Beyond the Basics of Wine Tasting

Led by Owner & Winemaker Dr. Audrey Cross

Wine descriptions can feel elusive. Phrases like “an afternoon at the beach” or “hints of cherry” often leave more questions than answers. The Sommelier Experience is a refined, immersive class designed to bring clarity, confidence, and intention to the way you taste wine.

This elevated two-hour experience is led by Villa Milagro owner and winemaker Dr. Audrey Cross, whose lifelong work sits at the intersection of food, science, and sensory perception. A renowned nutritionist, author, and former food and nutrition policy advisor to the California State Senate, U.S. Senate, and the Carter Administration, Dr. Cross brings a uniquely informed perspective to how we experience flavor.

Drawing on her academic background, including a PhD in nutrition and public policy from UC Berkeley and her roots as a farmer’s daughter in California’s Central Valley, Dr. Cross guides participants through the professional techniques used to evaluate wine, helping you understand not just what you taste, but why you taste it.

Rather than focusing on what you should taste, this class trains you to recognize, articulate, and trust what you experience in the glass.

What You’ll Experience

• The Science of Taste Learn how taste and aroma work together, the fundamental flavor profiles, and the factors that influence perception.
• Wine Structure, Demystified Identify key components including sugar, acidity, alcohol, tannin, and body — and understand how they shape balance and style.
• Guided Sensory Training Taste calibrated samples to isolate individual elements and explore how they combine to create complexity.
• A Professional Tasting Vocabulary Practice identifying classic wine aromas and flavors with clarity and confidence.
• Applied Tasting with Estate Wines Evaluate select wines using a structured tasting and grading sheet inspired by professional wine judging.

Included with Your Experience

Instructional materials, guided tasting samples, a commemorative glass, a 10% wine discount, and optional at-home palate exercises to continue developing your sensory skills.

Rooted in a philosophy where farming, food, and the good life come together, The Sommelier Experience offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the winemaker, and to transform the way you approach wine with knowledge, confidence, and intention.

*Advanced Registration Required*