Wine Tastings with Master Sommelier Thomas Price

 

The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management invites the community to a variety of wine tasting classes with Master Sommelier Thomas Price in the fall 2025 semester. Guests will learn about the wines and tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Tickets are $85 per person and may be purchased online. Guests must be 21 or older and show proof of ID. Guests will taste various wines accompanied by light charcuterie.

About the Speaker: Master Sommelier Thomas Price has spent the last 35 years working in some of Seattle’s most prominent restaurants, including his own. Shortly after obtaining his Master Sommelier certificate in 2012, Price joined Jackson Family Fine Wines as National Director of Wine Education, in addition to working with Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program as a visiting sommelier over the last ten years.

Shrimp Shindig

Join us for a flavorful evening on the greenspace at Hey Day Market during the Shrimp Shindig! Enjoy a delicious shrimp boil crafted by renowned Chef Eric Rivera, paired with refreshing selections from New Realm Brewing Company. Each guest will receive their own tray of fresh Gulf shrimp and can sample up to four varieties of New Realm’s beers, ciders, and seltzers. Don’t miss this fun and tasty outdoor dining experience!

Menu:
Shrimp boil
Beer (Pilsner, Ale, Lighter beer and non-Beer)
Yeast rolls
Water

About the Speaker: Executive Chef Eric Rivera
Auburn University Culinary Instructor and Alabama Chef of the Year (’22)

Summer Wine Down

The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management invites the community to an evening of tasting exquisite wines from around the world with Dr. David Martin. Guests will learn about the wines and tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Come with your friends, your significant other or on your own and enjoy the benefits of having the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in our community! Guests must be 21 or older and show proof of ID.

Beat the Heat:
Cool Wines for Hot Days
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
6:00 pm
Purchase Tickets

Bask in Bordeaux
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
6:00 pm
Purchase Tickets

About the Speaker:

Dr. David Martin Associate Professor and Level 1 Sommelier A native of Birmingham, AL, David Martin is currently an Associate Professor with the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University. He holds a Ph.D. from Auburn, is a Certified Hospitality Educator, and is a Level 1 Sommelier. He also teaches in the Brewing Sciences and Operations program at Auburn University. Before starting his graduate studies, David worked in prestigious hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL, The Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, NM, and the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, AL, to name a few. David has taught wine classes since starting his first job as a college professor at San Francisco State University in 2007. Currently, he teaches the Beverage Appreciation class at Auburn during the summer semester and the Food and Beverage Management class during the Fall. He has been fortunate to travel and participate in wine tastings and courses in some of the most recognizable wine-producing regions globally, including Napa and Sonoma Valley, The Champagne Region in France, The Mosel Valley in Germany, and many different regions of Italy. In 2019, David was competitively selected to attend the Banfi Scholastic Tour of Italy, an immersive seven-day wine and food educational trip sponsored by Banfi Vintners. One student from the Hospitality Program was also funded to attend the trip. Previous students who have studied under David currently work with distributors such as Alabama Crown, United Johnson Brothers, E&J Gallo, and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. David has also placed students with wineries such as Trinchero Family Estates, Domaine Serene, Raptor Ridge, Robert Mondavi, Stags Leap, One Hope, Holman Ranch, and Continuum. David hates wine snobbery, and while he appreciates and encourages people to try new wines and challenge their palate, his tried-and-true rule of thumb is that if it tastes good, drink it!.

Introducing our new Culinary Weekend Micro-credential Program!

The Culinary Weekend Micro-credential Program offers opportunities for individuals to increase their knowledge in focused, specific topics within culinary sciences and hospitality. The weekend includes three in-depth classes that will refine and expand your culinary skills, while being a perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway as a couple, with friends or on your own! Micro-credentials are excellent for students and professionals who want to upgrade their skills through hands-on education. Enrollment is for all classes in the series.

Earn a digital badge, a certificate of completion and an Auburn apron!

If you’re coming from out of town, take advantage of the 20% discount offers at our hotels, The Laurel Hotel and Spa and Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center.

The Art of Proteins

Learn how to master multiple proteins utilizing different cooking methods. Chef Eric Rivera will teach you to confidently cook these main entrée components in a series of hands-on culinary classes. From chicken to steak to salmon to pork, you will grow your cooking skills and add new recipes to your repertoire.

Dates: June 13-14, 2025
Friday evening 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Saturday morning 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Saturday afternoon 4:00-6:30 p.m.

$495 per person, includes all sessions
Learn More

The Art of Pasta

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and explore the delicious world of pasta-making? This hands-on culinary experience is perfect for food lovers and hospitality enthusiasts who want to elevate their skills. Over three engaging classes, you’ll learn everything from crafting handmade pasta to creating classic sauces like Bolognese and Basil Pesto.

Dates: August 1-2, 2025
Friday evening 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Saturday morning 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Saturday afternoon 4:00-6:30 p.m.

$495 per person, includes all sessions
Learn More

Stay Informed

Do you want to stay informed on upcoming events?

Subscribe here