Eckert’s Wine & Cooking Class Calendar

For more information, call (618) 233-0513

WINE CLASSES

January 10

Wine Class - New Year’s Resolution Wines(Belleville)

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2008!! If you are like us, you are wondering where 2007 went, but nevertheless 2008 is here….. are you ready for it? What New Years resolutions have you made? What plans do you have to make 2008 your best year yet? One of our resolutions for the year is to continue to learn about wine and provide informational wine tips to you. In this class we are going to focus on wines that are good for your health (which is usually at the top of everyone’s resolution list) as well as good for your pocketbook. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store. $15.00/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

February 14

Valentine’s Celebration (Belleville)

March 13

Wine Class - Cheese & Wine Pairings (Belleville)

This class examines the heights that can be achieved when fine, hand crafted wines are paired with cheeses made with the same care and understanding. Then discover the secret to purchasing, storing and serving both fresh and aged cheeses. Through both tasting and discussion, we’ll teach you all the basic principles for successful cheese and wine pairings. We’ll sample some classic combinations such as great big reds with blues as well as some contemporary, artisan cheeses paired with up-and-coming varietals. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Store. $20/Person. Reservations required; call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

April 10

Wine Class - Essence of Wine (Belleville)

Angie and Chris have always been fascinated with the descriptions used by professional wine tasters – “hints of chocolate and raspberry” or “beautiful herbatious overtones of fresh cut grass” – yeah, right. But recently, they have been working to understand these flavors and scents, also known as essences, more thoroughly. When they take in the aromas of a Pinot Noir alone, they enjoy what they experience but could not put their finger on what they smelled. But when they have a glass of fresh cherries to compare it to, the cherry aromas jump right out of the Pinot.

This is the inspiration for our essence of wine class. We are going to pair some of their favorite wines with some conventional and non conventional fruits, herbs and other scents to help us describe the wines more effectively. Our hope is that we all leave the class with the confidence to describe wine more effectively and understand write ups from the pro tasters. Please join us to explore the “essence of wine”. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store. $20.00/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

May 8

Wine Class – Girls Night Out(Belleville)

Calling all gals! We found that while a lot of guys get a “night out” that a lot of girls didn’t have their own night – so we created one! So gather all of your friends, your organizations or your family and visit us. This is a chance for ladies to hang out together, learn about some great wines in an informal setting and socialize, network and just have fun (without guys)! Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

June 12

Wine Class - Local Food and Wines (Belleville)

July 10

Wine Class - Summer Whites & Sangria (Belleville)

Summer is white wine season! From the tried-and-true to the unusual, we will taste 4 wines and 3 sangrias that are perfect on a hot summer day. You will have a chance to compare and contrast varietals as well as sampling some food options that work fantastically with these selections. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

August 14

Wine Tasting - What’s the Score? (Belleville)

Have you ever found yourself standing in the wine department completely confused by all of the labels and wine ratings? Join us as we will help you uncover what the scores mean and how to read them. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Restaurant. $20/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

September 11

Wine Class - Old World vs. New World Wines (Belleville)

One of the great debates in the wine world today is over the differences between wine coming from the New World (USA, Australia, South America, South Africa) versus those of the Old World (Spain, France, Italy). Wine has the ability to create great passion, Old World vs. New World being the basis of one of them. This evening we will explore wines from around the world that feature the various characteristics -- so you can decide for yourself! Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

October 9

Wine Tasting - Wines Down Under(Belleville)

Australia is the 6th largest producer of wines in the world and is steadily picking up steam. From regions in the south to the West Australian Shiraz’s and Chardonnay’s are receiving world-class awards. New Zealand exploded onto the wine scene in the 80’s with and has never looked back. We will taste a selection of wines from Down Under as our wine specialist’s introduce and taste with you a selection of wines from Australia and New Zealand. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

November 13

Wine Class - Reserve Wines(Belleville)

We like to call these wines celebration wines. With the holiday’s right around the corner, this is a great time to buy some “celebration wines” for your own celebration. We will be tasting seven of our most premium wines and pairing them with courses we like to serve at our family celebrations. We guarantee you will leave having sampled some of the best wines ever and some of the best food ever. Come and celebrate with us. Event will take place in the Country Store from 6 pm - 8 pm. Space is limited. $25.00/person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

December 13

Wine Class - Holiday Wines & Foods (Belleville)

With the holiday season in full swing, entertaining friends and family is part of everyone’s schedule. But how can you take your party or holiday dinner from average to amazing? In this class, we will discuss the secrets. From setting up the perfect cheese and wine spread to deciding what to drink with those tough-to-pair holiday specialties, we will cover all the basics this evening. Be prepared to entertain like you never have before. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm in the Country Store. $30/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0153 to reserve your spot today.

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COOKING CLASSES

January 24

Cooking Class - Italian Dinners & Pastas(Belleville)

The winter months are great for hearty Italian meals. Join Jill Tantillo as we learn several easy Italian favorites and try some new and exciting dishes, too! Class will take place from 6pm - 8 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

January 26

Cooking Class - Italian Dinners & Pastas(Belleville)

The winter months are great for hearty Italian meals. Join Jill Tantillo as we learn several easy Italian favorites and try some new and exciting dishes, too! Class will take place from 1pm - 3 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513

February 23

Cooking Class - Easter Brunch (Belleville)

Family celebrations, traditional recipes, and church services are the important features of Easter. At this class we will show you some traditional and more contemporary recipes your family is sure to love. The class also includes a menu that allows you to do much of the work in advance so you can relax and spend time with your family and friends. Class will take place from 1 pm - 3 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

February 28

Cooking Class - Easter Brunch (Belleville)

Family celebrations, traditional recipes, and church services are the important features of Easter. At this class we will show you some traditional and more contemporary recipes your family is sure to love. The class also includes a menu that allows you to do much of the work in advance so you can relax and spend time with your family and friends. Class will take place from 6 pm - 8 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

March 27

Cooking Class-Chris Eckert’s Favorite Grilling Recipes (Belleville)

Grilling is the ultimate high-flavor, low-fat cooking method, not to mention the ideal taste of summer. Grilled vegetables taste sweeter; grilled meats stay more succulent; and even fruit is absolutely delicious on the grill! Join Chris Eckert to try some of his favorite grill recipes from 6 pm - 8 pm in the Country Store at Belleville, Illinois. Space is limited. $25.00/person. Call (618)233-0513 to make reservations.

April 24

(Belleville)

June 26

Cooking Class - Summer Salads (Belleville)

Get some great new recipes for light and easy foods to enjoy on those hot days of summer. If there’s one food that really captures the essence of summer, it’s salad. All kinds of beautiful, ripe produce are now in. When fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their season, there’s no need to do anything fancy with them - they’re just perfect for enjoying in their simplest form. Class will take place from 6 pm - 8 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. $25/Person. To make reservations please call (618)233-0513.

July 24

Cooking Class - Homegrown Recipes (Belleville)

This is our favorite time of year when all of the freshest produce of the season is in, so join Jill Eckert Tantillo as she will show you how to incorporate the most wholesome homegrown products into every aspect of your meal. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6 pm - 8 pm. $25/Person. To make reservations call (618)233-0513.

August 28

Cooking Class - Express Dinners (Belleville)

This time of year time is on the essence with kids going back to school and schedule changes...who has time to think about complex meals? We have you covered with express dinners that you can throw together in no time that are quick, delicious and nutritious all at the same time. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6 pm - 8 pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

September 25

Cooking Class - Fall Bounty (Belleville)

Relish in the bounty of the season and enjoy all of the wonderful crops this time of year brings including cooking with apples, squash and pumpkin to just name a few. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6 pm - 8 pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

October 23

Cooking Class - Eckert Family Favorites(Belleville)

Recipes have been passed down from our family for many years, we have shared many of our favorites with you in our country store and restaurant. Join the Eckert Family as they share some more of their family’s secret recipes with you. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6 pm - 8 pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

November 8

Cooking Class - Holiday Appetizers (Belleville)

Join us for a festive class filled with elegant holiday appetizers. You will learn how to plan and prepare appetizers for great holiday get-togethers. Whether you are in need of an appetizer to bring to a party or planning your own, this class will provide you with some outstanding recipe choices. This class is a must for the busy holiday season. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 1 pm - 3 pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

November 15

Cooking Class - Holiday Appetizers (Belleville)

December 11

Holiday Food & Wine

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Wondering what’s happening this Week at Eckert’s? Call our farm hotline (618) 233-0513. Press 1 for Belleville and Millstadt. For Grafton call (618) 786-3445.