New class of wine in Napa

Napa Valley College will introduce its wines in a public tasting 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The tasting (open only to those who are 21 or older) will be an opportunity to see the Napa Valley Vintners' Teaching Winery on campus, taste the wine and learn more about the viticulture and winery technology program.

Participants will be able to taste the college's chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, sirah, and pinot noir.

The main point of the event is to make the program more visible, and encourage students to register in viticulture and winery technology spring classes.

Federal and state permits allow the college to sell wines produced by the nearly 1,000 students in the program.

The college is the first California community college to produce and sell wine. The program combines the art, science and business of wine production in the Napa Valley.

The vintner program attracts students trying to gain entry or move up in the cellar to those who are looking to make wine from their own vineyards.

Classes are also useful for those who make wines at home and want to refine their craft.