April 3rd – The Wine Scholar Guild is excited to announce a new collaboration with The House of Lustau. The extremely successful Certified Sherry Wine Specialist® (CSWS) certification program will launch for US-based students in May 2021 on the Wine Scholar Guild educational platform.
Sherry is one of the world’s great wines. Its history dates to the Phoenicians, and it has been the drink of choice for centuries by both nobles and the masses alike. Its unique production method makes it one of the most interesting, and often misunderstood, wines in the world. Today, a new generation of drinkers are discovering the wonders of sherry. Its diversity is astounding, offering bone dry to unctuously sweet wines. If you are serious about wine, you need to know sherry.
The CSWS certification program was created by The House of Lustau five years ago with the support of the Sherry Regulatory Council. The online course will be taught by Lucas Payà, House of Lustau U.S. National Brand Director, former Lead Sommelier at ElBulli (Spain), and former Wine and Beverage Director for José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup (United States). Wine Scholar Guild Spanish Programs Director Rick Fisher notes, “There has been a renewed interest in sherry around the world, and I am excited to partner with The House of Lustau to bring this highly-regarded certification program to our students across the United States.”
The online course will include two webinars over a two-week period. In the first week, Lucas Payà will deliver a two-hour educational webinar. In the second week, Lucas will host an on-line tutored tasting of six Lustau sherries followed by an online exam. The program is supported by extensive student material: a downloadable study manual, custom maps, infographics, pronunciation exercises, and other helpful resources. Additionally, the program’s highest scoring participants will have an opportunity to be selected for one of two honorary seats at the annual Sherry Educator training course in Jerez, Spain.
More information:
About the Wine Scholar Guild:
The Wine Scholar Guild (www.winescholarguild.org) provides specialization study & certification programs for the professional development of wine industry members and committed students of wine. Fields of study include French, Italian and Spanish wines.
