818) 222-1111.

* UC Irvine Extension, (949) 824-5414, or on the Internet, https://www.unex.uci.edu/.

* UC Davis offers extension courses in conjunction with its viticulture and enology program. Some are geared to home winemakers and professionals. Call (800) 752-0881 or on the Internet, https://www.universityextension.ucdavis.edu/.

* UCLA Extension, (310) 825-9971 or on the Internet, https://www.unex.ucla.edu/index.htm.

Other ideas:

* Go to tastings. Familiarize yourself with wines you don’t know. Talk to other tasters; it’s always good to share thoughts and ideas.

* Have a wine-tasting party.

* Visit wineries. Learn about where the wine is from and you’ll understand it so much more.

* Talk with wine-shop salespeople. Ask lots of questions. At better wine stores, you’re likely to find an educated staff.