Wine Education
At PDX Wine Cru, we offer diverse wine education classes tailored to every wine lover. Our team of knowledgeable educators are passionate experts in various aspects of the wine industry. From viticulture to food pairing, our classes cover a wide range of topics. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or budding sommelier, we have the perfect class for you. Our interactive discussions, activities, and tastings guarantee an engaging learning experience. Join us and explore the captivating world of wine with our passionate educators.
Scroll down to read our instructor bios and book a class with us, or click the button below to view our wine class offerings.
Our Instructors
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Erin Palmer opened The Wine Cellar in Portland in 2003. Over the past 20 years she has been teaching classes for groups of friends and business events. Erin has also been teaching community education classes through Portland Community College for the better part of two decades. Her PCC classes famously book all 400 available registrations within minutes of registration opening. She has taught more than 2,000 classes. Join Erin for an approachable, fun, interactive, and interesting class session. She teaches dozens of class topics or may be able to design one just for your group’s needs.
Book a class with Erin, starting at $200 per hour.
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Andy McVay is our fermentation scientist who has also worked professionally as a winemaker for both small and large wineries; including knocking out over 500,000 cases in a single vintage. As a winemaker Andy often taught informally to coworkers and winery guests. In 2021 he left winemaking to join Erin as he pursued his desire to teach wine professionally. He has received is WSET diploma (the highest level of wine education available through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust). He also began teaching PCC classes and private events and classes with Erin in 2021. Andy has taught more than 100 classes with wonderful reviews from guests. He’s witty, smart, and not afraid to get into the scientific weeds- if that’s what the guests are looking for.
Book a class with Andy, starting at $150 per hour.
Read an article Andy wrote.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2024.2419333 -
Elaina Spring is the owner/winemaker for Woven Wineworks, and co-owner of Covey Ridge Vineyards. Elaina brings her Canadian charm, knowledge of winemaking, and attention to detail to every event she hosts. Elaina is a wonderful choice when you’re looking for a less formal wine tasting experience that allows guests to taste and mingle at their own pace. She makes every guest feel like they are the most important person in the room; because when Elaina is speaking with someone she really believes they are. Elaina has more than a decade in the Oregon wine industry.
Book a class with Elaina, starting at $110 per hour.
