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Core Courses

Five of our most asked questions about wine are tackled in five Core interactive classes, which will launch you into a whole other level of wine appreciation and understanding. Alone, these are great classes to explore a topic of interest or complement a certification course. Together, they are the solid foundation to start applying your understanding of wine as a professional; Local to Global, Wine & Bites, Hold or Fold 'Em, Vino Vernacular, and Harvest Insider.

Continue scrolling to find descriptions of each course and certification. For any questions or inquiries, please get in touch with us at info@hcwineacademy.com, or text (830) 282-4281.

Local to Global Tasting Workshop

This extension of the Texas Wine Ambassador Certification Course is all about comparing the color, aromas, and structure of wines made from the same grape variety, but grown in two different wine regions around the world. Each comparative in this class will look at a Texas wine sample next to a classic example from Europe, the Americas, or Australasia. Solidify the idea of terroir in Texas with the Local to Global Tasting Workshop. 120 minutes - must be 21 years of age to taste alone. $85 per person.
 
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Wine & Bites Workshop

This 120-minute workshop will guide you through three practical exercises especially curated by the Hill Country Wine Academy to solidify the fundamentals of pairing food and wine. During these exercises you will be asked to consider core food components and how they impact the structure of wines, complexity, and why classic food and wine pairings work. International and Texas wines will both be included in this tasting workshop, as well as small bites throughout. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. Vegan and allergy accommodations with 48-hour notice (text 830-282-4281). Must be 21 years of age to taste alone. $85 per person.
 
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Hold or Fold 'Em

What makes a wine ready for drinking? In this tasting discovery class, you will taste five wines from the same Texas wine producer which are at different points in their lifespan, all with the purpose of tasting for “readiness.” Together, we will consider a wine’s purpose, structure, and overall balance with the ultimate goal of being able to assess when a wine is at its peak drinking potential. This class discusses advanced tasting ideas but requires no prior knowledge of wine or tasting. 90 minutes - Must be 21 years of age to taste alone. $65 per person.
 
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Vino Vernacular

Wine is a language of its own, and over 90 minutes we will begin to master the words that are used to describe processes in the vineyard to the making to the tasting of wine. During this class you will taste international and Texas wines alongside the instructor while considering the best way to elevate your vocabulary and understanding of the world of wine. Recommended for beginners to intermediate-level wine drinkers or industry professionals in any type of wine-related role. Must be 21 years of age to taste alone. $65 per person.
 
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Harvest Insider

Learn the ins and outs of viticulture (the growing of grapes) and vinification (the making of wine) by working your way through several "harvest scenarios". Over 90-minutes you'll think like a professional wine grower and producer, all while learning the fundamentals of grape growing, common challenges in the vineyard, and considering the many decisions that are made in the winery. The in-person version of this course is a walking tour & tasing at a working Texas winery, and world-class virtual tours & tastings are available for those who would like to avoid rough terrain or long periods of standing. Please look closely for the on-site location of the Harvest Insider course that works with your schedule - and wear comfortable shoes! $75 per person.
 
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Certification Courses

Hill Country Wine Academy is a proud provider of three certification courses.

Texas Wine Ambassador Certification

The Texas Wine Ambassador Certification course is a one-of-a-kind course only provided by the Hill Country Wine Academy. By taking this course you will build a foundational knowledge of wine, focusing on Texas wine theory, and with the intention of developing service techniques that aim to sustain the Texas wine industry during its era of growth. Every certified Ambassador will be able to impact others with Texas-grown wine in a concise and meaningful way. In this one-day course you will gain the skills to identify core themes of growing grapes in Texas, navigate the personal experience of tasting wine, and combat the misconception about Texas wine. A pin and certificate are awarded after receiving a passing score on the examination. $250 per person.
 
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WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines 

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course at Hill Country Wine Academy is more than an introduction to wine - it is a celebration of a product to which we have dedicated our lives and land to. Strongly recommended for those who are just starting in wine and wine tasting, prior knowledge is not necessary before taking this certification class. During this course, you will enjoy 8 wines from around the world, interactive classroom exercises and instructor-led discussion, and lunch during all-day classes. A pin and certificate are awarded after receiving a passing score on the examination. $350 per person.
 
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WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines 

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is rigorous and rewarding. Over several class sessions you will journey around the world, both learning wine theory and tasting accompanied by over 30 wine samples from multiple countries and wine regions. This course is recommended for those who are just starting in wine or wine tasting, and no prior knowledge is required before taking this certification class. During this course, you will attend several sessions of lectures and tastings, with opportunities to discuss core ideas with an instructor. You will cover topics including vineyard and winemaking choices, principal grape varieties and their characters, regional styles of wine, and tasting using the Systematic Approach to Tasting®. A pin and certificate are awarded after receiving a passing score on the examination. $805 per person.
 
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Every certification and core short course can be offered at your location, and are bookable for private groups!

Visit our Contact Us page to learn more.