Wine Sensory Analysis Workshop - SD 2019

Presenter - Cristin Hosmer

As a “Jane of many trades” in the Northern Michigan Wine Industry, you could find me in the cellar in the morning, Tasting Room in the afternoon and running payroll before I head home to work on my personal farm.  Many new and beginning grape growers and winemakers, like myself, wear many hats. 

Mari Vineyards opened in spring 2016.  As a consultant, I had been working on construction and design of the 30,000 sq ft Gravity Flow Facility, obtaining all relevant federal, state and local permits, and managing the day to day operations.  Today as the Operations Manager, I am responsible for day to day financials, compliance with all regulatory agencies, purchasing and materials flow, payroll, HR, safety, coordination among the Tasting Room, Cellar and Vineyard crews, off-site events and the wine club.

I have provided consulting services to many Northern Michigan producers for everything from Tasting Room Training to Start-Up and Operations. My husband Brian, winemaker at Chateau Chantal and Hawthorne Vineyards, and I own a farm on Old Mission where we grow a diverse variety of grapes and flowers.  I am the Managing Partner of a start-up winery called the 1855 Project, in its infancy. 

I received a top notch education, on the job, from Charlie Edson, PhD, at Bel Lago Vineyards and Winery, where I served as the Operations Manager and Assistant Winemaker for 7 years.  I was in charge of day to day operations of the Tasting Room, Cellar and Custom Crush clients.  I had the opportunity to work with over 100 grape varietals under Charlie’s tutelage.  I have served on many boards and committees furthering the Michigan Wine Industry. 

I earned an MS in Agricultural Economics, as the Graduate Assistant to Soji Adelaja, Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy, where I studied sustainability, viability, Entrepreneurialism and funding for the Ag Sector.  I also earned a BS in Environmental Economics and Policy at Michigan State University.

This workshop will benefit winemakers, cellar workers, winery staff, and wine enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of these topics and their impact on a winery’s success. In addition, workshop attendees will be guided through sensory test methods to access perceived differences and preferences in wine.

Topics include: Welcome and Introduction to Tasting, White Sensory Standards, Red Sensory Standards, and Evaluating Palate Attributes: Alcohol, Acid, and Tannin Wine Defects, Descriptive Wine Analysis of White Wines, Descriptive Analysis of Red Wines, Laboratory Investigating, Wine Competition Methodology and Professional Wine Rating Systems. A certificate will be awarded after the completion of this workshop.

Day One – White Wines

8:00 – 8:30: Introduction to White Wine Varieties
8:30 – 9:00: Understanding Color
9:00 – 10:00: Evaluate White Wine Aromas
10:00 – 10:15: Morning Break
10:15 – 11:15: Evaluate Fermentation/ Aging
11:15 – 12:00: Evaluate Wine Components - Acid/tannin/sugar/alcohol
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Understanding Flaws
2:30 - 2:45: Afternoon Break
2:45 – 5:00: Wine Evaluation – Descriptive Analysis

Day Two – Red Wines

8:00 – 8:30: Introduction to Red Wine Varieties
8:30 – 9:00: Understanding Color
9:00 – 10:00: Evaluate Red Wine Aromas
10:00 – 10:15: Morning Break
10:15 – 11:15: Evaluate Fermentation/ Aging
11:15 – 12:00: – Evaluate Wine Components - Acid/tannin/sugar/alcohol
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 2:15: – Understanding Flaws
2:30 - 2:45: Afternoon Break
2:45 – 5:00: Wine Evaluation – Descriptive Analysis

Cost

Day 1 White Wines - $150 per person EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($175 per person after May 3, 2019)

Day 2 Red Wines - $150 per person EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($175 per person after May 3, 2019)

Both Days - $275 per person EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($300 per person after May 3, 2019)

(No charge to VESTA students currently enrolled in VIN 266 - Sensory Evaluation of Wines)

Additional discounts: Multiple participants from one winery $25/day for each additional person signed up from same winery or vineyard.

Location

Mitchell Technical Institute
Technology Center
1800 East Spruce Street
 Mitchell, South Dakota 57301

Hotel Accommodations

VESTA has not made block reservations.  Listed below are three suggestions of hotels near the Institute.

Comfort Inn and Suites
2020 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD, 57301, US
Phone: (605) 990-2400 Fax: (605) 990-2408

Holiday Inn Express
810 E. Spruce Street , Mitchell, South Dakota 57301

Kelly Inn
1010 Cabela Drive, PO Box 879, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
Phone: (800) 635-3559

Nearest Airport

Joe Foss Regional Airport, Sioux Falls, SD
Approximately 1-1/2 hours East of Mitchell

Register NOW  - Click link to register for this workshop.  

Location: 1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301