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Myrna Elguezabal

Spain is one of the most fascinating wine regions on earth.

It is a country that blends tradition and innovation to produce outstanding wines, full of history, with a deep sense of place, of great quality and unbelievable value.

Join me in exploring one of the world’s most wonderful wine regions and learn how to enjoy these wines by incorporating them into your every day life.

This is a fun and dynamic course that will take you on a journey to the main Spanish wine regions. You will learn what makes them so unique and what you can expect when ordering/purchasing wines from them.

Read more

Spain is one of the most fascinating wine regions on earth.

It is a country that blends tradition and innovation to produce outstanding wines, full of history, with a deep sense of place, of great quality and unbelievable value.

Join me in exploring one of the world’s most wonderful wine regions and learn how to enjoy these wines by incorporating them into your every day life.

This is a fun and dynamic course that will take you on a journey to the main Spanish wine regions. You will learn what makes them so unique and what you can expect when ordering/purchasing wines from them.

You will learn:

  • Brief History of Spanish Wines

  • Geography & Climate

  • Spanish Wine Classification

  • Main Grape Varieties of Spain

  • Main Wine Regions of Spain

  • Food Pairings for Spanish Wines

  • How to Read a Spanish Wine Label

  • Styles of Spanish Wine

  • …and much more.

My name is Myrna Elguezabal and I love so many things, but WINE is definitely up there on my list. If you’re reading these lines that’s because you probably also love wine, are curious to learn more, and don’t know where to start. I was once there and I designed this course with you in mind… it’s fun, dynamic, down to earth, practical and of course, delicious.

My wine journey started many years ago while living in Spain. I’ve been studying, tasting, and exploring all things wine ever since. I have a WSET Advanced Certification & Spanish Wine Scholar Certification. But enough about my wine journey… let’s get started with yours.

If you enjoy a glass of wine, you'll enjoy this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about wines from spain
  • Food & wine pairings
  • Learn about main wine regions
  • How to read a wine label
  • History of wine of spain
  • Wine recommendations
  • …and much more!

Syllabus

Let’s travel to Spain
Intro
Resources
History
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of Spanish wines, making it suitable for individuals with little to no prior knowledge who want to explore the world of wine
Covers food pairings for Spanish wines, which enhances the overall tasting experience and allows learners to apply their knowledge in practical settings
Explores the main wine regions of Spain, offering a comprehensive understanding of the diverse terroirs and winemaking traditions across the country
Includes instruction on how to read a Spanish wine label, empowering learners to make informed purchasing decisions and understand the information presented on wine bottles
Taught by an instructor with WSET Advanced Certification & Spanish Wine Scholar Certification, indicating a high level of expertise and credibility in the subject matter
Requires learners to understand Spanish wine law, which may be subject to change and could require learners to stay up-to-date with current regulations

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Reviews summary

Engaging introduction to spanish wines

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to the world of Spanish wines. Students frequently praise the engaging and knowledgeable instructor, finding her passion contagious and explanations clear. The course provides a solid and practical overview, covering key regions, grape varieties, label reading, and food pairings, which many find directly applicable. While it is considered ideal for beginners seeking a foundation, some more experienced wine enthusiasts mention it lacks advanced depth on certain topics.
Instructor makes learning fun and accessible.
"Myrna is a fantastic teacher, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic."
"The instructor's passion for Spanish wine is contagious and kept me engaged."
"Loved the instructor's energy and clear explanations throughout the modules."
"She explains complex ideas about regions and grapes in a simple way."
Provides useful tips for buying and enjoying Spanish wines.
"Now I feel confident walking into a wine shop and choosing a Spanish wine."
"The tips on food pairing are things I can use right away when planning meals."
"It's practical knowledge I can apply when ordering at a restaurant or buying bottles."
"Helped me understand what to look for on a bottle label to choose better."
Covers key regions, grapes, labels, and pairings effectively.
"Learned so much about different Spanish wine regions and their unique characteristics."
"The section on reading labels was particularly helpful when buying wine."
"Great tips on food pairings! Made me want to try everything immediately."
"It covered all the main grape varieties I needed to know to get started."
An excellent starting point for learning about Spanish wines.
"Perfect course for someone starting their journey into Spanish wines!"
"I knew very little about Spanish wines before this, and now I feel much more confident."
"The course is designed really well for absolute beginners."
"I found it very accessible and easy to follow along."
May be too basic for experienced wine enthusiasts.
"As someone with WSET Level 2, I found this a bit too introductory for my taste."
"Wish there was more depth on lesser-known regions or specific winemaking techniques."
"It's a good overview, but doesn't dive deep into any single topic."
"Great for beginners, but intermediate drinkers might want more detail."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Exploring The World Of Spanish Wines with these activities:
The New Wine Rules: A Savvy Sommelier Explains How to Choose and Drink Wine
Gain a broader understanding of wine appreciation to better contextualize the specific knowledge of Spanish wines covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The New Wine Rules'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to wine tasting and selection.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terminology.
Review Basic Wine Terminology
Solidify your understanding of fundamental wine terms to better grasp the nuances of Spanish wine descriptions.
Show steps
  • Find a glossary of wine terms online.
  • Study the definitions of common terms like 'tannins,' 'acidity,' and 'body'.
  • Test your knowledge with online quizzes.
Create a Spanish Wine Region Map
Visually reinforce your understanding of the geographical locations of key Spanish wine regions.
Show steps
  • Find a blank map of Spain.
  • Research the locations of the major wine regions covered in the course.
  • Label the regions on the map.
  • Add brief notes about each region's characteristics.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Spanish Wine Label Practice
Improve your ability to decipher Spanish wine labels by practicing with real-world examples.
Show steps
  • Gather images of various Spanish wine labels online.
  • Identify key information such as region, grape variety, and aging designation.
  • Compare your interpretations with online resources or wine experts.
Develop Food Pairing Recommendations
Deepen your understanding of Spanish wine and food pairings by creating a detailed guide.
Show steps
  • Research traditional Spanish dishes.
  • Identify Spanish wines that would pair well with each dish.
  • Write a brief explanation of why the pairing works.
  • Compile your recommendations into a shareable document.
Sherry, Manzanilla, & Montilla: A Guide to Spain's Finest Wines
Expand your knowledge of a specific and unique category of Spanish wines.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Sherry, Manzanilla, & Montilla'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the production methods and regional variations.
  • Compare and contrast these wines with other Spanish wines covered in the course.
Answer Questions in Wine Forums
Reinforce your knowledge by helping others learn about Spanish wines.
Show steps
  • Find online wine forums or communities.
  • Search for questions related to Spanish wines.
  • Provide thoughtful and accurate answers based on your course knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring The World Of Spanish Wines will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Wine Educator
A wine educator teaches others about wine, often through classes, seminars, or workshops. The detailed content of this course makes it useful for someone interested in becoming a wine educator, providing a comprehensive understanding of Spanish wines. The course's history, geography, grape varieties, and wine styles are all topics that one could teach to their own students. The exploration of main wine regions and techniques for reading a Spanish wine label are essential for anyone looking to educate others about Spanish wines.
Retail Wine Associate
A retail wine associate works in a wine store, assisting customers with their selections and offering recommendations, requiring knowledge of the products they sell. If you are interested in becoming a retail wine associate, this course offers a comprehensive overview of Spanish wines. The knowledge from this course will help you support and inform customers in a retail setting. The course will also give you tools to understand wine labels, make thoughtful recommendations, and assist in pairing wines with food. This will be particularly helpful when assisting customers to select wines.
Wine Buyer
A wine buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing wines for a retail store or restaurant and must have a deep knowledge base. The course's focus on Spanish wines will be useful in building a foundation in Spanish wine, helping the wine buyer to make smart buying decisions. The course's exploration of main wine regions, Spanish grape varieties, and wine styles will be invaluable in finding quality products. Understanding Spanish wine classification and wine label information will also be useful for the buyer's work.
Wine Tour Operator
A wine tour operator organizes and leads tours of wine regions, often needing to know a lot about the local wines to provide guests with the best possible experience. A wine tour operator who focuses on Spain might find this course particularly useful. This course covers the history, geography, and main wine regions of Spain. These learning objectives will help the tour operator develop itineraries and help them explain the local wines to their customers. The information provided about vineyards will also be helpful in selecting and featuring specific properties during tours.
Wine Consultant
A wine consultant advises clients on all aspects of wine, from selection to cellar management, and must have an extensive understanding of the industry. Someone wishing to enter the field of wine consulting may benefit from taking this course, as it provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish wines. The course's focus on main wine regions, Spanish grape varieties, and label reading will assist the consultant as they begin their work, providing a foundation for their services. The detailed modules on geography, climate, and the history of Spanish wines will also provide extra context.
Wine Sales Representative
A wine sales representative works directly with clients, selling wine and helping them understand their options. The course's focus on Spanish wines can be very helpful for a wine sales representative in a market with many consumers who appreciate and purchase Spanish wines. The course offers insight into the history, geography, and climate of Spanish wine regions, as well as label reading skills and wine pairings, all of which provide a foundation for recommending wines. Understanding the different styles of Spanish wine will also enhance a sales representative's ability to match clients with the perfect product.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, including staff management and customer satisfaction, and needs to have knowledge of the menu, including wine. The exploration of Spanish wines in this course makes it a great resource for a restaurant manager who wants to effectively manage their restaurant's wine inventory. The learning objectives of this course, which include main wine regions, provide useful foundations for assisting patrons in their wine selections. The course will also help the restaurant manager understand how to pair wines with food, which is crucial for the success of a restaurant's full menu.
Culinary Arts Instructor
A culinary arts instructor teaches students the skills necessary to succeed in the food and beverage industry, including a knowledge of wine. This course may be helpful for a culinary arts instructor to provide students with a deeper understanding of Spanish wines. The course offers a thorough introduction to the history, geography, and main wine regions of Spain. It also includes modules on food pairings, which will assist the instructor to integrate wine education into their culinary courses. This will help students learn how to select wines for meals that enhance culinary experiences.
Beverage Director
A beverage director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a restaurant or bar's beverages, including wine selection and staff education, and must have an in-depth understanding. The course's exploration of Spanish wines can be a tremendous resource for a beverage director who needs to select wines and train staff to serve Spanish wines with knowledgeable expertise. The course's modules on food pairings and label reading will provide a solid foundation for the beverage director. The course also introduces main wine regions, which is especially helpful for a beverage director seeking to offer a diverse and high-quality wine list.
Sommelier
A sommelier specializes in all aspects of wine service and is often the person who creates and manages a restaurant's wine list. Someone looking to become a Sommelier may find this course helpful, as it provides a deep dive into the world of Spanish wines, exploring the main wine regions, grape varieties, and how to read a label. The ability to make wine recommendations is also a key component of this course, which will be useful in the daily work of a Sommelier. Additionally it discusses food pairings, which will assist in creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
Food and Beverage Manager
A food and beverage manager oversees the operations of a restaurant or bar and is responsible for aspects including menu creation and wine list. This course can be a great resource for a food and beverage manager who needs a deeper knowledge of Spanish wines for the benefit of their restaurant. The course's study of food pairings and exploration of Spanish wine styles will help a manager curate a successful wine list. The knowledge of main wine regions and an understanding of Spanish wine labels will also help in the selection of high quality offerings.
Wine Importer
A wine importer selects wines from different regions and brings them to a new market for distribution. This course, focusing on Spanish wines, may be useful for those looking to become a wine importer, providing key knowledge about the history and geography of Spanish wine regions. Understanding Spanish wine law, grape varieties, and the styles of wine will assist in making informed decisions about which wines to import. The course's exploration of main wine regions will help the wine importer identify exceptional wines to bring to market.
Hospitality Professional
A hospitality professional works in the service industry, often in contact with guests, and requires a knowledge of wines to best serve them. This course may be useful to become a strong hospitality professional, as it provides a thorough introduction to Spanish wines. The course includes modules on main wine regions, styles of Spanish wine, and food pairings. It also covers how to read a Spanish wine label, which will be a helpful skill when recommending drinks. These skills will help a hospitality professional make recommendations at the table or bar.
Wine Journalist
A wine journalist writes about wines for publications, often tasting and reviewing wines, and sharing their insights with readers. This course may be helpful for an aspiring wine journalist who wants to specialize in Spanish wines, as it will help them build a foundation in this area. The course's modules on Spanish wine history, grape varieties, regions, and styles will help a journalist to write a well-informed story. The course's exploration of the different wine regions and the styles of Spanish wine will help the wine journalist gain insight and find compelling angles for their work.
Food Stylist
A food stylist is responsible for the visual presentation of food and beverages, often for photoshoots or advertising, and must understand how wines work with culinary products. This course may be helpful for a food stylist, providing information about the visual aspects of Spanish wine bottles, as well as how they pair with food. The course's modules on main wine regions, grape varieties, and styles of wines will also assist the stylist in selecting wines that complement the dishes they are styling. This will enhance the overall aesthetic and message of the presentation.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Exploring The World Of Spanish Wines.
Provides a modern and accessible approach to understanding wine, demystifying the often-intimidating world of wine appreciation. It offers practical advice on selecting, serving, and enjoying wine without adhering to outdated rules. This book is particularly helpful for beginners and those looking to expand their wine knowledge in a relaxed and approachable manner. It complements the course by providing a broader context for wine appreciation beyond just Spanish wines.
Provides an in-depth exploration of Sherry, Manzanilla, and Montilla wines, which are often overlooked but represent a significant part of Spain's wine heritage. It covers the history, production methods, and unique characteristics of these fortified wines. While the course may touch on these wines, this book offers a much more detailed and specialized understanding. It is best used as additional reading for those interested in delving deeper into a specific category of Spanish wines.

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