Rioja launches wine educators programme

The DOCa Rioja Control Board has launched an official Rioja Wine Educators programme worldwide.

Educators will receive certification after passing a theoretical course through: http://education.riojawine.com and practical training sessions including a trip to Rioja.

The initiative aims to recruit professionals with communication skills and an ability to influence major wine consuming countries to act as control board-approved educators.

The board will select candidates based on their CV. Candidates need to have at least two years’ professional experience in the wine trade in one of the following areas: communication, education, on trade, wine retail sales and wine distribution.

Those who are admitted must follow an educational programme approved by the DOCa Rioja, which includes an online course which is available in Spanish and English, a final paper and further training alongside other students during a stay in Rioja.

The goal is to develop future educators who will have competencies based on specific knowledge about Rioja wine and the region coupled with their own communication skills.

Educators will be able to organise training activities on their own or together with the control board, Rioja wineries and importers. Certificates are valid for four years – to renew them, the educators will have to meet certain requirements, including a minimum number of courses, for which they will be able to issue diplomas to their pupils endorsed by the board.

The programme has an e-mail address infowep@riojawine.com for further information.