Berkshire: The Vineyard to offer formal wine qualifications
The Vineyard in Berkshire has a longstanding reputation as a destination for wine-lovers, with its 30,000 strong wine cellar and choice of 100 wines by the glass. To add to this, director of wine James Hocking is now certified to teach the WSET qualification, enabling the venue to offer courses to those wanting to formalise their wine knowledge, or to learn the basics in an atmosphere where fine wine and dining can be indulged.
To date Hocking, who is an associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits, has been ensuring a calendar of wine lovers' activities at The Vineyard including tastings, master sommelier dinners and packages, and now The Vineyard has become the first restaurant of this calibre to also offer this formal training to guests.
Hocking said: “We know that most of our guests know enough about wine to say they know what they like, but we’re really passionate about helping them appreciate the wine and understand a little more. The WSET qualification is a perfect first step to discovery and we’re delighted to be the only five-star location to provide the course in the lap of luxury.”