ACRUAGA inaugurates the in-person classes of the prestigious WSET Level 2 Course.
A total of 25 students, the maximum allowed capacity, started the in-person classes of the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 Course this morning. The course is delivered by the Galicia Wine Academy and promoted by the Association of Galician Wine Regulatory Councils and the PGI for Traditional Spirits and Liqueurs of Galicia (ACRUAGA), with the support of the Regional Ministry of Economy, Business, and Innovation through IGAPE.The training is conducted by engineer Jorge Vila Fernández, director of the academy in Spain, holder of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, WSET Certified Educator, and accredited trainer for the D.O. Rioja, D.O. Jerez, and D.O. Cava.Following the welcome speech by Concha Iglesias, president of the C.R.D.O. Ribeiro, Antonio Lombardía, president of ACRUAGA, expressed his gratitude to the participants and reaffirmed ACRUAGA’s commitment to programs “focused on deepening knowledge of the wine sector and courses aimed at strengthening and improving commercial strategies and the internationalization of our wines, spirits, and liqueurs.” Lastly, Jorge Vila highlighted the key aspects of the course and its significance in the wine industry for professionals already accredited at different WSET levels.
The Course
In addition to a three-month remote learning component, during which students prepared their study materials independently, the course includes 18 hours of in-person training. These sessions will be held at the Laias Caldaria Hotel Balneario over three days—two Fridays (February 14 and 21) and one Saturday (February 22). As outlined in the course objectives, the training aims to provide “a basic yet solid knowledge of wines, studying the world’s main grape varieties and the regions where they are grown,” all to understand “the different styles of wine they produce and the terms that identify them on their labels.”The 25 participants (the maximum number admitted for the course) will learn about the factors influencing wine styles, key grape varieties, wine quality levels, major wine regions worldwide, and the production of sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines, as well as spirits. Additionally, they will cover topics such as storage, selection, and service of wines. The course will culminate with the learning of the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT). A final exam will assess their knowledge at the end of the in-person sessions.
About WSET
The prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading provider of qualifications in wines, spirits, and sake. It is recognized by the most influential beverage companies and organizations worldwide and has been a leader in the development and delivery of wine and spirits education for over five decades.WSET offers four progressive levels of certification, available in more than 70 countries through an extensive network of approved course providers. These qualifications empower both professionals and enthusiasts in the wine and spirits industry.