Sippers:
We are thrilled to introduce to you our newest teacher for 2020 - Wine, Spirits & Sake Educator Belinda Alvarez!
Belinda is a true expert in the field with a long history in the industry. Her expertise in American wine and spirits will bring a new and exciting offering of classes to our school! Belinda's approachable and outgoing personality coupled with her fun and informative teaching style make her a perfect instructor to join the Palate Partners & Dreadnought Wines family!
MORE ABOUT BELINDA
The spark of interest in the wine industry started for Belinda during her time in Northern California. There she took advantage of having access to many of California's premier wine growing regions as she continued to develop her palate and understanding of the complex world of wine.
After relocating to Pittsburgh in 1994 that spark blossomed into a passionate career as Belinda took on the responsibilities of wine buyer for a Club Corp of America's Arnold Palmer designed Golf Course and Country Club. She then transitioned into Wine & Spirits Sales with three different distribution companies in Western PA over the last 19 years. Belinda's enthusiasm spurred her on to becoming an instructor for the Adult Continuing Education Department of the Community College of Beaver County establishing wine series curriculum that has been offered since 2009.
Belinda has obtained several industry certifications including WSET Level II in Wine & Spirits, Pernod-Ricard BarSmarts, Whisky Ambassador, Stave & Thief Society Executive Bourbon Steward, and a coveted ToKalon Certification from Robert Mondavi Winery. On the horizon certifications for WSET Sake are being sought after.
UPCOMING CLASSES WITH BELINDA
Roots in the USA: Grapes from Italy Tuesday, January 14th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Explore various grape varieties that were brought from the old world and cultivated here in the United States. This class will focus on grapes from Italy including Sanigovese, Pinot Grigio, and more!
$45.00 Get Tickets Now
Whiskey Rebellion: Greater Pittsburgh Region Friday, March 13th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
In the often overlooked mid-Atlantic region, whiskey makers laid the groundwork for American whiskey and sparked a national rebellion! In this session we'll start close to home exploring the Greater Pittsburgh Region!
$50.00 Get Tickets Now
Roots in the USA: Grapes from France Tuesday, March 10th 6:00pm - 8:00pm In the second session in the Roots series, join Belinda as she explores varieties brought to the US from France Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and many others palate pleasers! $45.00 Get Tickets Now
Wines of California: Petaluma Gap Thursday, March19th 6:00pm - 8:00pm In 2018 the Petaluma Gap became the newest approved area in California encompassing 4,000 acres. Enjoy wines from two exceptional winemaking regions Sonoma & Marin. $45.00
The Cab Class: Cabernet Sauvignon Wednesday, April 8th 6:00pm - 8:00pm Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wines in the world learn more about it's history as we sample several Cabs from some of it's most renowned growing regions. $45.00 Get Tickets Now
Whiskey Rebellion Trail: Central Pennsylvania Tuesday, April 28th 6:00pm - 8:00pm In this fun and interactive spirits session we will be exploring the Central Pennsylvania region of the newly celebrated mid-Atlantic Whiskey Rebellion Trail. $50.00 Get Tickets Now