Certified Rioja Diploma Course

Wine School Founder Jimmy Smith is an official Certified Educator for the Rioja Consejo, and so we are so excited to be in the unique position to offer this fantastic deep-dive course!

Elevate your Rioja Diploma with our exclusive course run over four consecutive Wednesday evenings, which has been designed to complement a fantastic online self-study program.

Our in-person tasting evenings will include detailed explanations of the course theory as well as a total of approximately 8 wines tasted per evening, showcasing Rioja's diverse grapes, styles, and terroir.

Course Highlights

• Comprehensive Learning: Dive into detailed theoretical modules covering Rioja's rich history, terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.
• Expert-Led Tastings: Enjoy guided tastings of over 30 Rioja wines, curated to bring to life the range of grapes, styles and terroir which Rioja boasts including exclusive single-variety and maturation style comparisons.
• Official Certification: Earn a prestigious diploma recognized by the Rioja Consejo, boosting your credentials and wine expertise.
• Flexible Learning: Benefit from a blend of in-person or virtual live classroom sessions and e-learning resources, allowing you to revise at your own pace and sit the exam at your convenience.

Theory Topics Covered:

1. Winemaking and Ageing
2. Geography and Terroir
3. Grape Varieties and Viticulture
4. Legal Framework and Governance
5. The Past, Present, and Future of Rioja

Certification

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to complete your exam online (in your own time) to be awarded the certificate and accreditation of the Rioja Diploma.

Prerequisites

This course is not recommended for beginners. Having a solid foundation of understanding in viticulture and winemaking is important to make the most of the in-person sessions. This course is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their wine knowledge, whether for personal enjoyment or professional development. WSET Level 3, WSET Diploma and Wine Scholar Guild students will all benefit from the in-depth, focused nature of this course. However, anyone with a keen interest in this region who is looking for an immersive deep-dive course would find this to be a very worthwhile experience. 

For outside of the classroom, ensure you have a tablet, laptop, or desktop for online study and the final exam. 

Join us for a journey through Rioja, enhancing your knowledge and appreciation of this renowned wine region!

VAT Receipt available on request - simply email us after your purchase.