The Cava Academy concludes a successful second edition of its on-site course

The Academy’s Advanced Level Certified Cava Educator course aims to communicate the quality and diversity of Cava - its culture, tradition, landscapes and people

The Advanced Level Certified Cava Educator is the most prestigious training programme about Cava. On 9 and 10 February 2023, a group of international prescriptors from nine different countries were hosted in the heart of the Cava region. Among the 21 leading wine professionals willing to learn more in depth about Cava, were several WSET alumni, official trainers from the Cava Academy online, and from other prestigious wine and sommelier schools.

The immersive trip to the Cava Designation of Origin started at the Regulatory Council, with a master class introducing the Cava D.O., delving in detail into segmentation and zoning regulations. This session was given by the Cava D.O.’s director of communication, Patrícia Correia.

The initial session culminated with an acclaimed blind tasting of 12 Cavas by Master of Wine David Forer. In an entertaining yet highly professional presentation, this MW explained the different categories of Cava by ageing, the various grape varieties permitted in the Designation of Origin, and the distinct styles of Cava according to their dosage.

The Advanced Level Certified Cava Educator students followed a comprehensive programme that combined training sessions on technical subjects with visits to four wineries and vineyards, and tastings of around 30 Cavas de Guarda Superior from around the entire Designation of Origin.

These visits facilitated an exchange of opinions with the winemakers, oenologists and winegrowers who took part in the meetings, thereby providing a first-person approach to conveying the diversity, culture, tradition and high quality of Cava.

"Not only did I learn in depth about Cava and its people, but I also feel more inspired by it."

The first stop for the 21 students was at Can Sala, the Cava de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado winery of Vins Família Ferrer. Here, they learned about the new integral winemaker seal and the Guarda Superior category, directly from experienced professionals.

The commitment to viticulture and sustainability that exemplifies the Cava region was discussed at the next stop, the Parés Baltà winery, where the winemakers also offered a creative activity based on the art of coupage and the necessary specifications to consider when creating the base wine for Cava.

At the Juvé Camps winery, the participants obtained practical experience of the goblet pruning technique, as well as the secrets of the traditional method and manual disgorging.

Finally, at the Mastinell winery, a tasting menu demonstrated how to enjoy Cava, and its gastronomic versatility, as a unique wine to perfectly accompany any dish, or complex menu, from start to finish.

"I want to thank our instructors for an amazing course! I learned so much over the two days that now I feel ready to share my love of Cava with the world."

The Cava Academy Advanced Level Certified Cava Educator programme is a unique opportunity to hone your knowledge of the vineyard, the terrain, the region’s climates, the technical aspects of Cava-making, the art of tasting, and the many pairing options for this gastronomic and versatile quality Spanish sparkling wine.

"Having worked in event management for almost two decades, I must congratulate the academy and the wineries for the excellent organisation of the programme. The two days exceeded all my expectations."

The Cava D.O. would like to congratulate all the participants for their keen interest in Cava, their proactivity during the course, and the strong bonds and links that have been forged around Cava. It has been a real pleasure to share the characteristics and uniqueness of Cava fine bubbles with you!

New dates for the next Cava Academy on-site experience

The third edition of the Advanced Level Certified Cava Trainer course is scheduled for 8 and 9 February 2024, coinciding with the Barcelona Wine Week International Wine Fair. Pre-registration for the course will be available from 10 to 30 November 2023 on the Cava Academy website: www.cavaacademy.com.

D.O. Cava, a commitment to origin, land and sustainability

With more than 70% of international sales, Cava is the Spanish D.O. with the highest exports. The Cava industry has over 38,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 6,200 winegrowers, and its 349 associated wineries are present in more than 100 countries. Cava, which pairs harmoniously with every type of gastronomy, is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land and sustainability.