Rioja opens 2018 Wine Educators Programme

The D.O.Ca Rioja Control Board has opened registrations for its 2018 Rioja Wine Educators Programme.

The initiative aims to recruit professionals with an ability to influence major wine consuming countries and provides training on specific knowledge about Rioja wine.

The first two courses in 2015 and 2016 saw more than 250 candidates with extensive professional and training experience in the wine word in the areas of communication, education and sommelierie, as well as wine retail sales and distribution, chosen to take part in the programme. 

This year, entries from China and Spain will be selected in separate categories following a significant increase in entries from these countries in 2017, according to the board.

The educational programme includes an online course available in Spanish and English, with tests and a final paper during a week’s stay in Rioja.

Selected participants will visit the region in three groups, a first group from China, a second group from Spain and a third group with future educators from all other countries.

Following the course, participants will become Control Board approved educators.

Riccardo Aguiriano, marketing director of D.O.Ca Rioja Control Board said: “We are proud of the success of the past two Rioja Wine Educators programmes and next year we expect to close with 57 official Rioja educators from 19 countries.

“With new regulations coming into place in the next few years, we believe there has never been a more exciting time to communicate the specificities that go into ensuring the quality and rigour of Rioja wine. Our training is first class and these educators will help us take Rioja to the next level.”

Those interested in applying should click here. Registration is open until 31 January 2018.