Elective Explores Magic, Mystery of 'Wines of the World'
Published 04.04.2001
Those wishing to learn more about wine varieties, history and folklore, pairing wine with food, and evaluating the sensory attributes of the beloved beverage can take a course being offered this fall at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
"Wines of the World," an open-elective course, will be taught by Chef Paul Mach, assistant professor of food and hospitality management/culinary arts and co-host of "You're the Chef," Penn College's popular cooking series on PBS.
The only prerequisite is that those registering for the course must be 21 years old, due to the sensory evaluation aspect. Among the topics to be explored are the scientific study of wine; the relationship wine has had historically with society and religion, resulting in its mystique, tradition and influence; the international packaging and marketing of wine; the storing and serving of wine; and wine's health benefits. Students will make sensory evaluations of many types of wine from various countries and regions. The course isn't targeted at any particular audience, Mach said. Anyone who wants to learn more about wine is a suitable candidate.
"You are not required to be some kind of expert," he explained. "It's a chance to build your own set of terms and knowledge to help you discuss what wine is.,,, You will be in a position to teach yourself more about wine in the future."
The course will include a day trip to wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.
Students from a variety of majors as well as members of the community who are not enrolled at the College have taken the course in the past and have benefited from it, Mach said. Students will receive a comprehensive overview of wine while participating in a stimulating learning environment.
"It's great fun," Mach said of the course, which will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.
For more information about the "Wines of the World" course, call the School of Hospitality at Penn College at (570) 327-4505. Penn College also can be accessed online.