Whether you are a novice, an oenophile or hospitality professional, Crystal Palate will help take your wine knowledge to the next level through weekly wine tastings, virtual wine workshops, immersive wine classes, WSET courses and a meet the winemaker series. Reservations are required for all of our classes & events with the exception of our weekly tastings. Our educational tastings are $10 per person. Buy any two bottles in the shoppe and receive a complimentary tasting. Questions? Call us at 757-264-5373. 

Due to COVID, we are only offering virtual events at this time. Our weekly virtual wine workshops are offered on Wednesdays at 6pm on Zoom. Once you purchase your wines, you will receive log-in details for the event. 

Upcoming Virtual Events

Wednesday September 23
Meet the Winemaker: Peter Franus
Peter Franus Wine Company, Napa Valley, California

Wine Selections
Peter Franus Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, 2017 $26
Lemongrass, Melon, Peach, Mango & Passionfruit
Perfect Pairings: Goat Cheese, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus,
Crab Cakes & Grilled Fish w/Tropical Salsa

Peter Franus Zinfandel, Brandlin Vineyard, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, 2015 $44
25th Anniversary Vintage
Brambleberry, Strawberry, Rose Petals, Vanilla, Cardamom & White Pepper
Perfect Pairings: Aged Cheeses, Bacon Blue Cheeseburgers, BBQ Ribs & Pepper Crusted Ribeye

Peter Franus Mt .Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016 $80
Cassis, Cherry, Blueberry, Sweet Spice, Lavender & Thyme
Perfect Pairings: Point Reyes Blue Cheese w/Truffle Honey & Beef Tenderloin w/Sauteed Mushrooms

Peter Franus Tasting Packages
*Duo: Sauvignon Blanc & Zinfandel $65
Trio: Sauvingon Blanc, Zinfandel & Cabernet Sauvignon $135
*Add a 2oz Sample Bottle of the Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
to your Duo package for $10.

Wednesday October 7
Meet the Winemaker: Michael Shaps
A Taste of the Old & New World with Michael Shaps
We’ll be tasting delicious selections from Michael’s
Burgundy & Virginia collections. Wine selections, tasting notes & pricing
coming soon. 

Wednesday October 14
Château Maris, Minervois, France​​​​​​​

Private Events

While in-person events & classes are currently suspended due to COVID, we are offering virtual wine workshops as a way to help you entertain colleagues, family & friends. Crystal will lead you in an interactive 90 minutes tasting & discussion. As part of the virtual tasting experience, we will include tasting sheets and pairing ideas. Email or call to RESERVE your schedule your own private workshop!

WSET Courses

Crystal Palate is a satellite provider for the Capital Wine School. All WSET Courses are conducted and administered by the Capital Wine School. Please note, we have suspended in-person classes due to COVID. We will update this page with future class dates as soon as we are able to do so in safe manner. If you would like to pursue virtual classes with the WSET, please visit the Capital Wine School for a full list of upcoming courses.

WSET Level 1 (One Day Class + Exam)

This class covers the main types of wine, the most common grape varieties, wine service, storing and serving wine, tasting technique, how to describe the smell and taste of wine, and the basics of pairing food and wine. During the class, students taste eight different wines. At the end of the day, students take a 45-minute, multiple choice exam. Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

WSET Level 1 Class Schedule
9:00 a.m. Class Begins
12:30 p.m. Class Breaks for Lunch
1:30 p.m. Class Resumes
2:30 p.m. Exam Begins
3:30 p.m. Exam Ends

WSET Level 2

The aim of the course is to focus on the key grape varieties and regions of the world, as well as principal varieties of spirits. While the course provides an overview of the wines and spirits of the world, including main wine grapes and regions, it also covers factors affecting wine quality and style, grape growing, and basic winemaking practices.

The course emphasizes tasting assessment and the skills required to describe the aromas and tastes of wine. It helps to develop fundamental tasting and assessment skills.

During each session of the class, students taste 8-9 wines. The exam takes 1 hour and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits, an internationally recognized credential in the wine industry.

WSET Level 2 Class Schedule

The course fee includes the 5 classes at Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet; PDF copies of the class lectures; the WSET course book, study guide, and guide to the systematic approach to tasting wine; practice quizzes; 40 different wines; and the exam at Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet.