FGCU students tasting wine for a lesson on life

College kids have been known to take a drink or two, but for some students at FGCU, it’s helping them make the grade.

Wine in the classroom is not something you see every day.

“It’s definitely my first time doing something like this,” said Marcu Garcia, an FGCU student.

Garcia’s assignment, “Drinking some white wine and a red wine, we had a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir.” Then taking note of the specific ingredients that create the color, smell, and taste—using wine language to critique it properly.

“I always say; generally, your first reaction is the right reaction. You just need to learn how to phrase it properly,” said FGCU professor Catherine Curtis.

Curtis says the class is meant to help students prepare for leadership roles in the hospitality industry and life.

“I want wine to be for everyone. And I don’t want anyone to be afraid. Because if you can taste anything, then you can taste wine,” Curtis said

In just a few weeks, Hailey Condon has already noticed a difference. “I think it’s really great to expand your mind and be able to perceive things in ways that you haven’t before. Opening yourself up to different opinions and trying to, you know, you smell it this way. I can kind of get that too.”

Cheers to that!

The class is open to students of all majors and is taught in a state-of-the-art wine lab. It is funded by the Naples-based Hoffmann family.

The Hoffmanns are also trustees and donors of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.