Upcoming Classes & EVENTs
MKE Wine Weekend Opening Happy Hour
MKE WINE Weekend: Opening Happy Hour
📅 April 12 | 6:00 PM | Thelma Carol Wine Merchants
Night ONE of Milwaukee Wine Weekend is a welcoming kickoff event at Thelma Carol Wine Merchants, a premier Milwaukee wine shop, co-owned by Jerel Hall and Rebecca Sue Button. This excellently curated shop carries the largest selection of wines by Black producers in the city, making it the perfect venue to start the weekend.
Entry is free, with glasses and bottles available for purchase.
Vino Royale
MKE WINE Weekend: Vino Royale
📅 April 11 | 6:00 PM | Charles Allis Art Museum
Night TWO of Milwaukee Wine Weekend is ‘Vino Royale’, our high energy casino-style game night! It’s going to be a blast 😂 Let’s Go!
Here’s your chance to win prizes and:
♠️ Tour the historic Milwaukee space
🖼️ Be surrounded by more than 800 works of art
🃏Sip vino & play games like Blackjack, Roulette & Wine Bingo
📖 Support scholarships for wine students
🍷Have a fun night w/ friends, family & Milwaukee Wine Academy
Disclaimer: This event is for entertainment purposes. It is not operating as a real casino.
Entry is free, but attendees will purchase game tokens to play and win prizes. A cash bar will be available, serving a curated selection of wines.
Black Wine Expo
MKE WINE Weekend: Black Wine Expo
📅 April 12 | 12:00 PM | Lupi & Iris
Day THREE of Milwaukee Wine Weekend isn’t just another wine tasting—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
The Black Wine Expo, invites you to explore 40+ wines crafted by Black producers and winemakers, all available right here in Wisconsin. Taste bold reds, elegant whites, and everything in between—while connecting with the people and stories behind the bottles.
Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just beginning your wine journey, this event is for you. Come curious, leave inspired.
Attendees can taste over 40 wines and receive a commemorative wine glass.
Lite bites grazing table curated by Lupi & Iris.
Industry panel discussion featuring Black Wine Professionals.
New found favorites will be available for bottle purchases through Lupi & Iris.
Tickets: $75
Read Between the Wines: A Book Talk & Rosé Tasting with Charles Springfield
MKE WINE Weekend: Read Between the Wines: A Book Talk & Rosé Tasting with Charles Springfield
📅 April 13 | 2:00 PM | Niche Book Bar
Day FOUR of Milwaukee Wine Weekend is a curated experience of rosé, storytelling, and connection.
Join us for Read Between the Wines at Niche Book Bar. NYC-based sommelier and home grown Milwaukeean, Charles Springfield, joins us to discuss his book Maneuvering Rosé Wine with Style
📖 A guided discussion and tasting with the author himself
🍷 A tasting of 4 distinct rosé wines
🎁 Includes a copy of the book
Whether you're a wine nerd, a book lover, or both—this one’s for you.
Sip. Read. Connect.
Tickets: $40 (Includes a signed copy of the book)
414 Day Wine Dinner
MKE WINE Weekend: 414 Day Wine Dinner
📅 April 14 | 6:00 PM | The Diplomat
Night FIVE to close out Milwaukee Wine Weekend it’s a celebration of the city, global wine, and culinary excellence.
Join us for the 414 Day Wine Dinner at The Diplomat.
🍽️ A five-course menu by James Beard Award-winning Chef Dane Baldwin
🍷 Wine pairings from Kumusha Wines an award winning project of South African winemaker Tinashe Nyamudoka
✨ A one-night-only experience honoring the richness of Milwaukee’s food and wine culture
Celebrate 414 Day the elevated way.
Tickets: $105 (plus taxes and gratuity).
Cork Dork
Cork Dork
MWA wine Book Club: March Meeting
📚 Book: Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker
📅 Date: March 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Get ready to geek out over wine with Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker, the fascinating insider’s journey into the sensory world of sommeliers. At our March MWA Wine Book Club meeting, we’ll dive into Bosker’s adventure of turning her passion into expertise, as she uncovers the science, stories, and eccentricities of the wine industry. Lion’s Tooth is the perfect spot for this lively discussion about what it takes to be a “cork dork.” Let’s raise a glass to learning, curiosity, and fun!
Women in Wine: Reds
Women in Wine: Reds
📅 March 23 | 2:30 PM | MARN
Raise a glass to the women shaping the wine industry! Women in Wine: Reds Edition showcases wines crafted by incredible women winemakers and industry leaders. This class celebrates their contributions, creativity, and vision while offering an inspiring tasting experience. Cheers to women who make waves in wine! 🍇✨
Women in Wine: Whites & Sparklings
Women in Wine: Whites & Sparklings
📅 March 9 | 2:30 PM | Ray’s Bar
Raise a glass to the women shaping the wine industry! Women in Wine: Whites & Sparklings Edition showcases wines crafted by incredible women winemakers and industry leaders. This class celebrates their contributions, creativity, and vision while offering an inspiring tasting experience. Cheers to women who make waves in wine! 🍇✨
Love By The Glass
Love By The Glass
MWA wine Book Club: February Meeting
📚 Book: Love by the Glass by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher
📅 Date: February 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Celebrate love and wine at our February MWA Wine Book Club meeting with Love by the Glass. Written by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, this heartfelt memoir of wine, relationships, and life is as captivating as the wines they describe. Join us at Lion’s Tooth for an intimate discussion about the unique bond between wine and love, and discover how wine tells stories just like people do. This is the perfect read for the season of love!
Black History Month Wine Dinner
Black History Month Wine Dinner
📅 February 19 | 6 PM | Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar
Join Milwaukee Wine Academy and Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar for an unforgettable Black History Month Wine Dinner—a night of exceptional food, wine, and storytelling. Hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Coleman, this curated dining experience celebrates Black culinary and winemaking traditions through a beautifully crafted menu by Chef Suzzette Metcalfe.
🍽 The Menu:
🥣 Appetizer: Sweet Potato Bisque w/ Toasted Pecans & Honey Drizzle
🥗 Salad: Collard Greens Caesar Salad w/ Cornbread Croutons & Parmesan
🍝 Pasta: Shrimp & Sausage Bouya Tagliatelle w/ a Light Cajun Cream Sauce
🥩 Entrée: Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction, Creamy Polenta & Sautéed Garlic Spinach
🍫 Dessert: Dark Chocolate Espresso Torte w/ Bourbon Whipped Cream
Each course will be expertly paired with wines that complement the bold, rich flavors of the meal. This intimate gathering is the perfect way to honor Black history, culture, and excellence through food and wine.
🔗 Reserve your seat today—space is limited!
Black Wine Producers
Black Wine Producers
📅 February 16 | 2 PM | Radio Milwaukee
Celebrate Black History Month with us at Black Wine Producers, where we’ll highlight exceptional wines crafted by Black winemakers and producers from around the globe. This class is a celebration of culture, innovation, and excellence in winemaking. Join us for a tasting experience that tells stories through every sip. 🖤🍷
How To Love Wine
how to love wine
MWA wine Book Club: January Meeting
📚 Book: How to Love Wine by Eric Asimov
📅 Date: January 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Tooth Bookstore, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Join us as we kick off the MWA Wine Book Club series with How to Love Wine by Eric Asimov. This thoughtful exploration of wine and its culture encourages readers to embrace wine as an enjoyable, personal journey rather than an intimidating one. Perfect for wine lovers of all levels, this book pairs beautifully with an engaging discussion in the cozy setting of Lion’s Tooth. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into Asimov’s relatable perspective and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts!
Wine 101 (NA): Study of Styles
Wine 101 (NA Wines): study of styles
📅 January 19 | 1-3 PM | HoneyBee Sage
Looking to explore the world of wine without the alcohol? In Wine 101 (NA Wines), we’ll introduce you to premium non-alcoholic wines that deliver great taste and complexity without the buzz. Join us at HoneyBee Sage for a unique and inclusive tasting experience that proves wine enjoyment is for everyone. 🍇✨
Wine 101: Study of Styles
Wine 101
📅 January 12 | 2 PM | Ray’s Bar
New to wine or just looking to brush up on the basics? Join us for Wine 101, where we’ll break down everything you need to know to start your wine journey. From tasting techniques to understanding grape varieties, this class will give you the tools to sip with confidence. Perfect for beginners and wine lovers alike! 🍷
Wine & Wreaths
Holiday wine tasting with 414loral! Experience the perfect blend of festive cheer and fine wines as you explore a curated selection of 3 seasonal favorites. Milwaukee Wine Academy will guide you through each seasonal recipe, its tasting, then sharing insights on flavor profiles and pairing suggestions.
Holiday Sparklers
Celebrate the festive season in style! Join Dr. Jeffrey Coleman for our "Holiday Sparklers" class, where we'll explore exquisite sparkling wines from around the globe. Perfect for Christmas and New Year's celebrations, each selection is chosen to add a touch of sparkle and joy to your holiday gatherings. This fun and inviting session is designed for enthusiasts eager to enhance their celebrations with the perfect bubbly. Raise a glass and toast to the season's finest with us!
Thanksgiving Wines feat. Beaujolais
Get ready to make your Thanksgiving toast extra special this year! Join us for a delightful exploration of Beaujolais wines, perfectly picked to complement your holiday feast. Led by the charismatic Dr. Travis Reed, this class will dive into the vibrant world of Beaujolais, known for its fresh, fruity flavors that are a fantastic match for any turkey day spread. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sipper, you'll leave with the perfect picks to impress your guests. Come for the wine, stay for the fun, and leave ready to host your best Thanksgiving yet!
The New Wine Rules
Our next book club selection will be The New Wine Rule: A Genuinely Helpful Guide to Everything You Need to Know by Jon Bonné. This easy, fun guide will help you get a better sense of wine so you can go into the holiday season ready to conquer all kinds of wine occasions.
Sweet Wines from Around the World
Sweet wines have been around for centuries and were once the predominant wine style. Join Milwaukee Wine Academy's Jessica Janz-McKnight to explore this historical style by tasting six wines from renowned appellations. Learn about these unique styles, their origins, production methods, and best occasions to enjoy them. Whether you're a sweet wine lover or looking to try something new, don't miss this chance to dive into the amazing world of sweet wines.
Big Macs & Burgundy
Our next book club selection will be Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairing for the Real World by Vanessa Price with Adam Laukhuf. This book is part memoir, part wine pairing guide. It’s funny and informative! Since food is such a large part of this book, our discussion will be a potluck. Bring a dish and its paired wine to share.
Wines for Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15) here in the U.S. No better time to celebrate the amazing wines coming from Mexico and South America. Join us as we dive into the rich winemaking traditions of Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. This class will be taught by Dani Zarr (Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 3), who has years of experience working with Mexican wines.
MKE Wine Express
SOLD OUT
All Aboard for a Unique Dining Experience!
Get ready for an exciting and unforgettable journey with the MKE Wine Express hosted by Tranquil Blends Wine and MKE Wine Academy!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 7th
Boarding Time: 3:15 PM
Departure: 3:45 PM
Return: 7:45 PM
Pickup Location: Bayshore Park & Ride, 5725 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
🚍 Safe round-trip transportation to the train station
🍽️ Dining experience and wine pairings on the East Troy Railroad
🍴 Delicious food catered by Karter's Kitchen
💰 $109 (includes transportation)
Join us for a delightful evening of fine wine, great food, and scenic views! This is a first-time experience for Milwaukee, so don't miss out on this exclusive event.
Seating is provided in the form of tables for two and four, to a maximum of fifty persons
The Pairing: A Live Music & Wine Experience
The Pairing: A LIVE MUSIC & WINE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy an evening of expertly curated wine selections, each thoughtfully paired with live jazz performances that elevate the senses and create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique night out, The Pairing offers an intimate setting to savor both the music and the wine in the company of fellow enthusiasts.
This is more than just an event—it’s an experience where rhythm and flavor meet, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Milwaukee. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening at the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: The Fitzgerald
Join us at The Pairing and let’s toast to the perfect blend of jazz and wine!
Wines for the Cookout
Get ready for the Fourth of July and other summer grilling get-togethers with Milwaukee Wine Academy’s Wines for the Cookout class taught by wine educator Jeffrey Coleman. The class will explore six wines from bold reds and whites to unexpected sparklings that can hold up to your favorite foods whether grilled, smoked, or fried. As the weather heats up, don’t miss out on the opportunity to find wines to have around the grill.
99 Bottles (Part II)
Join us for our inaugural MWA Book Club meeting to discuss the first half of Andre Hueston Mack’s 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines.
Vinos del cono sur
Argentina, Chile y Uruguay (conocidos colectivamente como los países del Cono Sur) ha producido vino desde el siglo XVI con la llegada de los españoles y portugueses al continente. Hoy los tres países son mundialmente reconocidos por producir vinos de calidad y por destacar variedades casi olvidadas en el Viejo Mundo. Acompañen a Dr. Jeffrey Coleman (co-fundador del Milwaukee Wine Academy y profesor de español) para esta clase especial en que probarán seis vinos del Cono Sur y aprender sobre la producción vinícola de esta zona del mundo. No pierdan esta oportunidad para aprender más sobre el vino en español.
Esta clase se enseñará en español.
Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay (collectively known as the countries of the Southern Cone) have produced wine since the 16th Century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese to the continent. Today, the three countries are globally recognized for producing quality wines and for highlighting varieties almost forgotten by the Old World. Join Dr. Jeffrey Coleman (cofounder of the Milwaukee Wine Academy and Spanish professor) for this special class in which we will try six wines from the Southern Cone and learn about the production of wine from this region. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about wine in Spanish.
This class will be taught in Spanish.
Black Rosé Producers
Rosé is the quintessential wine of summer, and this exclusive MWA class offers a vibrant exploration of this beloved beverage. Join Tim Cole as he guides you through a tasting of six exquisite rosés crafted by Black winemakers from the US and New Zealand. This session provides a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse styles of rosé and the meticulous processes behind their creation. Don't miss out on this enriching experience to deepen your understanding and appreciation of rosé wine. Secure your spot and celebrate the flavors of summer with us!
99 Bottles (Part I)
Join us for our inaugural MWA Book Club meeting to discuss the first half of Andre Hueston Mack’s 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines.
Summertime Wines
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer over Memorial Day weekend with Milwaukee Wine Academy's Summertime Wines class at Ray’s Wine & Spirits! Embark on a journey through six curated wines from across the globe, perfect for the upcoming sunny months. Led by wine educator Jeffrey Coleman, explore a range of flavors from crisp whites to refreshing rosés and vibrant reds. Elevate your summer gatherings with newfound favorites, whether it's a festive occasion, a picnic, or simply enjoying life in the backyard. Don't miss out!
Mystery in a Glass: Winter/Spring Blind Tasting
Prepare for a thrilling adventure in the world of wines at MWA's upcoming event, "Mystery in a Glass: Winter/Spring Blind Tasting." This special wine tasting invites you to test your palate and expand your sensory horizons as we revisit a selection of standout wines featured during the winter and spring seasons, but with a twist – it's all blind!
MWA Field trip: Scout Wine Merchants
Join MWA on a delightful journey with our "Field Trips" series, where we explore southeastern Wisconsin's finest wine merchants and shops. This week we’re heading to visit our friends over at Scout Wine Merchants!
Malbec Mastery: Argentina vs. France
Join us for an exciting journey of taste at MWA's upcoming wine tasting event, "Malbec Mastery: Argentina vs. France." This unique event is designed to explore and compare the distinctive styles of Malbec wines from the sun-drenched vineyards of Argentina to the historic terroirs of France.
MWA Field Trip: Tre Rivali
Join MWA on a delightful journey with our "Field Trips" series, where we explore southeastern Wisconsin's finest wine shops, restaurants, and bars. On this field trip, we will meet with John Cassanos (Beverage Director of the Journeyman Hotel and Tre Rivali) to discuss how best to order wine at a restaurant while enjoying a selection of wines by the glass.. These trips are your passport to discovering local wine treasures, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrating wine.
Rioja Rendezvous
Embark on a flavorful journey at MWA's upcoming wine tasting event, "Rioja Rendezvous." This special gathering is dedicated to exploring the rich and robust wines of Spain's famed Rioja region. Known for its vibrant reds and complex aging process, Rioja offers a world of taste to be discovered.
Women in Wine: Reds
Get ready to raise your glass at MWA's upcoming wine tasting event, "Women in Wine: Red Edition." This special event shines a spotlight on the remarkable women shaping the world of red wines. It's more than a tasting; it's an empowering celebration of female winemakers and their exquisite creations.