I've done a few wine tasting/appreciation classes, and it's a great way to learn about - and taste - a variety of wines. I was stuck on Old World red wines but found out I love New World Sauvignon Blanc (particularly NZ ones)!
The place I go to has different classes, from professional ones to those covering regions (e.g. just Australian wines, just Burgundy ones (yes I still call it that)), to food matching ones and one that concentrates just identifying on the scents. Haven't done the professional ones, but have done a couple of certification ones. It's all fun and casual. And no one minds if you spit or swallow.
Have your friend do an internet search for classes where you are. But there are also websites from the wine marketing boards of various countries; they give good backgrounders to the wines/regions of their country.
Examples:
Wine Australia:
https://www.wineaustralia.com/au/dis...ustralian-wine (booklet to download)
Barossa Valley:
http://www.barossa.com/wine