Champagne Academy turns 60; announces annual study trip
The Champagne Academy has launched its annual course trip to Champagne as part of its 60th birthday celebrations.
Established in 1956, the Champagne Academy was set up to recognise the UK and Ireland as key markets for Champagne (the UK is currently the number one export country for Champagne in volume in the world) and to encourage the appreciation of Grandes Marques Champagnes in these countries. Its prime objective has always been to educate individuals involved in hospitality and wine retail not otherwise able to study Champagne in depth.
Each year 16 people working in UK and Ireland wine roles are nominated as candidates for the Champagne Academy Course in Champagne by the participating Champagne houses. Then the 16 houses jointly host and entertain the candidates during their stay.
The trip includes lectures by the principals and winemakers of Grande Marque Champagne Houses, visits to their vineyards, press houses, cellars and bottling plants, and a range of tutored tastings.
Education is the main focus of the course and candidates sit daily tests and a final exam, on successful completion of which they are awarded the Champagne Academy Diploma and invited to join the Champagne Academy.
The organisation allows the top Champagne houses to collectively promote Grandes Marques Champagnes and includes: Bollinger, Charles Heidsieck, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Heidsieck Monopole, Krug, Lanson, Laurent Perrier, Moët & Chandon, GH Mumm & Co, Perrier-Jouët, Piper Heidsieck, Pommery, Pol Roger, Louis Roederer, Ruinart and Taittinger.
Philip Amps, chairman of the Champagne Academy for 2016, said: "Since its beginning in 1956, the Champagne Academy has given hundreds of dynamic members of the UK and Ireland wine trades an unforgettable experience that stays with them for the rest of their lives and that can have a real impact on their careers.
"I am making it my mission, in the Academy's 60th year, to spread the word about how special and prestigious it is to be selected as a candidate. Everyone who works in the industry should aspire to attend the Champagne Academy Course."
Photo by Mark Fagan, aperture-priority.com
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