Ms. Simonetti-Bryan answers this question in an introduction that sets the stage for the subsequent discussions; surveying the millennia-old history of wine; discovering what kind of wine consumer one is; the wine culture in America, and more.

Wine tasting can seem like a mysterious ritual, but that could not be further from the truth; how to perform the five steps of tasting; making sense of wine-related terminology, including "full-bodied", "crisp", "length", "balance" and "finish".

The sensation of drinking a good or bad wine relies on what happens to its source grape in the vineyard; the first half of the wine-making process; how climate, altitude and other factors play a critical role in shaping a wine's flavor and quality.

Focusing on the grape's journey from the vine to the palate; when grapes are ready to be picked; the difference between wine fermented in steel and in oak barrels; why there is heated debate over filtering wines; discovering answers.

A first look at the Noble grape varieties; focusing on the white wine varieties of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay; exploring each wine's characteristics; strengthening the ability to compare it with other wines and grape varieties.

Experiencing the Red Noble grape varieties, specifically Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; studied together, these varieties expose the range of red wine grapes, from the light-bodied and aromatic to the full-bodied and tannin-rich.