Founded in 1969, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary as the largest global provider of wine and spirit qualifications by hosting the first-ever global Wine Education Week (September 9-15) and attempting to break the existing world record for the largest recorded sommelierie lesson. Around the world, more than 15,000 people participated in Wine Education Week sessions, with more than 75 events taking place in 30 U.S. cities throughout the week.
To launch the Wine Education Week on September 9, WSET coordinated a continuous 24-hour global wine and food tasting in 24 countries that started in Auckland, New Zealand, and ended in California, United States. In the U.K., the launch included an attempt to break the Guinness World Record’s title for the largest-ever recorded sommelierie lesson. Hosted by TV personality and award-winning wine expert Olly Smith, and WSET certified educator and Wine Director of Giorgio Locatelli Consultancy Virgilio Gennaro, the event at London’s Kia Oval had more than 330 attendees take part in the attempt to break the current record of 309 people. Olly and Virgilio guided the guests through a tasting of four wines with complementary foods to provide insight into the art of pairing.
“It’s been a pleasure to be involved in raising more than a few glasses to kick of WSET’s Wine Education Week,” says Olly Smith. “I believe learning more about wine helps you appreciate and enjoy it more and attempting to break the Guinness World Record is the perfect way to launch an exciting week of wine events around the globe!”
To learn more about WSET’s qualifications or to find a local Approved Program Provider (APP), visit WSETglobal.com. To find out more about Wine Education Week, visit Wine Education Week.
