By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Wine lovers unite! If you’ve always wished you knew more about wine, but just didn’t have the time or the opportunity to learn, you’re in luck! USSA (United States Sommelier Association), a non-profit dedicated to promoting wine culture to amateurs, oenophiles, and industry professionals, offers informative, convenient, and easy-to-follow courses throughout the year. And lucky for you, the headquarters is located right here in Miami. Focusing on the practical aspects of enjoying and tasting wine, each class is led by an expert wine professional who covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about vino—and more.

If you’re interested in getting your sommelier certification, be sure to sign up now for the upcoming United States Sommelier Certificate Immersion Course, which will take place at USSA’s Corporate Campus and Education Center {1111 Lincoln Road, Suite 400, Miami Beach} from Sunday, April 12 through Friday, April 17.

The course includes:

• Tasting over 100 different premium labels from all over the world
• A history of winemaking from ancient to modern times
• Varietal component wine tastings with Le Nez du Vin 54 Master Aroma Kit
• An in-depth look at the major wine-producing regions around the globe
• An explanation of the three styles of wine: sparkling, still or light, and fortified
• Food and wine pairings: 11 different foods with five of the most popular wine varietals
• The art of the sabreur: Learn to saber the top of a Champagne bottle with a sword

A premium selection of wines from around the world will be tasted, many tasted blind to make learning both interactive and fun. Upon completion of the course and passing both a written multiple choice test and tasting exam, students will receive their USSA Intermediate Sommelier Certificate.

For more information on the upcoming class and other courses and specials available, visit ussommelier.com.