We have set our 2025 Spring Winemaking 101 Course Dates (see below). If you are interested in taking the Spring 2025 Course, please email Molly Elston – melston@stonefieldcellars.com
Want to Make Wine?
Stonefield Cellars hosts two Winemaking Courses per year (in the spring, and in the fall) taught by Robert E. M. Wurz, Ph.D.
In six classes over 8 weeks, this course covers the full winemaking process: from fermentation to bottling. Learn techniques to start or improve your own home winemaking while creating your own wine during class in small teams of 2-4 & hone your wine evaluation skills with classes on sensory evaluation training and food and wine pairing.
Spring 2025 Course Class Dates:
Mondays 7:00-9:00 pm in the Stonefield Cellars Production Room.
March 31 – 1st Class: Introduction – Basics of fermentation and winemaking.
April 7 – 2nd Class: Principles of Winemaking – Racking, barrels, oak alternatives, tannins. Wines of the world.
April 21 – 3rd Class: Wine sensory evaluation. Food and wine pairing.
April 28 – 4th Class: Defects and Problems: Causes and remedies, fining agents, additives, filtering.
May 12 – 5th Class: Blending, tasting panel, and bottling preparations.
May 19 – 6th Class: Bottling, Labeling, Wrap-up, Exam.
Cost: $195
Provided: Materials, extensive winemaking notes, snacks, and 3 bottles of wine bottled by the class.
Must be at least 21 years old to participate.
Class size limited to 16 people.
Additional Class Wine will be available for $14.95 per Bottle
Registration: Email Natalie at nwurz@stonefieldcellars.com with your contact information (name and phone number). Registration options will be explained (can be handled over the phone or in person at the winery during normal business hours). Note: REGISTRATION DEADLINE is March 16th, 2025!
Instructor Biography
Robert E. M. Wurz, Ph.D. – Robert is a native of Napa Valley, CA. He received his doctorate in wine chemistry from the University of California, Davis. He has taught wine making classes at Patrick Henry Community College in Virginia, at Stonefield Cellars Winery in Stokesdale, NC, and is currently the winemaker for Stonefield Cellars Winery in Stokesdale, NC.