Infinite thanks to Titanium Magazine, one of the well-known and better-structured magazines in Latvia and Europe, for publishing the article on the Valpolicella Educational Program certified course in Latvia. The article is available in 5 languages. As a Valpolicella Wine Specialist and certified educator, I am grateful to the Consortium for this opportunity. Enjoy the article!

For the first time in Latvia, a masterclass at the Valpolicella Scholar Qualification level will be held

On March 14 at 14.00 at the Grand Hotel Kempinski, the Valpolicella Wine Consortium, within the framework of the Valpolicella Education Program (VEP), for the first time in Latvia will hold a master class at the Valpolicella Scholar Qualification level for those who already understand wines (level: Advanced). The training is conducted by Irina Mikhailenko, who has a Valpolicella Wine Specialist certificate. The master class will last four hours and will be held in English.

The Valpolicella Educational Program (VEP) , founded by the Consortium of Valpolicella Wines , started in 2018. The project includes three levels of training with standard programs. Training at the first (soon to be possible online) and second levels is conducted by certified VEP teachers in different countries of the world under the guidance of the Consortium . The third level of training is carried out by the VEP Scientific Committee directly in the Valpolicella region with the aim of developing future specialists in the wines of the region.

The first level, qualifying Valpolicella Explorer, is aimed at amateurs. The second, more advanced level may be of interest to both wine lovers and professionals. At the end of the course there is a multiple choice test and a blind tasting to obtain a certificate of qualification as a Valpolicella Scholar . At the third level, which takes place once a year in Valpolicella, the Consortium selects only highly qualified candidates from all over the world and, upon successful passing of the exam (only about 25% of applicants pass it), students receive the status of Valpolicella Wine Specialist . At the moment there are only 56 such specialists. Read more HERE

At the tasting in Riga, 17 wines will be offered, created in different styles, but produced in Valpolicella. The Consortium provides an opportunity for wine producers to present their wines to professionals during a master class, but for the Riga training, Irina, together with the Consortium , made their choice by determining which categories were best suited for a given master class (Irina is a former Riga resident). Among the selected wines, all four wine styles of the region will be showcased: Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG . At the end of the course there is a multiple choice test and a blind tasting to obtain the Valpolicella Scholar certificate .

The Valpolicella Scholar qualification  is an official international program, upon completion of which  the Consortium of Valpolicella Wines will not only issue a certificate, but also open up the opportunity to receive materials for deeper learning. For those interested in receiving regular updates on Valpolicella’s wines and business, this is especially important. The Consortium’s materials are particularly relevant to wine schools and students seeking the highest level of qualification (WSET Level 3 and 4), as it provides clear and in-depth information about the wines and business of the region. Sign up HERE

About the Consortium

The Consortium of Valpolicella Wines includes 344 wine producers, including such well-known estates as Pasqua, Bertani and Zýmē. But, naturally, each market has its own preferences.

CV

Irina Mikhailenko has a Valpolicella Wine Specialist certificate , has successfully completed the 3rd level of VEP, as well as other international certificates: two certificates of professional sommelier courses in Italy – AIS and FISAR, also WSET Level 3, Award in Wines, and is currently completing Level 4 Diploma in Wines at WSET London School is one of the highest levels in the world.

See the original version on Titanium:

For the first time in Latvia, a master class at the Valpolicella Scholar Qualification level will be held

Tooscans Wine Academy is based in Tuscany and offers online, through a dedicated e-learning platform, and in-person training courses. In-person courses take place in Italy, and Riga (Latvia).