For those eager to expand their knowledge of wine, there are numerous exceptional wine education programs scattered across the globe, offering unique learning opportunities. Whether aspiring for a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma or looking to delve deep into viticulture, there are incredible places to study wine and explore the fascinating world of different grape varieties.
The Wine School at WOW, Porto, Portugal
Set within Portugal's vibrant cultural district, the World of Wine (WOW) offers an impressive array of educational opportunities. The wine school at WOW, besides the seven wine museums and gourmet stops, is an ideal setting to deepen one's wine knowledge. The "Demystifying Wine" workshop is a perfect starting point, covering wine production basics and tasting techniques. For advanced enthusiasts, WSET levels I and II courses are available in both English and Portuguese, requiring prior sign-up. Personalized tastings and masterclasses can further enrich the learning experience.
Vernaccia Di San Gimignano Wine Experience, Italy
In the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano, students can immerse in the world of Vernaccia, Italy's celebrated white wine. This masterclass delves into Vernaccia’s production, history, and aromatic profiles, supplemented by wine tasting and gastronomic pairing. Conducted in Italian, English, and French, this course is a gateway to the Tuscan wine realm.
Chêne Bleu Extreme Wine, Provence, France
Nestled in Provence, Chêne Bleu offers immersive wine education through their "Extreme Wine" and "Beyond Extreme" courses, aimed at WSET II and III certifications. These week-long programs include gourmet meals, top-rated wines, and expert-led sessions, making it a dream course for oenophiles. Esteemed instructors and exclusive estate tours elevate the learning experience to an unparalleled level.
Rack and Return, Barcelona, Spain
Founded by three wine devotees, Rack and Return takes a unique approach to wine education. Alongside typical WSET courses, students explore minimally-intervened wines and selections gaining recent popularity. Courses in English and Spanish are enriched by instructors who are winemakers or wine ambassadors themselves, offering an authentic taste of Spanish wine culture.
Once Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region presents a serene setting to uncover the complexities of American wine. The "Cultivate FLX" program provides WSET courses facilitated by international experts. For those preferring a relaxed pace, wine flights at the tasting room offer insights into local wines and regional wine-food pairings, enhancing the educational journey.
Lothian Wine School, Edinburgh, Scotland
In Edinburgh, Lothian Wine School caters to various expertise levels, from introductory to specialized wine region classes. Their Scottish Food and Wine pairing course is a noteworthy experience, presenting unique culinary matches. Comprehensive WSET courses are also on offer, appealing to a broad spectrum of wine enthusiasts.
Bob Campbell's Wine Certificate Course, Auckland, New Zealand
Led by Master of Wine Bob Campbell, this full-day course at Caro's wine shop focuses on practical wine knowledge for consumers. Participants learn about wine storage, serving temperatures, and food pairing, concluding with a tasting of numerous wines. This accessible program is an invaluable resource for wine lovers in New Zealand.
Burgundy Wine School, Beaune, France
Founded by Cristina Otel, the Burgundy Wine School specializes in the wines of Burgundy. Courses range from introductory classes that map out the region to in-depth two-day sessions traversing Burgundy's distinctive terroirs. These classes offer a meticulous examination of Burgundy wines, paired with extensive tastings that transpose students to the heart of French wine excellence.
Wine education is an exciting journey that spans continents and cultures, offering enthusiasts a wealth of knowledge. For those seeking to elevate their wine journey and connect with experts globally, discover the unique opportunities now available. Join the ever-growing community dedicated to the art and science of wine by registering at Quincy.
