WSET comes to KZN

The newly established KZN School of Wine will be the first of its kind in the province offering certification under the UK based Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). These wine qualifications are recognised as the international standard for wine courses, with approved programme providers in over 62 countries around the globe, making them the largest and most internationally recognised in the world.

With one to three day courses to suit everyone from the eager novice to top industry professionals, classes will cover topics including wine tasting techniques, food and wine pairing, wine service, international grape varietals, sparkling wines and winemaking. The school will be based at KZN’s own Abingdon Wine Estate giving students the extra advantage of hands on experience and practical knowledge in a working vineyard and cellar. The school will be opening its doors in January 2015 focussing on initially offering level one and level two courses, with plans to introduce level three later in the year. Class numbers will be limited and taught by WSET accredited educator and assistant winemaker at Abingdon, Laurie Smorthwaite.

“The KZN school of Wine will be one of two approved WSET providers in South Africa. Those of us in the northern and eastern sides of the country will no longer have to travel to the Cape to expand our knowledge of wine. KZN has not only gained respect and accreditation as a wine growing and producing region, but we can now take pride in the quality of education and qualifications that this province can offer. There is also a massive advantage of being able to study a course like this in a working vineyard and cellar.

The WSET offers students the chance to explore both local and international wines from all over the world and to recognise and appreciate what makes them so different.” (Laurie Smorthwaite)

For more information contact: laurie@abingdonestate.co.za

+27 33 2344 335

+27 60 349 7732

Or visit us at www.kznschoolofwine.co.za