Renaissance Academy Winter/Spring 2013 Lectures & Life Enrichment Program

China – A Cultural Mosaic

$49 / $58

AT4561 – Atrium (Ft. Myers) – March 14, 21, 28 at 10am – 11:30am, Thursday – 4.5 hours This course emphasizes major elements shaping China’s history and culture. It addresses the relationship between 20th and 21st century events and major developments of the past. What has propelled China to its current status as a major world power? Student participation and discussion keeps the sessions lively. Instructor: Mrs. Margaret McGreevey

WINE EDUCATION SERIES Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Wine - All New Program!

$125 / $155

SP4562 – The Wine Merchant (Naples) – February 13, 27 March 13 at 4pm – 6pm, Wednesdays – 6 hours Enrollment is limited to 22 participants per session. Participants may register for the series (SP4562) or for any individual session below. A three-session course in wine education focusing on the wines of Argentina and Chile, Australia and New Zealand, and Oregon and Washington – designed for beginners and for those who already have basic knowledge but wish to advance their wine skills. As we journey through each of these countries, students will learn about wine in history, the principal grape varieties, how wine is made, the principal wine-producing areas of these countries, the importance of terroir, how to taste wine, the components of wine, how to order wine in a restaurant, how to serve wine, the importance of wine glasses, how and where to store wine, how to read a wine label, vintage charts, purchasing wine, wine and food pairings, and much more. Each session will involve the tasting of at least seven wines accompanied by appropriate cheeses and other light fare. Sessions will be conducted at The Wine Merchant, 13240 Tamiami Trail North (next to EVOO), in an informal, wine-friendly atmosphere intended to be enjoyable as well as educational. Instructors: Mr. Bruce Lane and Mr. John Wernette

Introduction and the Exceptional Wines of Argentina and Chile

$49 / $59

SP4563 – The Wine Merchant (Naples) – February 13 at 4pm – 6pm, Wednesday – 2 hours Although students may enroll in any of the three sessions, it is strongly recommended that all students enroll in this first session, because most of the basic introductory material described above will be covered in-depth in the first session. Then, students will learn about the exciting Southern Hemisphere wines of Argentina and Chile—some of the “hottest” wines in the world right now. Argentina, with its famous Malbec reds, is the sixth largest wine-producing country in the world; Chile, with its racy Carmenere red wine, is the world’s ninth largest wine producer. Both countries also produce terrific whites, including the elegant Torrontes from Argentina and Chile’s tangy Sauvignon Blancs. Whether from Mendoza, Argentina’s major wine-producing region, or from Chile’s famous Maipo Valley, these are palate-pleasing wines. As you taste them, you will also learn about the various wine regions, history, terroir, and different grapes of these countries. It’s a great way to start!

Australia and New Zealand – Great Wines from Down Under

$49 / $59

SP4564 – The Wine Merchant (Naples) – February 27at 4pm – 6pm, Wednesday – 2 hours Staying in the Southern Hemisphere, we will taste and become familiar with some of the newest of the New World wines, from two of the most diverse countries on Earth. Australia, the seventh largest wine producer in the world, has long been known for its huge, muscular Shiraz wines, largely produced in the Barossa Valley. It also produces great Chardonnays and Rieslings in the Margaret River region. New Zealand is a relative newcomer and has made its name with crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. Its unique Pinot Noirs, from Central Otago (the furthest south wine-producing region in the world) are a special experience. There is so much to digest (no pun intended!) regarding these large and influential wine producers. See you there, mate!

The Wines of Oregon and Washington – Look Out California!

$49 / $59

SP4565 – The Wine Merchant (Naples) – March 13 at 4pm – 6pm, Wednesday – 2 hours From the international scene, we now move to the two fastest growing wine-producing states in the U.S. Washington is the third largest wine-producing state in America and Oregon is fourth—not bad since they have only been producing noteworthy wines for about 30 years. Oregon’s Pinot Noirs, particularly from the Willamette Valley, will match any Burgundy red—they are superb. So also are their Pinot Gris wines, full-bodied whites. Washington has exploded onto the world wine market recently, with extraordinary reds—well-structured Syrahs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and wonderful red blends from the Columbia Valley. And don’t forget their fine Chardonnays and Rieslings. These are big states and they produce big wines. Come and see what we mean!