Central & Eastern European Wine Course - April 2026 Intake

Central & Eastern European Wine Course

Central & Eastern European Wine Course - April 2026 Intake

15 April - 2 June Wednesday 6pm-8pm The Map Room at Cardwell Cellars

An in-depth exploration of some of the most historic and complex winemaking regions in Europe. 

Please contact Hamish at education@cardwellcellars.com for further information.

$900.00
 

An in-depth exploration of some of the most historic and complex winemaking regions in Europe.

Often overlooked, the wines from Central and Eastern Europe are shrouded in mystery: a convoluted and tumultuous history, tricky pronunciation, and unfamiliar varieties have been barriers to entry for these wines in many markets.

However, the countries that formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire — modern-day Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia — are diverse, with rich histories, picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and charming towns. From the bold, rich reds of Croatia's Dalmatian coast to the aromatic, zingy whites of Austria's Wachau Valley and the coveted, complex sweet wines of Hungary's Tokaj hills, the wines of Central and Eastern Europe can be a dizzying array of varieties, styles, and regions.

This course is designed to fill gaps in wine enthusiasts' knowledge and provide clarity on the major wine regions of each country and the styles for which they are known.

Foundational knowledge of winemaking through our Introductory Wine Course, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, CMS Introductory Level, or equivalent is recommended.

Fine Print

Students withdrawing from the course within 72 hours of commencement will forfeit 20% of the course fee.

Courses may be cancelled by Cardwell Cellars up to 72 hours before commencement of the first class. In this case all enrolments will be refunded or moved to the next available class date.

Course specification

Central and Eastern Europe has long been one of the wine world's glaring blind spots. Not because it lacks history, quality, or depth, but because its stories have been interrupted, fragmented, and can easily be misunderstood by virtue of complicated geo-politics, borders, and stereotypes.


Over eight weeks you will cover the history, geography, and classification systems of Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Czechia, each country’s key wine regions and regional wine styles.
The first of its kind in the world, this course is the gateway to studying Central and Eastern European wine.

Learn More

We help you find the right wine every time

Wine picked by our expert sommelier

Our team is always here to help

Small producers working with sustainable and/or biodynamic practices

Discover the world through our wine selection