Register for any of the classes listed below through Bellingham Technical College by going online at www.btc.ctc.edu or simply click on the link under “Wine Class Locations.” All classes will be held at the College unless otherwise noted. You can also phone (360) 752-8350 for more information.

Here’s what students who have taken Dan’s classes are saying:

“Dan is a suberb instructor! He does not waste time; he is knowledgeable and friendly. This was a great class.”

“Perfect intro wine class. The wine industry should clone this guy.”

“Dan provides a ’safe’ environment for all levels of wine enthusiasts. It’s a fun, easy-going class, perfect for a Saturday afternoon.”

“Definitely knowledgeable and passionate about his subject!”

“Dan’s classes R cool.”

BEGINNING WINE TASTING
Saturday, September 18, 2010
2:30 to 5:00 pm

Are you overwhelmed when you walk into a wine shop or past the wine section of your grocer? There’s no need to be intimidated because buying and tasting wine is a lot easier than you think. This class will provide you with information on the fundamental characteristics and styles of wine – including how to taste them – in a relaxed, yet informative atmosphere.

Other topics include the essentials of what to look for on a wine label, basic wine terminology, accessories and storage. We’ll focus on the six most popular varieties of wine, all of which will be poured and sampled during the class.

$30 course fee includes wine samples and cheeses, handy guideline materials and souvenir wine glass.

ZINFANDEL!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
3:00 to 5:00 pm

From its European beginnings to its journey to America to even the origin of its name, Zinfandel is a grape that is shrouded in mystery. One thing, however, is certain…Zinfandel grapes frequently produce bold, flavorful, crowd pleasing wines.

During this class we’ll cover all the features of this marvelous red wine including flavors and aromas, regional characteristics, styles, and food pairings. Then, of course, we’ll also sample a number of Zins, with a special emphasis on those made in California and Washington.

Included in the $35 course fee: wine samples, cheeses, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

WINE DINNER FEATURING FOOD & WINE PAIRING TIPS
Saturday, November 20, 2010
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Choosing the proper wine to serve with food can be a guessing game that often ends in futility. If you’d like to learn how to master this technique, this class will provide the perfect opportunity…while enjoying a five-course dinner prepared by BTC Chef Marc Eilberg.

Dan Radil, Bellingham Herald Wine Columnist, will supply you with food and wine pairing guidelines and also provide insight on how a wine’s flavors can be altered by certain foods and improper storage and serving methods. This class is a must for anyone interested in expanding their enjoyment of wines during a meal.

The incredibly low course fee for this dinner class is only $69 per person and is all inclusive.

Previously Offered Classes (Send Dan an email if you’d like to see them taught again):

VERSATILE, RELIABLE RIESLING

Think Riesling is a one-dimensional, sweeter white wine reserved for summertime enjoyment? Think again! This incredibly versatile grape is made in a variety of styles, including dry and off-dry, and it pairs beautifully with a surprising number of foods.

This class will explore the aromatic and flavor characteristics of the grape, where it’s grown, and why it makes such a popular wine. We’ll also sample a number of domestic and international Rieslings to compare and contrast styles, and discuss complimentary foods to serve with the wine including cheeses, appetizers and entrées.

$35 course fee includes wine samples and cheeses, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

WINE DINNER FEATURING RED MOUNTAIN’S BEST…KIONA, HIGHTOWER & TERRA BLANCA
Saturday, June 19, 2010
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Washington’s Red Mountain Appellation, located on the far eastern fringe of the Yakima Valley, is home to some of the most critically acclaimed vineyards in the State.

During this five-course dinner class, prepared by BTC Chef Marc Eilberg and moderated by Bellingham Herald Wine columnist Dan Radil, you’ll sample wines from three of the area’s best wineries – Kiona Vineyards, Hightower Cellars and Terra Blanca Winery. Dan will discuss his experiences with these, as well as the other wineries located in the region, including the types of wines they produce and where to find them.

All-inclusive course fee is $69 per person and includes dinner and reference materials.

TASTE WASHINGTON WINES
Saturday, May 15, 2010
3:00 to 5:00 pm

Did you know that Washington is home to over 650 wineries? During this class you’ll sample a number of Washington wines while learning about the appellations (growing regions) that are located within the state.

Also included will be useful information on many of the state’s wineries, including all nine located in Whatcom County. And if you’re considering a day trip or weekend centered on wine tasting, we’ll cover all the particulars such as travel strategies and touring, best places to visit and tasting room etiquette.

$30 course fee includes wine samples and cheeses, informative reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

WINES FROM WASHINGTON’S RED MOUNTAIN
Saturday, March 20, 2010
3:00 to 5:00 pm

Since its establishment as a distinct wine growing region in 2001, Washington’s Red Mountain Appellation has been recognized for producing some of the finest wines in the state.

This class will cover the unique geographic characteristics of the area, its vineyards, and the types of varietals that are grown. We’ll also take a look at each of the wineries that are based here, and, of course, sample a number of their wines.

Course fee of $35 covers wine, light appetizers, materials and souvenir wine glass.

VALENTINES EVE WINE DINNER
Saturday, February 13, 2010
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and BTC Chef Marc Eilberg team up once again for a very special wine dinner class on the eve of Valentines Day. Marc will prepare a sumptuous five-course dinner, while Dan will present a variety of outstanding domestic and international wine selections.

Included in the tasting will be wines from Bordeaux, Walla Walla, and Napa Valley, along with a sparkling wine to commence the evening and something sweet to complement the chocolate-themed dessert. Treat yourself – and perhaps a special someone – to this informative, relaxing evening of great food and wine.

Cost of the dinner (all-inclusive) is $69 per person.

PORTTEUS WINERY WINE DINNER
Saturday, December 5, 2009
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Portteus Winery planted its first vineyards in 1981, and it is one of the oldest wineries in Washington State.

Spend an evening sampling some of the best of Portteus’s current wine releases while indulging in a five-course meal prepared by BTC Chef Marc Eilberg. The class will be moderated by Bellingham Herald Wine Columnist Dan Radil, who will provide information on the Portteus wine tasting facility, its vineyards, and wines.

Cost of the dinner class is $65 per person and is all-inclusive.

PLANNING A WINE TASTING PARTY
Saturday, November 14, 2009
2:30 to 5:00 pm

With the holiday season on the horizon, a party centered on wines and wine tasting can be the perfect social activity. This class will provide you with ideas on how to prepare for your own wine tasting party by selecting the proper theme, supplies and stemware.

Tips on presenting and serving your wines will be covered as well as cheese/wine pairings and hors d’oeuvres suggestions. The class will both participate in and learn how to set up a blind tasting, in which the labels are concealed, wines are rated by guests and results revealed at the end of the event. “Special occasion” wines will also be included with an emphasis on sparkling wines and Champagnes.

Course fee of $39 includes appetizers, wine, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

PAIRING FOOD WITH WINE
Saturday, October 17, 2009
2:30 to 5:00 pm

Why do wines work well with some foods and taste perfectly awful with others? By looking at the basic elements of taste for both food and wine, this class will help you choose the proper wine to help enhance your dining experience.

We’ll try a number of food samples with six different wines to see what matches well and what doesn’t and why this is the case. Guidelines on specific food and wine pairings will be provided along with information on how the flavor of your wine can be altered by certain foods, poor storage and improper serving.

Class fee of $39 includes wine and food samples, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

RATTLESNAKE HILLS WINE DINNER
Saturday, August 15, 2009
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Located in the heart of the Yakima Valley, the Rattlesnake Hills Appellation is one of the state’s newest designated growing regions. Home to over 15 wineries – many of which have decades of quality winemaking experience – the region’s tasting rooms are the most heavily visited in Eastern Washington

If you’d like to learn more about the area, including its wineries, geography, and the wines it produces, join Bellingham Herald Wine Columnist Dan Radil and BTC Chef Marc Eilberg for this wine dinner class. Marc will prepare an exquisite five-course meal, and Dan will pair each course with a fine wine from the Rattlesnake Hills area.

Class fee is $65, which includes food, wine (with no tax or gratuity to add on!) and reference materials.

MARYHILL WINERY WINE DINNER
Saturday, June 13, 2009
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Maryhill Winery produces a wide range of big, flavorful red and white wines, and its tasting room may very well be in one of the most spectacular locations in Washington State. During this wine dinner class, hosted by Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and BTC Chef Marc Eilberg, a sumptuous dinner of five courses will be served, each perfectly complimented by a Maryhill wine.

Dan will provide you with background information on the winery as well as the types of wines being produced and available locally. He’ll also discuss why Maryhill makes such a terrific destination spot, with special events, concerts and a nearby museum to take in if you’re considering a visit in the future.

Total cost for the class is $65 per person which includes food, wine and handy reference materials.

VIOGNIER & MALBEC
Saturday, March 21, 2009
3:00 to 5:00 pm

Expand your wine tasting horizons by spending an afternoon learning about two varietals that are becoming increasingly popular – Viognier and Malbec. Viognier, often touted as an alternative to Chardonnay, is a wonderfully aromatic white wine that is produced in a wide variety of styles, while Malbec is a tasty, fruit-forward red wine somewhat similar to Merlot.

This class will provide useful information to assist you when purchasing these wines including flavor characteristics and suggested food pairings. We’ll also taste European and South American samples of each wine as well as some domestic selections from the Pacific Northwest.

Class fee of $39 includes wine samples, light appetizers, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

WINE DINNER FEATURING CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINES
Saturday, February 14, 2009
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and BTC Chef Marc Eilberg team up to present a very special wine dinner class on Valentines Day. A five-course dinner will be centered around Champagne and sparkling wines and is designed to showcase their versatility and adaptability to a broad range of foods.

Between courses, Dan will discuss Champagne classifications and labeling standards as well as proper preparation and serving techniques. He’ll also explain the planning process he and Marc used in selecting each of the five wines that will be served during the course of the class. Treat yourself – and perhaps a special someone – to this informative, relaxing evening of great food and wine.

Total cost for the class, including food, wine and reference materials will be $69 per person. And remember, no tax or gratuity to worry about!

WHATCOM COUNTY WINE DINNER
Saturday, December 6, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Whatcom County is now home to a number of wineries, and you might be surprised to learn that many of them are producing wines of excellent quality. Wine enthusiast and Bellingham resident Dan Radil will host an evening featuring wines from several of these wineries, including Mount Baker Vineyards, Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company and Dakota Creek Winery.

We’ll take an in depth look at the wineries, the wines they produce and where to find them. The evening will be highlighted by a selection of Whatcom County wines that will be paired with a five-course dinner prepared by BTC Chef Marc Eilberg.

Total cost for the class, including food, wine and reference materials will be $65 per person.

SPANISH WINE DINNER
Saturday, October 11, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Spanish wines have become increasingly popular over the past few years and provide wine drinkers with an incredible range of flavors and tastes. If you’d like to learn more about the wines of Spain, join Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil for an evening that will include a tasting of Spanish wines, along with a five-course dinner prepared by BTC Chef Marc Eilberg. Dan will discuss the country’s major growing regions and varietals and provide useful information to assist you in purchasing Spanish wines.

Cost for the class is $65 and includes dinner, wine and handy reference materials.

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS WINE DINNER
Saturday, August 2, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Located in South Central Washington along the Columbia River, Horse Heaven Hills is one of the State’s newest appellations. The region is currently home to seven wineries that are producing a number of big, bold, award-winning wines that have captured the attention of consumers and critics alike.

Wine columnist Dan Radil will provide you with information about Horse Heaven Hills and you’ll have the opportunity to sample a number of regional wines during a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Marc Eilberg. Learn about this up and coming wine region while enjoying an evening of good food and wine in a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Cost for the evening is $59 per person which includes food, wine and informative reference materials.

SUMMER ENTERTAINING WITH CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE
Saturday, July 12, 2008
4:00 to 6:00 pm

Is there anything better on a warm, summer day than great food, a chilled glass of champagne or sparkling wine and the company of good friends? Join local cookbook author Mary Ellen Carter and wine columnist Dan Radil as they team up to provide you with tips and planning ideas on summertime food and drinks.

Using fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, Mary Ellen will prepare a variety of quick, elegant and casual hors d’oeuvres, each complemented with the perfect champagne or sparkling wine. Dan will also provide background information on these festive beverages, including purchasing and serving suggestions. Come away with preparation techniques, recipes, and great food and wine ideas that will help you plan for your next gathering during the summer – or any other time of year.

Course fee of $39 includes food, wine and handy reference materials.

OREGON WINE DINNER
Saturday, June 21, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Oregon is now home to over 350 wineries. Learn more about this up and coming wine producing state by joining Chef Marc Eilberg and wine enthusiast Dan Radil in a relaxed atmosphere featuring great food and Oregon wines.

Marc will prepare a sumptuous five-course dinner with a Northwest flair and Dan will complement each course with an Oregon wine. There’ll be Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, of course, but also a few surprises – all of which will add up to a very special dining experience.

Course fee of $59 covers the cost of dinner (with no tax or gratuity to worry about!), wines and informative reference materials.

WALLA WALLA WINE DINNER
Saturday, May 31, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Chef Marc Eilberg and Bellingham Herald Wine Columnist Dan Radil team up to present a memorable evening featuring a five-course dinner, perfectly paired with wines from several Walla Walla wineries.

Dan will also discuss the history of the Walla Walla appellation, varietals gaining prominence in the region, and specific wineries that rank among his personal favorites. Whether you currently enjoy wines from the Walla Walla area or would like to give them a try, this class promises to be real treat.

The incredibly low price of $59 covers the cost of dinner, wines and informative reference materials.

ITALIAN WINE DINNER
Saturday, March 15, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

It is estimated that there are between 350 to 500 different wine producing grapes grown in Italy. Although only a handful of these varietals have taken root in the United States, they are becoming increasingly popular among American wine drinkers.

If you’d like to learn more about Italian-based wines in a relaxed dining atmosphere, join Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and Chef Marc Eilberg for a five-course dinner featuring Italian cuisine. Dan will pair each course with Italian varietals from either Washington, California, or Italy itself. He’ll also discuss the major varietals and growing regions of Italy and its influence on winemakers in the rest of the world.

$59 per person charge covers the entire cost of the evening…an unbeatable price for a five-course dinner with wines!

WASHINGTON WINE DINNER
Saturday, February 16, 2008
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Spend an evening with wine enthusiast Dan Radil and Chef Marc Eilberg as they present a sumptuous pairing of Washington wines and Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Marc will prepare an exquisite dinner of five courses, each complemented by a Washington wine of Dan’s choice. Dan will discuss his tips for pairing food and wine and also provide information on Washington’s expanding wine industry including its history, trends, and vintages and wineries to look for.

$59 per person course fee covers the entire cost of food and wine, with no worries about extras for taxes and gratuity. A great deal that will be hard to beat!

AN EVENING OF WINE AND FOOD PAIRING - FLAVORS OF SPAIN
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
6:00 to 8:30 pm

Dan teams up once again with popular cooking instructor and author Mary Ellen Carter for an evening of food and wine with a Spanish flavor at Fools Onion Restaurant, located at 1007 Harris Avenue in Bellingham.

Mary Ellen’s delicious menu is scheduled to include spicy cracked marinated olives, paprika-spiced almonds, Catalan salt cod salad, beans with Cabrales (blue cheese) salad, chorizo and mushroom kabobs, and serrano jamon (ham) with arugula. Dan will select a Spanish wine to pair with each course and provide useful information about this outstanding wine producing country.

Class fee is $55 in advance with an $10 optional tasting fee payable at class (which includes a souvenir etched wine glass). The class is sponsored by Whatcom Community College and registration is available online at www.whatcom.ctc.edu or by phoning 676-2170.

FRENCH, ITALIAN AND SPANISH WINE TASTING
Saturday, January 26, 2008
3:00 to 5:00 pm

Think all wines are created equal? Think again! European wines have subtle, but noticeable flavor differences from those produced in the rest of the world. They’re almost always best when served with food, and we’ll discuss their major characteristics while sampling a variety of wines from France, Italy and Spain.

We’ll also explore a brief history of these three country’s major grape growing regions as well as specific varietals each one does best. This is a great class for those interested in learning the basics of European wine tasting.

$35 course fee includes wine samples and light appetizers, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

AN EVENING OF WINE AND FOOD PAIRING - AUSSIE STYLE
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
6:00 to 8:30 pm

Dan teams up with popular cooking instructor and author Mary Ellen Carter for an evening of autumn foods and Australian wines at Fools Onion Restaurant, located at 1007 Harris Avenue in Bellingham.

Mary Ellen’s menu is scheduled to include rosemany butternut squash bisque, warm white bean salad and citrus zest, lamb braised in red wine with celeriac and shallot puree and an apple galette with cream for dessert. Dan will select a variety of wines to pair with each item and provide useful information on Australia’s wine producing regions.

Class fee is $49 in advance with an $10 optional tasting fee payable at class (which includes a souvenir etched wine glass). The class is sponsored by Whatcom Community College and registration is available online at www.whatcom.ctc.edu or by phoning 676-2170.

CHAMPAGNE, SPARKLING WINES & HOLIDAY WINE TASTING
Saturday, November 3, 2007
3:00 to 5:00 pm

Champagne and sparkling wines can be enjoyed any time of the year, but are always especially popular around the holidays.

To assist with your holiday season entertaining, Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and local cookbook author Mary Ellen Carter team up to give you tips on how to plan your own wine tasting event and provide you with a variety of festive food, Champagne and sparkling wine samples.

Mary Ellen will offer suggestions on how to prepare quick, elegant, and casual hors d’oeuvres while Dan will present background information on Champagne and sparkling wines – including what to look for before making your purchase and complimentary food choices. Kick off the holiday season in style with this fun and informative class!

$45 course fee includes food, Champagne and sparkling wine samples, informative reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

WINES FROM WALLA WALLA
Friday, August 24, 2007
6:00 to 8:00 pm

The Walla Walla Valley has recently established itself as one of the premiere grape growing regions in both Washington State and the world.

In this class we’ll discuss and taste wine made from the Walla Walla appellation and by Walla Walla winemakers. We’ll also explore the history of the region and why wines from this area – particularly red wines – have become so popular. Maps and information on the Walla Walla Valley will be provided as well as tips on up and coming wineries to watch for.

$35 course fee includes wine samples and light appetizers, reference materials and souvenir wine glass.

SUMMER ENTERTAINING WITH WINE & CHEESE
Saturday, June 23, 2007
6:30 to 8:30 pm

Spend an evening with Bellingham Herald wine columnist Dan Radil and local cookbook author Mary Ellen Carter as they give you helpful hints and planning ideas for summer entertaining with wine and cheese.

Mary Ellen will share her savory recipes to compliment the wines and cheeses – smoked paprika spicy almonds and lemon cracked olives, greens with warm goat cheese, frico with caramelized onion, and a sweet ending of dates stuffed with gorgonzola, mint and hazelnuts. Along with presentation and plating techniques and Dan’s wine pairing choices, this sumptuous evening will be both entertaining and educational.

The class will be held at Quel Fromage, a gourmet cheese shop located in Suite 101 at 1200 Old Fairhaven Parkway in Bellingham. Course fee of $39 includes wine, cheese, recipes and information on wines.

WINES FROM DOWN UNDER
Saturday, April 22, 2006
2:30 to 4:30 pm

Even though they’ve been producing great wines for a number of years, it’s only been recently that Australia and New Zealand winemakers have captured the attention of American wine drinkers.

During this class we’ll explore the primary grape growing regions of each country and focus on the types of varietals that grow best there and why. Then we’ll sample several of these wines and compare their characteristics to similar wines from around the world.

$30 course fee includes wine samples, cheeses and reference materials. As usual, you get to keep the wine glass. Hope to see you there, mate!

STELLAR FOOD & CELLAR WINES
Recap from October 20, 2005

This turned out to be a very enjoyable evening, hosted by the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham. Chef Joe Merkling of the Harborside Bistro prepared four dishes that were matched with some excellent Northwest wines. I thought I’d pass along the pairings because they were so well received by those who attended.

1) Tuna tartar with papaya, avocado and tomato / 2004 Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
2) Seafood chowder with coconut milk and chili oil / 2004 Columbia Cellarmaster’s Reisling
3) Salmon with burre blanc / 2002 King Estate Pinot Noir
4) Hoisin marinated lamb / 2002 Maryhill Reserve Zinfandel