Rioja consejo opens wine educator course

The D.O.Ca. Rioja Control Board has launched a course giving members of the trade the chance to gain an official certification in Rioja with the aim of creating a global network of trainers.

The certification gained after completing the course will last four years

The Rioja Wine Educator Programme is open to those with at least two year’s professional experience in the world of wine in at least one of the following areas: communication, education, on-trade, wine retail sales and wine distribution. The Control Board will select candidates based on their CV, with those accepted expected to complete an online course, a written paper and further training alongside other students during a stay in Rioja.

“The initiative aims to recruit professionals with communication skills and an ability to influence major wine consuming countries to act as Control Board approved educators, ensuring the quality and depth of the knowledge of Rioja wines that is transmitted,” the Consejo said in a release announcing its launch.

Having completed the course participants will receive a certificate that lasts four years, and will be encouraged to organise training activities and courses of their own on Rioja, either independently or with the help of the Control Board, Rioja wineries and importers, for which they will be able to issue diplomas to their pupils endorsed by the Control Board.

“The goal is to develop future educators who will have competencies based on specific knowledge about Rioja wine and the Rioja region coupled with their own communication skills, which are of key importance,” the Consejo added.

After four years educators will be able to apply for certification renewal, which will be dependent on meeting certain requirements, including the hosting of a minimum number of courses.

For more information visit http://education.riojawine.com/ or email infowep@riojawine.com.