There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon than connecting with fellow Cornellians over great food, beautiful scenery, and exceptional wine. Recently, 13 alumni and guests gathered in a private garden setting at one of the alumni’s residence for an immersive wine-tasting masterclass.
Set against a backdrop of blooming gardens and a Cornell Red spread complete with charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, grapes, and sweet treats, the afternoon offered an educational dive into the world of wine tasting.
Instead of a traditional lecture, our alum turned the tasting into an interactive journey across four selected bottles—featuring two distinct whites and two reds.
• Demystifying Notes: The session began with participants identifying their own tasting notes, followed by Seema guiding the group through the core structural elements of each pour to explain why specific flavors and aromas emerged.
• Mastering Restaurant Ordering: Attendees gained practical vocabulary and targeted phrasing designed to take the guesswork out of navigating restaurant wine lists and shop selections with confidence.
• Building Palate “Muscle Memory”: She emphasized that tasting wine is a skill built over time, much like muscle memory, the more consistently you practice describing and identifying profile notes, the sharper your palate becomes.
Beyond the glass, the gathering gave local alumni the chance to reconnect, forge new friendships, and share fond memories of Ithaca in a relaxed setting.
Stay tuned for upcoming CCUK gatherings on our events page!
