Academy of Wine & Spirits
| Duration: | Classroom: 6hours. Online ZOOM: 6 hours. |
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| Includes: | Classroom: 12 Sherry Samples, Text Book, Online Exam, Digital Certificate. Online: Online Zoom Platform, Digital Book, Online Exam, Digital Certificate. Want the full experience? You can add a printed course booklet, official printed certificate, and a lapel pin to your booking during checkout—just tick the box before completing your order. |
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Led by Certified Sherry Educator Christian Esser, this immersive 6-hour course is designed for both wine professionals and serious enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of one of the world’s most storied and complex wine categories—Sherry.
Approved by the Regulatory Council of Jerez, this intermediate-level program covers the full spectrum of what makes sherry unique—from vineyard to solera to service. Whether you work in hospitality, retail, education, or are simply passionate about fortified wines, this course offers both depth and practical value.
The History of Sherry – From Roman roots to global icon
Geography & Viticulture – The unique terroir of the "Sherry Triangle"
Grape Varieties & Harvesting – Focus on Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel
Vinification & Fortification – How sherry is made, fortified, and matured
Biological vs. Oxidative Aging – The science behind Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and more
The Solera System – Understanding dynamic aging and blending
Sherry Diversity – Exploring key styles: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, PX, and Cream
The Bodegas – Architecture, microclimate, and their role in maturation
Food Pairing & Service – Classic and contemporary pairing strategies, glassware, and serving temperatures
You’ll taste 12 expertly selected sherries, spanning the full style range—from bone-dry to luxuriously sweet—chosen to illustrate the diversity, tradition, and craftsmanship of Jerez. Each wine is accompanied by structured tasting guidance and practical discussion.
This course is ideal for wine professionals, sommeliers, educators, importers, hospitality staff, and serious wine lovers seeking to deepen their expertise in fortified wines—specifically the unique and complex world of Sherry from Jerez, Spain.
Perfect for:
Sommeliers and beverage directors building fortified programs
Wine educators and WSET/Certified students expanding their repertoire
Retail buyers and importers sourcing premium Spanish wines
Bartenders and mixologists integrating sherry into cocktails
Culinary professionals exploring food pairing dynamics
Passionate enthusiasts ready to go beyond the basics
No previous sherry knowledge is required—just a solid wine foundation and a thirst for learning. This course offers not just certification, but confidence in communicating the flavor, heritage, and versatility of sherry with authority.
The exam takes place as advertised. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. To pass you must correctly answer 70% of the questions. This qualification is Consejo Regulador of the Denominations of Origin "Jerez-Xérès-Sherry" - " Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda" and "Vinagre de Jerez".
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final assessment, participants will be awarded the Sherry Expert Certificate, officially endorsed by the Regulatory Council of Jerez.
This certification affirms your professional understanding of:
Sherry history and regional heritage
Grape varieties and production methods
Biological and oxidative ageing processes
The full spectrum of sherry styles
Service standards and food pairing principles
Earning this credential positions you as a recognized ambassador of Sherry, equipped to educate, sell, and serve one of the world’s most revered and underappreciated wine styles with confidence and expertise.
Classroom: $295
Online: $195
