In a proper tasting, wine must be held up to the light to gauge its color, tossed on a cat's back to judge its acidity, and sipped through a crazy straw to annoy the host. Become the toast of any tasting with today's Groupon: for $20, you get enrollment in one of the following four classes from The Wine Smarties (up to a $40 value): World of Wine 101, Blind Tasting Like A Pro 101, Sparkling Beginnings and Sweet Endings, or Classic Regions and Varietals Around the World. Classes are held at La Costa Wine Co. in San Diego and 57 Degrees Wine Bar in Carlsbad.

Founded and owned by Lindsay Pomeroy, who is certified advanced by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, The Wine Smarties educates students in Dionysian know-how during their vino-minded classes. The 90-minute World of Wine 101 course acquaints newcomers with the fundamentals of wine tasting, educating palates on subjects including structure, aroma, and the differences between Old and New World winemaking techniques. Students gain sommelier-style insight with their study of terroir⎯a concept focusing on how local geology, soil chemistry, and winemakers' zodiac signs affect the character of each wine. Uncover sippable mysteries during the 90-minute Blind Tasting Like a Pro 101 class as instructors train tongues in the nuances of identification and enjoyment of five wines culled from classical viticulture regions around the globe.