Forks & Corks Master Class | Global Terroir & Cool Climate Expressions
Master Classes will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Michael’s On East in the Ballroom
A signature highlight of the Festival each year, the Master Classes of Forks & Corks University offer a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and engage with the world of wine. Guests who “enroll” will enjoy a guided, interactive tasting experience led by a panel of acclaimed winemakers and wine industry professionals. Each 90-minute seminar includes 12 expertly selected wine tastings and a pairing plate of light bites curated to complement the featured varietals.
Exploring how distinct terroirs and climates — from Oregon to South Africa to Tuscany — shape wine styles, structure, and personality.
Panelists:
- Babylonstoren (Simonsberg, South Africa) – Charl Coetzee
- Banfi Vintners (Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy) – Dino AltamareHamilton Russell
- Oregon (Willamette Valley, OR) – Olive Hamilton
- RussellKeever Vineyards (Yountville, Napa Valley) – Jason Keever
- Torii Mor Winery (Dundee Hills, OR) – Jon Tomaselli
- Walla Walla Vintners
(Walla Walla, WA) – Derrek Vipond
This global tasting showcases the influence of place — from Oregon’s volcanic soils to South Africa’s mountain valleys — and the artistry that brings terroir to life in the glass. With both New and Old World perspectives, this session celebrates precision, balance, and a sense of origin.
