Le Cordon Bleu launches new wine education course

Culinary school Le Cordon Bleu is launching an “entry-level” course on wines, sake and spirits at its London branch this year.

Students can sign up for the Certificate in Wine and Beverage Studies, which provides a crash-course in a variety of drinks-focused topics from varietal wines to coffee and mixology, from March 2019.

The course, which costs £4,250 and required 20 hours of classes per week across three months, will cover “a plethora of beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic including cocktails, spirits, coffees and teas,” according to Le Cordon Bleu.

Although it includes a wide range of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, the corse will provide a particular focus on wine, with modules on key winegrowing regions, the basics of production and how winemaking techniques affect the end product, wine appreciation and food pairing.

The programme will also include tastings, field trips, guest lectures, interactive and theory classes as well as workshops and tutorials.

There is no requirement to hold a WSET qualification to enroll in the course, but prospective students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and have eligibility to study in the UK.

Currently, Le cordon Bleu’s school in Bloomsbury offers just one drinks-focused course geared towards students who wish to work in the industry.

“This is a really exciting addition to the wine education offering at Le Cordon Bleu,” Matthieu Longuere MS, the group’s wine development manager, said.

“We know from our own experience that a deep understanding of beverages can only be achieved through hands on learning – and that’s what this Certificate offers. We look forward to welcoming our first intake of students this Spring.”