College Offering Wine and Cheese Class

Virginia Peninsula Community College offers classes in non-traditional disciplines. Some are for credit, some are for a credential, and some are just for fun. That last category includes a wine and charcuterie event Nov. 17 at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center on Butler Farm Road in Hampton.

Presented by the Educational Foundation, the evening will consist of sampling two Spanish wines and different cheeses, with participants learning how to best wines and cheeses. There also will be an opportunity to create your own charcuterie board.

The host of the event is Crystal Cameron-Schaad, owner and lead educator at Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet in Norfolk.

A certified sommelier, she is a member of the Guild of Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators. She also is a graduate of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London, a wine writer, and has her own podcast.

Charcuterie is a French word that translates to "pork-butcher shop," usually one specializing in prepared meats. The word also refers to the cured, preserved and dried meats (mainly salami, prosciutto and pancetta) sold in the shop. In French, a charcutier is the cook who prepares the meat.

However, today's charcuterie boards are far different, often consisting of pate, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and dips.

Employees from Graze Charcuterie will be on hand to offer tips on putting together a charcuterie board.

Event details:

Nov. 17: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Peninsula Workforce Development Conference Room, 600 Butler Farm Rd., Hampton.

Cost: $40 per person, $75 per couple