Is there a middle ground between casual drinking and full on sommelier classes? - The Athan Zafirov Wine Blog

Is there a middle ground between casual drinking and full on sommelier classes?

I enjoy wine and like trying new bottles but I don’t want to turn it into a serious hobby or take formal classes. At the same time I feel like just drinking casually doesn’t really help me learn anything. I’m stuck in this in between space where I know what I like, but I don’t know how to build on it.
Most resources seem to fall at opposite ends, It’s either super basic tips that don’t actually teach you much or very intense courses that feel like a big time and money commitment, Neither really fits what I’m looking for.

I just want something practical that helps me understand wine better, feel more confident ordering or buying bottles and enjoy the experience more without making it a whole thing. Does anyone else feel like there’s a gap here or have you found something that sits in the middle?

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For 15 years, Athan Zafirov has traveled the vineyards around the world and worked with some of the greatest chefs including Francois Duc and Alan Brown.

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