In anticipation of the 10th Biennial Philbrook Wine Experience this spring, wine enthusiasts are able to get an early glimpse into the world of wines with events leading up to the Biennial Experience. The Philbrook Wine Exploration series is a set of informative seminars--brought to you by your friends at UTW--in February and March that build up to the main event on April 30 and May 1.

"Philbrook is excited to be hosting these seminars to provide new opportunities for people who want to know more about wine and also want to support the museum," said Karen Fraser, Fundraising Events Manager of Philbrook Museum. "We think they are the perfect way to lead up to the excitement of the Wine Experience weekend in the spring."

On Friday, Feb. 5, Randa Warren, M.S., CWE, DWS Master Sommelier, Certified Wine Educator, Diploma of Wine and Spirits, will begin this trio of seminars with "Tasting Wine the Master's Way," from 5:30pm to 7pm, at Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Road.

Warren, Oklahoma's only Master sommelier, covers the basics of wine tasting--touching on various components in each wine such as acid, body, tannin levels, the length or finish of each wine, fruit and non-fruit aromas and flavors--and the differences between old world European wines and new world wines. Cost is $50 for Philbrook members and $60 for non-members.

Marian Jansen op de Haar, National Wine Director for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar leads the next seminar, "Wine, Artisan Cheese, & Food Pairing," on Saturday, Feb. 27, 4-6pm at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1976 E. 21st Street. A native of the Netherlands, Jansen op de Haar joined Fleming's in 1998 as a consultant and has served as national wine director for the chain since 2000.

Based at the Fleming's in Newport, Calif., she creates the company's wine list and educates the staff about wine. A discount coupon will be available for dinner at Fleming's following the seminar. Cost is $75 for Philbrook members and $85 for non-members.

A "Wine Blending Class" is the final seminar on Friday, March 5, 6:30-9:30pm at Girouard Vines, 817 E. 3rd Street. Hosted by Girouard Vines & Winery and sponsored by Spann Vineyards, Paragon Brands, Yokozuna & Dilly Deli, participants will experience the process of blending wines and learn what it takes to make a special wine with Peter Spann of Spann Vineyards. Those attending will also receive a bottle of their personal blend to take with them; Yokozuna and Dilly Deli will provide food. A tour of Girouard Vines winemaking rooms is included. Cost is $60 for Philbrook members and $70 for nonmembers.

The culmination of the series will be the Wine Experience 2010 hosted on April 30 and May 1. On Friday, April 30, wine lovers and soon-to-be wine lovers will partake in a Vintner Dinner and Live Auction, which will feature more than 40 selected vintners. The following evening, major vintners, local restaurants and wine connoisseurs gather for a Grand Wine Tasting. Proceeds from the Wine Experience benefit the Museum's educational programs and operations.

Reservations and more information is available at philbrook.org.