Wine Courses in Barcelona - Rack & Return
I had heard many great things about local Rack & Return that organizes wine courses and tasting events. I took part of their WSET Level 1 course and was thrilled: I learned so much and it gave me a whole new vision and insight into the world of wines. My next step is now to do WSET Level 2.
If you’re not familiar with the WSET it is the Wine & Spirit Education Trust: a globally recognized organization that provides education and qualifications in the field of wine, spirits, and sake. Established in 1969, the WSET offers a range of courses for individuals at various levels of expertise, from beginners to industry professionals. The organization is known for its comprehensive and structured approach to wine and spirits education. This was very much visible throughout the course material: it was easy to understand and made memorizing a simple task.
Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
WSET courses cover topics such as grape varieties, wine regions, production techniques, tasting skills, and the business of wine. The qualifications awarded by WSET are widely respected in the wine and spirits industry and are often sought after by individuals pursuing careers in wine, hospitality, and related fields. I was amazed at the skills you can acquire already at Level 1, including tips and tricks that make it easy to understand how to pick out the alcohol levels, aromas, tannins, and more when you’re tasting.
Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The WSET courses typically involve both theoretical knowledge and practical tasting components, allowing students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. The organization has a tiered qualification system, starting from Level 1 (Foundation) and progressing to Level 4 (Diploma), with additional specialized courses available. Overall, WSET plays a significant role in promoting education and knowledge in the world of wines, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages.
Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
I participated in an online version, but I felt it was just as good as an in-person one. The instructor Michael (there are several ones, all great professionals) is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful with anything you might want to know, including things that might be out of scope for the level you are in. The online classroom is great; you have the opportunity to ask questions there, too, and you have additional material and small tests after each class.
Rack & Return organizes classes both online and in person, and in both Spanish and English, you can see their courses and dates here. If you would like to sign up for one, you can use this discount code, valid until February 29th 2024: barcelonafoodexperience10 for a 10% discount!
