UCSB’s Wine Class Is the Weekly Brain Break That Students Love

by Bridget Winthrop

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Every Wednesday evening, around 40 students leave UCSB’s Recreation Center a little bit more joyfully than when they arrived. That’s the effect of “The Wine Class,” an experiential education in oenology lead by local industry veteran Lindsey Reed.

 

It’s not often that you walk into the Recreation Center with a wine glass, but for those attending the Wine Class, it becomes a weekly norm. And no, the student’s don’t leave happier because they had one glass too many. Reed brings an energizing aura to Classroom 1501 that provides a brain break for students to learn about something outside of their rigorous coursework. 

 

Reed is an experienced winemaker and has spent over 20 years in the wine industry. She now runs the wine selection at local wine bar and restaurant Aperitivo, located in downtown Santa Barbara on Haley St. 

 

After working years in the business, Reed additionally pursued a degree here at UC Santa Barbara in geology. Connecting her education and research in geology to the agriculture of wine, Reed stepped into the world of natural wines and has never looked back. 

 

In her spare time, Reed has committed her Wednesday afternoons to teaching two weekly wine classes at UCSB that include a mix of lessons with wine tasting. Students have to be 21-years-old to take this course, but freshman — it is well worth the wait. 

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​Reed begins the course with a firm opinion on the current state of the wine world: it’s too pretentious.

 

Her main goal for the class is to make students feel comfortable sitting down at a restaurant and ordering a glass or bottle of wine because they know how to read the wine list. To Reed, no one should feel like they aren’t cultured or smart enough to read a wine list with confidence. 

 

The exclusivity and high prices projected in the modern wine world have made it hard for the diverse demographics to learn about wine. Wine’s purpose should be embraced and shared with friends without judgement. 

 

The Wine Class provides an accessible beginner’s course to wine, covering viticulture practices, wine history, terroir and winemaking techniques. And what better way to learn the flavors and palettes of wine than to taste while you learn? 

 

While many students are intrigued by the tasting side of the class, they find themselves taking notes during class because the lecture topics are so interesting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In addition to her lessons, Reed also brings in local wine experts to guest speak about certain themes of the class. Because the class takes place near the Santa Ynez Valley’s rich winemaking region, Reed brings local resources straight to the classroom and maximizes the student’s overall experience. 

 

The community aspect of the class is not to be missed. With humorous storytelling interwoven into her lessons, Reed provides a comfortable community for students to enjoy — even if you are taking the class by yourself. 

 

She even goes so far as to offer a free field trip to local wineries and tasting rooms led by her and local winemakers. Because spots are limited, the field trip is first-come first-served, so make sure to sign up after the first class as soon as you can to secure a spot. 

 

While there are two class sessions times each Wednesday, Reed brings both groups together at the end of the quarter for a final soiree with bring your own food while she provides wine tasted throughout the course. It’s the perfect final hurrah to bring together a community — just what wine was made for.

 

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