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THE ACADEMY BULLETIN

News Round-Up: Week of September 7-13

9/9/2020

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Record Early Harvests in Champagne and Burgundy, But With a Return to Normal or Higher Harvest Levels Across France.
France saw record early harvests in many of the main wine regions, including the earliest harvest in centuries in Burgundy, as production levels rebounded after a tough year in 2019.
Related Articles
Bloomberg - 9.8.20

Germany 2019 - One of the Best Vintages Ever?
It pains a little to see how little German wine Americans really drink. These wines are tremendous, balanced and juicy, and pair really well with a lot of the healthier and fresher meals we eat, today. These are great choice for the fall season ahead, as well. Plus with slightly lower alcohol levels almost always involved, these wines do not hit your head like many New World wines can. Read all about the new vintage hitting our store shelves in this report by one of the leading sources for great info on the German wine industry, and for CRYING OUT LOUD - grab a bottle of Mosel Riesling, already.
Mosel Fine Wines #53 (you may need to subscribe, but it free!)

Mezcal is Having a (Long) Moment
And why not? This unique and generally misunderstood beverage from Mexico can be as subtle and sophisticated or as bold and brash as any drink category out there. Some producers making dozens of different expressions from different agave, multiple attitudes and with a variety of wood combinations. All contributing to a spirit that is remarkable more complex than that bottle someone had at a dorm party where the challenge was to not be the person eating the worm (which I can say from first hand experience does not cause any hallucinations). Check out this article detailing what you should know about Mezcal, and then go have a Smoking Margarita!
10 Things You Should know Before Drinking Mezcal - Delish

Will You Be Heading Out This Holiday Season?
With so many businesses changing their model this year, the entire world has had to review its standards for operations and practices, and this includes an adjustment to what the holiday season may look like in the next few months. Will there be any Christmas/Holiday parties, lunches, social gatherings? Your local restaurants sure hope there is, but what will they look like and how safe can they be will really be the big question. The lasting impact fromt he Covid crisis is still playing out, but anyone who works in the on-premise trade will surely be looking to see what can be salvaged from a terrible year. Vaccine? Maybe, but can't count on that to save us - at least this year. Safety and service is what we can control, so assuring our guests that a normal delivery of the holiday traditions is our best (and perhaps only) option. Here are some thoughts from Imbibe on that front.
Safe Festivities - Imbibe
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Advanced Tasting Workshop Added to NEWA Schedule

9/7/2020

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New England Wine Academy has added an advanced Tasting Workshop to the general schedule.

This one-day class is part of the WSET Level 3 program and is for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of wine tasting at an advanced level. The workshop is designed to help WSET Level 3 candidates understand the practical side of the exam, and follows the WSET syllabus, but there are limited seats available for non-WSET candidates who wish to participate.
This option is designed for Level 3 candidates that need extra review time, maybe have taken a break from studies and need to refresh their tasting technique, for Level 2 students looking to get a jump on their Level 3 studies, and for serious wine enthusiasts considering a wine educational path with WSET. 
​
Class is typically form 9am to 3pm, and covers approximately 14 wines as well as the methodology of the WSET level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting. You will be guided by an advanced wine educator in the proper process for tasting, as well as preparing for the Level 3 exam.

If you are interested in participating in this workshop please contact [email protected], to reserve a spot, or sign-up with the button below. Only candidates with a strong tasting back-ground and understanding of the WSET methodology should register without checking with NEWA, first.

Next session is September 27th; cost is $129, per person.

Level 3 Tasting Workshop - September 27th, 2020

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New WSET Courses Added Due to Demand

9/7/2020

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​As of today (September 7, 2020), New England Wine Academy has updated all course descriptions and schedules for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year, and beyond. Please refer to the "Classes" tab above for full descriptions, or click on "Shop" to go directly to the class list.

This past week, WSET added several more options for online wine courses at Level 1. These dates have been added due to demand for this entry level course. Additional classes are scheduled to begin on September 28, and October 19. Class registration deadline is generally 7 days prior to the course date.

Levels 1 and 2 in wine and spirits have quickly becomes some of the most in-demand courses with WSET, as there is a huge interest among the drinks industry as well as non-industry enthusiasts. We do know that cocktails are in full swing among younger drinkers as well as favorites of older audiences, so this makes complete sense. Take a look at the courses available from NEWA for Spirits certification and career growth through better knowledge.

Click Here for Sept 28 L1W
Click Here For Oct 19 L1W

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Customized Virtual Classes are Gaining Momentum

9/7/2020

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We have all been spending a lot of time online the past six months, mostly doing work or visiting with family and friends that we can't see regularly. Why not spend some time learning about wine or spirits online as well?

In this theme, I am also pleased to announce a new partnership with Ameriprise Financial in Simsbury, Ct. For this collaboration, we are providing their clients with customized virtual cocktail demonstration classes.

We hosted an event last month to great success and are now planning the second iteration in early October. Demonstrating seasonal cocktails that the clients make at home while interacting virtually with their "bartender" host, is a great way to engage clients or friends.

Each client was provided a professional bar kit with all the tools they would need to make the cocktails on deck for the event, and included professional grade shakers, strainers, spoons, knives and other implements of destruction. Each client was also given cocktail kits with all of the ingredients to make the drinks selected by the organization. Class lasted about an hour and each participant made the recipes and received insider tips for making restaurant quality drinks from their host.

​If you have a group or organization that is interested in virtual classes or demonstrations, New England Wine Academy can work within your needs as well as budget and time-frame to provide a custom experience that is fun and engaging.
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Bringing Wine Knowledge to Young, Soon-to-Be Graduates and Professionals

9/7/2020

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I am pleased to announce a new partnership with American International College in Springfield, Ma. I will be teaching an intro to wine class as part of a marketing course. These classes will be custom designed around the needs of younger, soon-to-be graduates, and involves addressing the fundamentals of wine knowledge, a skill that can come in handy in the business world, as well as the different styles and designs of wine labels and how they attract customers. 

We will be covering the basics of how wine is made, including variations for red, white and sparkling wine. How to read labels from Europe in comparison to the New World, and we will learn to taste in a systematic and professional manner in order to be able to describe wines with accuracy.

I am really looking forward to working with these young students and getting them started on their wine knowledge.
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    Brian Mitchell runs The New England Wine Academy, and is responsible for the content of this blog. With 30 years of drinks industry experience, Brian has learned a few things, but everyday he is learning more. This blog helps to bring that knowledge to you.

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