Attend a Class at the Bordeaux Wine School

The École du Vin de Bordeaux Offers Both Intensive and Short Courses

Apr 26, 2009
Maddalena Delli

The Bordeaux Wine School provides professionals, oenophiles and gourmets with an opportunity to gain an understanding of what makes the wines of the region so special.

The École du Vin was created by the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) in 1990 and has accredited 164 wine tutors worldwide.

However, the École's range of courses is designed for everyone, from wine appreciation novices to advanced students, and comprises in-depth tastings, practical exercises and visits to Bordeaux’s wine estates.

Wine Appreciation Classes in English

Held in the heart of historic Bordeaux city, classes at the CIVB's École du Vin de Bordeaux are taught in English by local wine experts.

Of the 4028 people from all over the world who were trained at the Bordeaux Wine School in 2008:

341 were wine dealers
134 were journalists
647 were students
3034 were wine consumers

Wine Tasting Tuition at for Novices and Professionals

Between June and September, the École du Vin de Bordeaux offers an English language, two-hour introduction course, daily except on Thursdays and Sundays.

Additionally, at any time of the year the Bordeaux Wine School will organise bespoke courses tailored for 1 to 24 people.

But the School's primary activity are the following intensive daytime courses, taught at three levels on consecutive days, so as to enable students to attend all levels over one week should they so wish:

1. Tasting Bordeaux Wines – From A to Z

This two-day, Technical class for beginners provides a comprehensive introduction to Bordeaux wines, including a review soil types, grape varieties, classifications and different appellations of the region. Students will taste over thirty wines and can create their own blend. At the end of the first day, a Wine Tasting Dinner in a château, provides an opportunity to meet the winemakers.

2009 Dates: 15-16 May, 16-17 October - 2009 Price: €350.00 (does not include flights and accommodation)

2. Bordeaux Wines Explained... In the Glass!

This Practical course is open to those who have completed the Technical level. Over two full days, students will improve their wine tasting ability through a blind tasting designed to stimulate their senses. They will also receive the necessary guidance to enrich their wine appreciation vocabulary. Gourmets will also learn the principles of food and wine matching.

2009 Dates: 17-18 May and 18-19 October - 2009 Price: €335.00 (flights and accommodation is not included)

3. An Encounter with Legendary Wines: The Grands Crus of Bordeaux

Enrolment in the Grands Crus class requires completion of the Technical (1.) and Practical (2.) levels. Over three days, students will travel through Bordeaux’s vineyards and visit wine estates in the Médoc, Sauternes, Graves and Saint-Emilion areas. As a result, they will perfect their knowledge of Bordeaux’s wine classifications and appellations.

2009 Dates: 19-21 May - 2009 - 2009 Price: €600.00 (plus flights and accommodation)