The IVDP, in collaboration with the Portuguese Trade Office – ICEP, local wine agents, and the main sommelier associations, will organise a series of mini-courses specially tailored to the needs of catering students, as well as fully-fledged wine waiters.
Theses will take place in some the main catering colleges and sommelier associations in both Belgium and Luxemburg, the aim being to give present and future sommeliers a solid grounding in Douro and Port wines. Topics will include the Douro’s geography, history, vinification techniques, and the different characteristics of its wines. Student will also learn how to appreciate the potentialities of Douro and Port wines through tastings and a food pairing lunch.
The best pupils will be afforded a chance to visit the Douro and Gaia during 2005.
These courses will be given by such respected names as Guido Francque, Fabian Scheys, Eric Boschman, Kris Van de Sompel , Jean-Marie Smedts, Gérard Devos e Luc Charlier.
The calendar at present is as follows:
Catering Colleges
26th November - Liège
29th November - Stella Matutina of Michelbeke
2nd December- Ter duiden Koksijde
6th December- Stella Maris of Antuérpia
November /December, to be confrrmed, - Bruxelles at Ceria
December to be confirmed - Fleurus
Sommelier Associations
15th November - Restaurant Fawa, Brussels
13th December - Eiken, Oostmalle, Antwerp