The California Wine Institute has introduced its new "Capstone" training programme. It was developed together with the wine consulting agency Full Circle Wine Solutions, behind which founder Limeng Stroh and Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein stand.
On an e-learning platform, interested parties can study their way up in four levels from Introductory to Expert Level. In each level, history, climate, grape varieties, producers and styles are covered in different chapters, and each level ends with an exam and a tasting. The platform provides additional learning material on each AVA throughout California, with videos, maps, food pairing tips as well as an event calendar and pronunciation guide. The tool is also optimised for mobile phones.
It is aimed at wine enthusiasts from all backgrounds and is intended to appeal to beginners and connoisseurs alike. So far, the platform is designed in English, and other available languages are Japanese, (simplified) Chinese, Spanish, German and French. Fees start at $175 for Level 1 and go up to $3,750 for Level 4. www.capstonecalifornia.com. aw
