Philadelphia, PA (September 30, 2024) — It’s no secret that New York likes to flaunt its wine credentials, but this fall, the Wine School of Philadelphia is throwing down the gauntlet. With a challenge that’s sure to fire up oenophiles on both sides of the Hudson, Philadelphia wine lovers are being called to show why this city—not New York—deserves the title of top wine city.
The Wine School of Philadelphia, ranked the best wine school in the country, has been educating wine lovers for six decades. What sets it apart? For one, Philadelphia has cultivated a unique, scrappy wine scene. Homegrown institutions like Bloomsday and Jet Wine Bar, founded by former students of the Wine School, are testament to Philly’s ability to outperform despite operating under tight budgets and state-controlled wine sales.
“We’ve always had to do more for less,” says Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia. “While New York pours its money into flashy, elitist wine programs, we’re here teaching people how to enjoy great wine without the pretension. We may not have New York’s budget, but we’ve got grit. And frankly, that’s why we can still kick their ass.”
The Wine School is backing up that claim with a fall lineup designed to appeal to serious wine students and casual drinkers alike. Courses such as Classic American Wine, Exotic Wines, and Natural Wines offer hands-on tasting experiences that challenge students to learn by doing. Meanwhile, crowd favorites like Italy vs. France and The Whiskey Wars promise a playful, competitive edge that is sure to capture the spirit of this New York vs. Philly faceoff.
An anonymous New York sommelier, when asked about the rivalry, responded with a smirk: “We can beat Philly anytime. I promise, but they don’t fight fair.” The Wine School’s students seem perfectly fine with that.
From now through December, the Wine School of Philadelphia is offering newcomers a 20% discount on all classes with the code EFFNYC. It’s the perfect time to join the ranks of wine-loving Philadelphians and show New York who really runs the show.
To sign up or learn more about the fall semester, visit www.vinology.com.
