UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management announced a new slate of tasting events this October benefiting UCF’s United Way Campaign.

All classes will be taught in the state-of-the-art Anheuser-Busch Beer & Wine Lab at the Rosen campus, 9907 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Participants must be 21 and maximum seating is 50. Each class costs $25 and 100 percent of proceeds benefit United Way.

UCF’s United Way campaign kicks off in October and the university goal is $150,000 to benefit charitable agencies and programs in Central Florida.

The schedule of events includes:

“Classic Red Wines of France” with Dr. Frank Juge

October 2, 2015 – 6 p.m.

France is the source of many classic red wines, from the dark, spicy Syrah wines of the warm Rhone Valley, to the elegant Pinot Noir of Burgundy. For contrast we will also explore the Cabernet-Merlot Blends of Bordeaux and for a refreshing lift we will taste the fruity Gamay wine of Beaujolais. Exploration of the Terroir, history and culture of these regions will provide a context to help us understand and enjoy these classics.

In 1975, Dr. Juge taught the first course at UCF featuring the chemistry of wine and winemaking. A certified Advanced Level Sommelier, he has also grown a grape arbor and made wine as a hobby. In 2003, he joined the Rosen College faculty as a Professor of Hospitality Management. Dr. Juge holds a Ph.D. and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Organic Chemistry and joined the UCF Chemistry Department in 1968. He is one of three charter faculty still at UCF. He currently teaches Exploring Wines of the World and The History and Culture of Wine at the Rosen College. He is an active member of the Society of Wine Educators and a regular speaker at UCF events for the Burnett Honors College and LIFE at UCF, and educational program for seniors at UCF.

“Reds of Spain” with David Black

October 9, 2015 – 6 p.m.

With its warm and dry climate Spain is red wine country par excellence. Almost all of the best wines are made to the north of Madrid across the country from the Mediterranean in the East to the Atlantic in the West. The Tempranillo and Garnacha grape types are the major components of the brilliant reds from such classic wine regions as the Rioja, the Ribera del Duero and Toro which borders Portugal. The seminar will focus on these three regions but will also include some reds from areas such as Jumilla in the South, and Calatayud and the Priorat east of the Rioja.

Dr. David Black has served as an instructor and lecturer at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management since 2009. Black has more than 30 years of experience in fine wine and spirits, including an intensive, five-year Master of Wine Program, studying viticulture, winery techniques, business, blind tasting and evaluation. He has also traveled extensively to major wine regions in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and California.

“Spooky Cocktails and Scary Treats” with Marissa Orlowski and Dr. Cynthia Mejia

October 30, 2015 – 6 p.m.

Planning a frightful Halloween bash? Join our “BOO-zy” class and learn how to pair spooky cocktails and scary treats. It’s like trick-or-treating…for grown-ups!

Our instructor, Marissa Orlowski, has a background in spirits and creating cocktails that makes her an ideal instructor for this class. She’s been a bar manager with Bennigan’s and The Cheesecake Factory before joining the Walt Disney World Company as a catering manager. While at Disney, she helped develop and rollout the global beverage standards used at the company’s resorts and theme parks. Our food pairings have been selected and created by Rosen College Assistant Professor, Dr. Cynthia Mejia. She has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry working as an Executive Chef, Director of F&B, General Manager and Assistant Hotel GM in four and five star properties. Dr. Mejia also has international experience, opening the BLU Restaurant and Jazz Club at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore in 1999.

The general public and university community are invited to register for these events on Rosen College’s website. For questions, please contact rchminfo@ucf.edu or 407.903.8000.

Learn more about UCF’s Live United campaign.