It’s no surprise that wine education comes in many forms. Whether you’re reading an article in a newspaper, print magazine or wine blog (thank you!), tasting a few wines at your favorite wine shop, traveling to a wine region, or simply opening a new-to-you bottle with a home cooked meal, the learning process is indeed a sensory experience. Just recently, I had the opportunity to learn about Le Cordon Bleu London’s Summer Wine Essentials Course, a class that promises to enhance anyone’s wine knowledge.
Steeped in history and heritage spanning over 127 years, Le Cordon Bleu, with more than 35 schools in about 20 countries, has trained over 20,000 students of more than 100 different nationalities. The London campus offers some of the most innovative and professional spirit and wine courses that combine the theory of wine knowledge with practical learning.
Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? Just this week, I was invited to a stellar luncheon to learn more. Co-hosted by Master Sommelier Mathieu Longuere of Le Cordon Bleu London and Elise Terlato, Le Cordon Bleu Alumni, Marketing Manager at Terlato and member of the Terlato Family, a four course food and wine experience was held at Tangley Oaks, Terlato’s international headquarters in Lake Bluff, Illinois. I was impressed by the culinary talents of Terlato Chef, Colin Crowley, and the wine knowledge of Master Sommelier Mathieu Longuere from Le Cordon Bleu London. Elise Terlato was crucial in organizing this incredible experience to generate awareness about the Summer Wine Essentials Course.
In the week-long Le Cordon Bleu London Summer Wine Essentials Course, students will learn a systematic approach to wine tasting, alongside sensory analysis, viticulture and winemaking techniques, wine legislation, food and wine pairing, storing and serving wine, and the ageing process. By the end of the program, participants will have built a sound knowledge of wine and a more discerning palate by focusing on the tasting and key steps of winemaking. Over five consecutive days, some of the best wine professionals will be guiding fortunate attendees in a lively, friendly but intentional atmosphere, where students are encouraged to actively participate in the discussions. And yes, a field trip (or two) is included.
From the first sip of Lanson Champagne Black Label with passed hors d’oeuvres to the last sip of Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon with a lush cheese plate at Tangley Oaks, Matthieu shared his story. After obtaining a formal hospitality education in France, he moved to England to begin his career. Subsequently, he held senior sommelier positions in the country’s leading hotels and restaurants including the five-star Lucknam Park Country House Hotel and the luxury boutique hotel Hotel du Vin. After receiving the Best Sommelier UK award in 2000, Matthieu joined Michelin-star restaurant La Trompette as Head Sommelier during which time he won an array of accolades for its wine list. In 2005, Matthieu Longuere achieved the Master Sommelier Diploma, the “highest achievable status for professional sommeliers” and a status only held by 269 people from around the world.
Photo Credit: Le Cordon Bleu London
Clearly, With Mathieu Longuere as the instructor, students are guided by one of the best. During our lunch, he took copious notes about each exceptional wine tasted, engaged our group with his thoughts about wine as it relates to food, challenged us with talking points about the wine industry and so much more.
The Summer Essentials Wine Course caters to wine enthusiasts and those who are new to wine. About 70 wines are tasted during the class which is held Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
I highly recommend that you seriously consider this course. Please click the link here, then book your ticket to London and start packing!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
