
LONDON WINE ACADEMY
Established in 1993, the London Wine Academy offers enjoyable and informative Wine Tastings, Courses, Bespoke Wine Events and Staff Training.
Founder and director Leta Bester first realised her passion for the fascinating World of Wine whilst studying commerce and Wine Culture at Stellenbosch University in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Having visited most key wine regions and worked in New Zealand, Australia and the UK Wine trade, Leta embarked on the Masters of Wine course the UK in 1993.
After 5 years as a freelance Educator, Leta realised that there was a need for structured wine courses that focus on you, the consumer, with the main aim to make the world of wine more accessible to you in a friendly, professional contemporary and non-intimidating way and so the London Wine Academy was born!
The unparalleled expertise of our passionate small team allied to our friendly, informal style really does set us apart from the competition. All our courses and events are intended and designed to be enjoyable as well as informative. We specialise in wine courses and workshops, as well as bespoke wine events and also offer a staff training program
Why should you choose us?
Our educators are the very best in their field and include Masters of Wine, Wine Buyers and top Sommeliers. We understand that expertise is not everything and only use passionate people who have the ability to communicate and pass on knowledge, whatever your level.
OUR WINE EXPERTS
Our tutors are the very best in their field and include Masters of Wine, Wine Buyers and top Sommeliers. We understand that expertise is not everything and only use passionate people who have the ability to communicate and pass on knowledge, whatever your level.
WINE EVENTS AND TRAINING
We are experienced at organising bespoke wine events to suit your budget and requirements, whether for private or corporate entertainment. Please call us or see our separate corporate events brochure for more information. Staff training (restaurant, bar or retail) is also available and can be tailor-made to suit your company’s needs.
ONE DAY WORKSHOPS
Our fun and informative Introductory One Day Workshops run at weekends throughout the year and are great for wine lovers of any standard seeking a comprehensive overview to the exciting world of wine. Our more specialised workshops for example the. Burgundy, Bordeaux or Champagne Workshops are tutored experts and will explore a region or subject in-depth. All workshops include a 2 or 3 course lunch and food and wine matching is always a key theme. Professional tasting glasses and course notes are provided for all workshops.
EVENING WINE COURSES
These structured evening wine tasting classes follow the systematic approach to wine tasting and cover all the main grape varieties, styles and regions of the world. Most wines are tasted “blind” or unseen so that you learn to judge the quality of a wine on merit, without any preconceptions. We aim to give you the tools to understand the wines that you are drinking and the knowledge to experiment with new styles and buy with confidence. Production methods, ageing potential, food matching, storage conditions, wine faults and other important issues are covered on all courses. Our Level One and Level Two courses run for two hours a week for 4 consecutive week day evenings (7p.15m-9.15pm). For a small fee, missed may be attended at a later date. Please contact the office for full details and to arrange.
WINE TASTING GIFT VOUCHERS
A wine course is the perfect gift for wine lovers, but can also be a clever buy for that impossible relative or friend, who seems to have everything! Should you wish to give someone a wine tasting gift voucher for Christmas or as a birthday present, you will receive the voucher at the time of booking online via email. Vouchers can be booked for a specific date or you can book an open voucher redeemable against any of our courses (valid for 12 months from the date of purchase). Monetary Wine Tasting Gift Vouchers can be used towards any of our courses.