Beyond The Box: International Wine Institute

By Erin in Food on Nov 1, 2005 6:08AM

We're going to level with you, and in the process potentially scandalize the part of the Chicagoist food team who knows so much about booze in any form that we feel as though we should first check with him before consuming anything of the alcoholic variety:

Sometimes? Sometimes Chicagoist will put a cube or two of ice in her red wine. Now, Chicagoist had the good sense not to sully the '02 Salentein she recently consumed at Volo with ice, but obviously we know very little about wine.

The International Wine Institute presents yet another opportunity for us to have little excuse for remaining so ignorant. Launched in September, the IWI says its purpose is "to educate industry professionals and consumers on the merits and value of wine." We'll come right out and say that we were a tad skeptical of the IWI, what with the Mondavi greeting on the index page. However. Chicagoist is intrigued by where the wine education classes are being held: the super-awesome and amazing Kendall College, a spot that every foodie in town ought to visit.

Membership for IWI is fairly reasonable for what you get -- $125 gets you discounts on classes as well as one introductory class -- and the classes deal with the basics and get as nitty gritty as taking each wine down to its region. There is even a glassware class.

The next IWI event happens November 10 from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market. “A Celebration of Wine and Spirits, Chicago style” feature Baroncini wine and El Diamante del Cielo tequila with a margarita shake off showdown between John Carroll (publisher of Modern Luxury) and Jerry Kleiner (co-president and designer of Carnivale). For more information, visit the IWI Web site.