The aim is to celebrate the diversity and culture of the world of wine with a global programme of interactive events, which started at London’s Oval cricket ground on Monday night with a Guinness World Record for the largest ever sommelierie lesson.

The event was hosted by TV personality and Olly Smith and sommelier Virgilio Gennaro with more than 330 attendees taking part in the attempt to break the existing record of 309. 

“I’m firmly of the belief that learning about this wonderful drink can help you appreciate and enjoy it even more,” said Smith. “And our Guinness World Record attempt is the perfect way to launch the exciting programme of events that’s taking place across the globe in the week ahead.”

The London event was part of a 24-hour global food and wine pairing session to mark the launch of Wine Education Week. Launch events took part across the world at 6pm local time in 24 countries starting in New Zealand and ending in the US.