Central & Eastern European Wine

Central & Eastern European Wine Course

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 historically deterred the international consumer.

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 build 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. 

Course Structure

This course runs over eight weeks from 6-8pm on Tuesday nights at Cardwell Cellars, with one six hour intensive on Saturday during the course.