Week in Rhone

In mid-June, The London Wine Academy together with La Verrière will open its doors to a small select international group of wine enthusiasts keen to boost their wine knowledge and appreciation. We will host a full-immersion 5-day wine course that combines serious learning with serious fun in an idyllic setting. We hope that this wine course may be of interest to you or to your acquaintances.

It is designed to unite the "best of" elements from traditional wine courses. It combines the rigour of the prestigious WSET Intermediate Certification*, conducted in English by top Masters of Wine, with hands-on time in the vineyard and the winery**, where participants can even blend their own assemblage.

All levels are welcome: it's a small group (12 max) in an intimate setting, so instruction resembles private tutoring, as content can be custom-made to each person's needs. Participants will decipher labels, train taste buds, learn to manage a cellar, and much more. They should be prepared to dedicate their time to wine, even down to exploring food pairings at dinner. But it's not all work and no play-They can enjoy entertainment, creative wine 'games' and pampering, as well as access to all the facilities at La Verrière... tennis, boules, gym, infinity pool, indoor & outdoor jacuzzi, minispa and on-site helipad. Spouse programs available.

La Verrière is a medieval priory recently restored to the highest standards of comfort and luxury, and dedicated exclusively to high level professional and cultural exchanges and learning. It sits high in the foothills of the Mt.Ventoux, in Provence in a Unesco-protected biosphere reserve. Its state-of-the-art boutique winery, Chêne Bleu, uses only the most exacting qualitative and environmentally friendly practices.

Information about the property is available on www.laverriere.com. Information about the course, including rates and a program request, can be obtained on the dedicated website, www.chenebleuextremewine.com