Cape Wine Academy
The Cape Wine Academy was founded in 1979, with the intention of bringing the European standard of wine training and education to South Africa. Since that beginning, with big intentions, over 100,000 students have attended courses at Cape Wine Academy institutions. This has been a big deal for everyone involved, with the creation of many high quality wine makers and producers, as well as qualified people from all areas of the South African wine industry. The Cape Wine Academy does not only concentrate upon those who are just starting out in their careers, but can also offer educational courses to mature members who are looking to get more out of their wine-drinking hobby.
It has been estimated that around 50,000 students attend courses involving wine and wine making. There are also other courses, including using wine in cooking, and for those who work in hospitality. The essence of the courses is to provide the young students with examples of wine that they have never tried before. All of the wine courses are designed to take the students to the next level in their understanding of the importance of wine in South Africa, and in South African cultures and traditions.
The courses begin with the standard South African wine course. This is designed to give all learners the opportunity to find out more about the wines produced in South Africa, and also to teach them exactly what wine means. Once the courses and exams have been completed for this level, students can then move on to the Certificate Wine Course, and then the Diploma Wine Course. Students who successfully continue on this path can eventually take the Cape Wine Masters Course, which is the highest wine education courses available.
As well as the academic courses, designed for those who intend to pursue a career in wine making, there are also many other types of courses particularly aimed at more social wine-drinking. These courses include the Food and Wine Pairing courses, which allow students to sample wines with different dishes, learning how to mix food together with wine to create the perfect meal. Students will also be able to take a Wines of the World course, which will expand their knowledge of wines beyond those which have been produced in South Africa, although it will often give the learners a greater appreciation of the complex wines which are produced in the country.
Students who are interested in courses in hospitality and restaurant wines should consider taking the Front of House wine course, or the Wine Service course. Students who have achieved these levels may then also go on to be educated in the Cape Sommelier wine course, which is considered the highest wine hospitality award in South Africa.
For anyone wanting to take a course from the Cape Wine Academy, you will be taught by some of the top wine makers in the country, as well as those who have previously been through the diploma and Cape Wine Masters courses, all of which can help you to gain an insight into the world of South African wine.
