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.
2026 Master Class Topics
Bordeaux Uncorked
Classic Left Bank to modern expressions — exploring how Bordeaux producers balance heritage, terroir, and innovation in today’s global market.
Panelists:
- Château Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien) – François-Xavier Maroteaux
- Château La Dominique (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru)
- Château Pédesclaux / Château
Lilian Ladouys (Pauillac / Saint-Estèphe) - More To Be Announced Soon!
This session uncorks Bordeaux’s range of styles, generations, and philosophies — from heritage estates to progressive biodynamic pioneers.
From Root to Bottle
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux-style blends — exploring how vineyard practices, winemaking, and time in the cellar shape the story from vineyard to glass.
Panelists:
- Schweiger Vineyards (Spring Mountain, Napa Valley) – Andrew Schweiger
- Tres Sabores (Rutherford, Napa Valley) – Julie Johnson
- Keenan Winery (Spring Mountain, Napa Valley) – Michael Keenan
- Alexander Valley Vineyards (Sonoma County) – Harry Wetzel IV
- More To Be Announced Soon!
A deep dive into estate-driven Cabernet and Bordeaux blends — featuring hands-on vintners who live their craft from root to bottle. Each winery will pour a current vintage alongside a perfectly aged bottle (10+ years), offering a rare opportunity to explore how time, terroir, and technique reveal a wine’s evolution from youth to maturity.
Global Terroir & Cool Climate Expressions
Exploring how distinct terroirs and climates — from Oregon to South Africa to Tuscany — shape wine styles, structure, and personality.
Panelists:
- Hamilton Russell Oregon (Willamette Valley, OR) – Olive Hamilton Russell
- Babylonstoren (Simonsberg, South Africa) – Charl Coetzee
- Banfi Vintners (Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy) – Dino Altamare
- Walla Walla Vintners (Walla Walla, WA) – Derrek Vipond
- Keever Vineyards (Yountville,
Napa Valley) – Jason Keever - More To Be Announced Soon!
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.
Trailblazers & Innovators
Winemakers pushing boundaries and redefining tradition — from pioneering Rhône varietals to bold blends and modern expressions.
Panelists:
- Alban Vineyards (Edna Valley, CA) – Jared Alban
- RIISE (Paso Robles, CA) – Juan Mercado
- JAX Vineyards (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – Dan Parrott
- Sean Minor Wines (California) – Sean Minor
- Selby Winery (Healdsburg,
Sonoma County) – Susie Selby - More To Be Announced Soon!
Dynamic and story-driven, this class highlights innovation and evolution in California winemaking — featuring vintners who are rewriting the rules with vision, experimentation, and creativity.
Forks & Corks Master Class University FAQs
University Master Class Information & Policies
- Changes to Events: Panelists and participating wines are subject to change. Updates will be reflected online as confirmations are received.
- Tickets:
- All Forks & Corks University Master Class tickets are non-refundable and should be treated like cash.
- All events, prices, and participants are subject to change without notice.
- All Sales Are Final: Tickets will not be replaced, refunded, or exchanged.
- Ticket Security: Purchase only through the official Forks & Corks ticketing system to ensure validity.
- Age Requirement: Guests must be 21+. No children or infants permitted.
- Seating: Classes are open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 15 minutes prior to class start time.
- Arrival: Guests arriving more than 15 minutes after a class begins may forfeit their seat out of respect for the presenters and fellow guests.
How do I purchase tickets to a University Master Class?
Tickets will be on sale October 8, 2025.
Once available, tickets will be emailed immediately after purchase. No printed tickets will be distributed in advance. Please print your tickets at home or be prepared to present them on your mobile device at check-in.
Can I reserve my seats ahead of time?
No assigned seats may be reserved in advance. Tables and seats will be filled on a first come first served basis.
What is the ticket sales policy?
You should treat your tickets like cash. All tickets to the Forks & Corks University Master Classes are non-refundable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. All events, prices, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice. All sales are final. Your tickets will not be replaced, refunded or exchanged for any reason whatsoever. To have 100% confidence in the validity of your ticket purchase, you should only purchase your tickets through our ticketing system. The validity of tickets purchased through other websites or resellers cannot be verified by The Sarasota-Manatee Originals prior to event day.
Guests must be 21+ to purchase tickets to this event. No children will be admitted (even infants.) Thank you for understanding!
Can I purchase the wine I am tasting during the event?
Yes! The wine you are sampling will be available for purchase through an order form that will be handed out prior to your session.
What is the late arrival policy?
Guests that arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the panel will not be guaranteed admission to the event. Due to the nature of the tasting experience, late arrivals create disruptions for our guests and presenters. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for all of our guests!
