Why I'm taking this class

I don't remember when exactly I started drinking and preferring wine. Perhaps it was around the time  of the legal age limit of 18 in Quebec. Wine competed against the typical alternatives of beer, hard liquor and whiskeys for my budget. I remember walking into the SAQ, the provincially-owned liquor store, and having to decide between a cheap bottle of Pinot Noir and a six-pack of local brew - whatever my choice, I would have to sip on it the whole evening. Slowly, and with the help of the store clerks, I developed an appreciation for wine and my trips to the SAQ always ended with the exciting discovery of a new bottle.

My exploration continued through the Stanford Wine Society, tasting and learning about new varietals and their characteristics each week. It was also the first time I was exposed to the wine producers, many of whom presented their wines to our club. Learning about the production of wine naturally raised questions about the business aspect of wine. How did Chateau Margaux set their bottles at such astronomical prices? How does a California winery sell to mainland Chinese consumers?

My passion for wine (and reason to take this class) is twofold: I want to keep discovering wines that will surprise and please my senses and understand the business behind the wines. I'm specifically interested in learning more about pricing (I'm still amazed at Chateau Margaux's visit, both for the exquisite quality of their wine and for the price tag) and marketing of wines from lesser known regions / producers.