A Guide to Wine Education: From Enthusiast to Expert
Written by - Cult Wines Team
Unlock the world of wine through structured education designed to suit enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you’re refining your palate, aiming for a career in wine service, or pursuing advanced expertise, wine education opens doors to deeper knowledge and exciting opportunities. From beginner courses that cover tasting techniques and food pairings to elite certifications like Master of Wine (MW) and Master Sommelier (MS), each programme offers a unique path to success.
Globally recognised institutions such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Wine Scholar Guild (WSG), Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), and the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) provide comprehensive learning experiences tailored to different goals. Whether you’re interested in broad wine theory, regional specialisation, or fine-dining service, these qualifications can boost your expertise and career prospects.
Explore our guide to understand each programme’s structure, requirements, and industry applications. Discover which path aligns with your aspirations and gain the confidence to navigate the world of wine—whether for personal enjoyment, professional growth, or becoming a leading expert.
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News in brief
Wine Paris 2025 Sets New Attendance Record
The recent Wine Paris event, held from 10-12 February 2025, achieved a record-breaking attendance of 52,622 visitors, with 45% hailing from 154 countries. The international exhibitor space expanded by 80%, introducing participants from eight new territories, including Australia and Washington State. The Be Spirits section also grew by 47%, featuring nearly 300 producers from 34 countries, 76% of whom were first-time exhibitors. This surge positions Wine Paris ahead of its rival, ProWein, which saw a decline to 47,000 visitors in 2024. Vinexposium's CEO, Rodolphe Lameyse, noted the event's rapid growth, reaching targets two years ahead of schedule.
Sparkling Wine Aged Beneath Arctic Waters Resurfaces
Thousands of bottles of sparkling wine have been retrieved from the Arctic Ocean off Norway after maturing for eight months at 112 feet deep. Launched by Hurtigruten in 2022, the “Havets Bobler” project uses deep-sea pressure and cold temperatures to refine the wine’s texture and bubbles. Demand is soaring, with 4,500 bottles submerged this season—up from 1,500 in 2022—and plans for 5,000 more this September. The wine, made from Sussex-grown grapes, is currently exclusive to Hurtigruten cruises, priced at £93 per bottle. This marks the first Arctic underwater wine cellar.
Antinori Family Acquires Napa's Arcadia Vineyard
The Antinori family, one of Italy’s oldest winemaking dynasties, has acquired Napa Valley’s Arcadia Vineyard, a key grape source for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Previously owned by the Winiarski family since 1996, the vineyard was purchased from Austin Hills of Grgich Hills Estate. This move strengthens Antinori’s footprint in Napa, blending their centuries-old winemaking expertise with the region’s renowned terroir.
What we’re drinking
2019 Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia
Sean Wright, Purchasing Assistant - Cult Wines
One of Italy’s most prestigious wineries, Ornellaia is known for its iconic wines, which that stand amongst the finest produced in Tuscany. While the estate is famous for its Legendary ‘Super-Tuscan’ offerings, Poggio alle Gazze exists in contrast to the estate’s classic reds, instead a white wine of decidedly fresh and vibrant character. Poggio alle Gazze is primarily made from Sauvignon Blanc, with 16% Vermentino and 6% Verdicchio comprising the remainder of the blend.
The 2019 Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia isn’t an imposing or oppressive wine, possessing delicate acidity and an array of subtle, nuanced aromas and flavours which work in concert with one another to create a wine which is clearly greater than the sum of its parts.
While the fruit is ripe, fresh, and pronounced, it is never overpowering. The typical vegetal notes of Sauvignon Blanc are present, but they’re seamlessly integrated, a touch of asparagus and cut grass adding complexity without excessively dominating the wine.
Flavours of citrus, green apple, and just-ripe mango emerge alongside a subtle mineral touch. 50% of the wine is fermented in a combination of new and old oak barriques, and this element, too, exists in harmony with the wine as a whole, adding depth and roundness to the intrinsic fresh character. Every element is impeccably integrated, with the wine’s balance and elegance perhaps the clearest indications of the quality that defines Ornellaia.
Our fine wine feature
Reimagine the Border of New World Wine Regions
Written by - Jessie Wu, Client Account Manager - Cult Wines
Discover the evolving wine landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, two New World powerhouses renowned for distinct, high-quality wines. Australia’s Barossa Valley excels with bold Shiraz, Margaret River with refined Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tasmania with elegant sparkling wines. Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s Marlborough leads with vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, while Central Otago produces complex Pinot Noir.
The article explores the potential unification of both regions into a single wine zone, offering joint marketing and tourism opportunities. While collaboration could boost global visibility, concerns remain over preserving each country’s unique wine identity and overcoming regulatory challenges.
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Explore & travel
Plovdiv and the Thracian Lowlands: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Written by - Cult Wines Team
Discover Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s ancient city where rich history and vibrant winemaking traditions converge. Nestled in the Thracian Lowlands, this region has been crafting wine for over 6,000 years, blending age-old techniques with modern innovation. Indigenous grapes like Mavrud and Rubin steal the spotlight, offering bold, complex flavours that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
From tasting a structured Mavrud Reserve at Bendida Winery to enjoying local vintages at wine bars like Cork & Fork, each experience showcases Bulgaria’s winemaking renaissance. Paired with traditional cuisine and set against the backdrop of Plovdiv’s cobbled Old Town, it’s a journey through culture, history, and taste.
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