Sommelia Academy
A free, open library of short wine lessons written by a Swiss sommelier. Pairings, regions, grapes, gifts. No paywall, no login required.
Start here
How to Actually Taste a Wine — Mini Sommelier Course — the five-step framework professional sommeliers use, stripped of the jargon. 8 min.
Topics
- Wine Foundations — how to taste, how to talk about wine, how to pick a bottle without panicking. Start with Wine for Beginners.
- Grape Varieties — a field guide to the grapes you will actually meet, from Pinot Noir to Chasselas. Read Wine Grapes Explained.
- Wine Regions — what grows where, and why a Bordeaux tastes nothing like a Valais Pinot, even when both are red. Start with A Beginner's Map of Wine Regions.
- Food Pairing — what wine to pour with raclette, fondue, steak, fish. Read Wine and Food Pairing: A Simple Guide.
- Occasions and Hosting — hosting an apero, throwing a dinner, planning a wedding. Read How to Choose Wine for Any Occasion.
- Wine Gifts — gifting wine to people you like, people you owe, and people you barely know. Read The Best Wine Gifts.
- Buying Wine Smart — how to find a good bottle in Switzerland, online, in a shop, on a list, on a budget. Read How to Buy Wine in Switzerland.
- Styles and Curiosities — natural wine, orange wine, Cremant, rose. Read Wine Styles Explained.
All lessons
Wine Foundations
- Wine for Beginners: How to Start
- How to Read a Wine Label
- How to Taste Wine: A Simple Method
- Wine Terms: A Plain-English Glossary
- Tannin, Acidity & Body, Explained
- What Temperature to Serve Wine
- How to Store Wine at Home
- How Long Does an Open Bottle Last?
- Corked & Faulty Wine: How to Tell
- Old World vs New World Wine
- How Red Wine Is Made
- How White Wine Is Made
- How Rosé Is Made
- How Sparkling Wine Is Made
- Should You Decant Your Wine?
Grape Varieties
- Wine Grapes Explained: Key Varieties
- Pinot Noir: A Beginner's Guide
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Explained
- Merlot, Explained
- Syrah / Shiraz, Explained
- Chardonnay, Explained
- Sauvignon Blanc, Explained
- Riesling, Explained
- Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris, Explained
- Nebbiolo: The Grape Behind Barolo
- Sangiovese: The Heart of Tuscan Wine
- Chasselas: Switzerland's Signature White
- Swiss Grape Varieties to Know
Wine Regions
- A Beginner's Map of Wine Regions
- Bordeaux Wine, Explained Simply
- Burgundy Wine, Explained Simply
- Champagne: What Makes It Different
- The Rhône Valley, Explained
- Alsace Wine, Explained
- Sauternes & Sweet Bordeaux
- Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello & Super Tuscans
- Piedmont: Barolo & Barbaresco
- Etna & the Wines of Sicily
- Swiss Wine Regions: A Complete Guide
- Valais Wine: Switzerland's Powerhouse
- Vaud & Lavaux: Lakeside Vineyards
- Ticino Wine: Switzerland's Merlot Country
- Vinho Verde & the Wines of Portugal
Food Pairing
- Wine & Food Pairing: A Simple Guide
- The Basic Rules of Wine Pairing
- What Wine Goes With Steak
- What Wine Goes With Pasta
- What Wine Goes With Cheese
- What Wine Goes With Pizza
- What Wine Goes With Fish & Salmon
- What Wine Goes With Chicken
- What Wine Goes With Charcuterie
- What Wine Goes With Chocolate & Dessert
- What Wine Goes With Spicy Food
- What Wine Goes With Lamb
- What Wine Goes With Risotto & Mushrooms
- What Wine Goes With Raclette
- What Wine Goes With Cheese Fondue
- What Wine Goes With Rösti
- What Wine to Serve at a Swiss Apéro
Occasions & Hosting
Wine Gifts
- The Best Wine Gifts: How to Choose
- Wine Gift Ideas for a Wine Lover
- The Best Wine Gifts for Beginners
- The Best Wine Gifts Under CHF 50
- Impressive Wine Gifts Around CHF 100
- What to Bring as a Host Gift
- Corporate Wine Gifts in Switzerland
- Wine Gifts for a Birthday
- Wine Gifts for an Anniversary or Wedding
- Last-Minute Wine Gifts That Impress
- Christmas Wine Gift Guide
Buying Wine Smart
Styles & Curiosities
Not sure which wine to pick? Tell our sommelier what you are eating or the occasion and we will find the right bottle — or browse the full sommelia.ch collection.