Vinmonopolet Sandnes – Courses and Educational Tastings

Vinmonopolet in Sandnes offers an extensive programme of educational tasting courses designed to build understanding through guided tasting and comparison. The courses are led by Vinmonopolet’s own trained experts and focus on sensory exploration, style recognition and practical knowledge rather than theory alone.

From January to June 2026, 15 courses are held in Sandnes. All courses take place at GamlaVærket and run from 18:00 to 20:00.
Each course includes five carefully selected products and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced participants.

13 January 2026 – Get to Know Germany

Event name: Get to Know Germany

Description:
An introduction to German wine beyond common stereotypes. The course explores Germany’s wine regions, grape varieties and styles, with particular focus on how climate, origin and winemaking choices shape both white and red wines. A structured tasting highlights the country’s diversity and quality.

21 January 2026 – Sparkling Wine

Event name: Sparkling Wine

Description:
An educational introduction to sparkling wine. Participants learn how bubbles are created, what distinguishes different production methods and how these choices affect aroma, texture and flavour. A guided tasting compares styles from different regions.

29 January 2026 – Learn to Taste Red Wine

Event name: Learn to Taste Red Wine

Description:
A foundational course designed to help participants understand their own taste preferences. Through guided tasting, the session explains structure, balance, tannin and acidity, while introducing practical tasting technique and style recognition.

3 February 2026 – Red Wine from Bordeaux

Event name: Red Wine from Bordeaux

Description:
A focused exploration of one of the world’s most influential wine regions. The course examines Bordeaux’s key grape varieties and appellations, explaining how blends, climate and ageing influence style and structure.

11 February 2026 – Red Wine from Burgundy

Event name: Red Wine from Burgundy

Description:
An in depth look at red Burgundy and its defining characteristics. Participants explore how vineyard site, vintage variation and winemaker decisions shape expression in one of the world’s most sought after wine regions.

18 February 2026 – New and Old Spain

Event name: New and Old Spain

Description:
This course contrasts traditional Spanish wine styles with modern interpretations. Through guided tasting, participants explore regional differences, grape varieties and evolving winemaking philosophies across Spain.

4 March 2026 – Small and Large Champagne Houses

Event name: Small and Large Champagne Houses

Description:
A comparative tasting of Champagne from both major houses and smaller producers. The course explores how scale, philosophy and production methods influence style, quality and expression within the Champagne region.

18 March 2026 – Learn to Taste White Wine

Event name: Learn to Taste White Wine

Description:
An introductory course focused on white wine. The session explains sweetness, acidity and texture, while developing tasting technique and helping participants recognise different styles and grape expressions.

25 March 2026 – Learn to Taste Red Wine

Event name: Learn to Taste Red Wine

Description:
A second opportunity to attend this popular introductory red wine course. The session reinforces tasting fundamentals and helps participants gain confidence in recognising structure and style.

8 April 2026 – Classic Italian Red Wine

Event name: Classic Italian Red Wine

Description:
Italy’s diversity comes to life through this exploration of classic red wine regions. Participants compare wines from areas such as Tuscany, Veneto and Piemonte, focusing on grape varieties, tradition and regional identity.

23 April 2026 – Small and Large Champagne Houses

Event name: Small and Large Champagne Houses

Description:
A repeated session offering another opportunity to explore Champagne through contrasting producer styles. Focus remains on production choices, ageing and stylistic differences.

29 April 2026 – Red Wine from Piemonte

Event name: Red Wine from Piemonte

Description:
A regional deep dive into Piemonte, home to some of Italy’s most structured and age worthy wines. The course explores grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Barbera and examines how origin and tradition shape style.

6 May 2026 – Learn to Taste Red Wine

Event name: Learn to Taste Red Wine

Description:
Another chance to attend this introductory course. Participants refine tasting technique and deepen their understanding of balance, structure and personal preference through guided comparison.

20 May 2026 – White Wine from Burgundy

Event name: White Wine from Burgundy

Description:
An exploration of white Burgundy, among the most prestigious white wines in the world. The course focuses on key villages and appellations, highlighting how soil, climate and winemaking influence style and ageing potential.

10 June 2026 – Sparkling Wine

Event name: Sparkling Wine

Description:
A concluding sparkling wine course revisiting production methods and stylistic differences. Through guided tasting, participants gain a clearer understanding of how sparkling wines vary in structure, aroma and food pairing potential.

About the Courses

Duration: 2 hours
Time: 18:00–20:00
Number of tastings: Five products per course
Price range: From 795 NOK and upwards (incl. VAT), depending on product selection
Level: Suitable for beginners and experienced participants

Practical Information

Booking

All bookings must be made via Vinmonopolet’s official website. See the Website tab for the booking link.

Age Requirements

Beer and wine courses: Minimum age 18

Valid identification may be required. Participation may be denied without refund if age cannot be verified.

Cancellation

Registrations are binding. Tickets cannot be refunded, exchanged or transferred to another course or date.

Reservations

Courses require a sufficient number of participants. Vinmonopolet reserves the right to make changes to programme, venue, timing or vintages. Participants will be informed and given the option to withdraw if significant changes occur.

Location

All courses take place at:

GamlaVærket
St. Olavs gate 38
4306 Sandnes
Norway