Wine Passport Series with Claudia Chamberlain: The Wine of France (2/23-24/2025)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the world’s most celebrated wine regions in the Wine Passport Series, an immersive and enriching experience led by the esteemed Claudia Chamberlain, a highly accomplished wine educator. Each session is designed to transport you to a renowned wine region, unraveling its unique terroirs, winemaking traditions, and iconic varietals, while discovering the perfect harmony between wine and food.

Each 2-hour class features expertly curated wine tastings guided by Claudia, paired with dishes thoughtfully crafted by Skillette's own Michelin-trained chef Rachel Bindel. These pairings highlight both classic and unexpected combinations, enhancing your understanding of how flavors interact and elevating your sensory experience. Through engaging discussions and hands-on tastings, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry of winemaking, as well as practical knowledge to identify and pair wines with confidence.

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts of all levels, whether you're refining an existing passion or just beginning your exploration. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the featured region’s wines, learn tips on identifying flavor profiles, and discover new ways to approach food pairings. Beyond the technical knowledge, you’ll leave with memorable moments shared with like-minded wine lovers, a more refined palate, and an elevated ability to bring the magic of food and wine pairings into your own home.

French Wine Regions Part 1: Northern France

Saturday, February 22, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Start your journey in the prestigious northern wine regions of France, including Champagne, Burgundy, Loire, and Alsace. Learn about Champagne’s limestone-rich soils and its role in creating sparkling wines, explore Burgundy's intricate wine classifications, and dive into the Loire’s range of expressive wines like Sancerre and Vouvray. Finally, discover Alsace’s unique winemaking traditions influenced by German heritage. Through tastings and regional maps, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of these iconic regions and their wines.

Featured wines: 

1. Champagne- Blanc de Blancs
2. Champagne- Brut Rose or Blanc de Noirs
3. White Burgundy
4. Red Burgundy
5. Vouvray
6. Chinon
7. Sancerre
8. Alsace Riesling

French Wine Regions Part 2: Southern France

Sunday, February 23, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Continue your wine exploration into Southern France, where we’ll delve into Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, Provence, and Languedoc-Roussillon. Understand the differences between Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks, discover the power of Northern Rhône Syrah, and explore Provence's renowned rosé tradition. You’ll also learn about the Mediterranean climate’s influence on these regions, all while tasting wines that embody the unique characteristics of each.

Featured Wines:

1. Bordeaux Blanc
2. Bordeaux Left Bank
3. Bordeaux Right Bank
4. Northern Rhone Syrah
5. Chateauneuf du Pape
6. Provençal Rose
7. Bandol
8. Languedoc blend

About Claudia Chamberlain

Claudia Chamberlain brings an impressive array of credentials and experience to Skillette. Based in Washington, D.C., she is the Mid-Atlantic Region Manager for Jackson Family Wines and a WSET educator at the prestigious Capital Wine School. Claudia holds the WSET Diploma in Wines and WSET Level 3 in Spirits, as well as certifications as a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) from the Society of Wine Educators. She is also an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a WSET-certified instructor for both wine and spirits, and a Master Sommelier candidate. Currently pursuing Stage 2 of the Master of Wine program, Claudia is one of the foremost wine educators in the industry.