Beltway Fine Wines

Curriculum: Walking in to wine heaven (a.k.a. Beltway), you may find yourself distracted by row upon row upon row of wines from all over the world. You don't necessarily expect to get schooled in the ways of the grape, so much as you figure you'll just buy all the bottles your little arms can carry. Then you turn a corner, and the lesson begins. There are typically two tasting stations set up on Saturday afternoons, which you are free to wander between. Store employees provide details about what it is you're smelling and sipping (or gulping).

Tuition: Free

Cliques: Any of-age shopper who happens to wander by.

Extra credit: To help you on your quest to get schooled in all things wine, Beltway has complimentary copies of "A Guide to Wine, Spirits and Beer" available. It offers a look at different wine regions, different grapes, ideas for food and wine pairing and other stuff, too.

Final grade: B+