Coming 2026

Central & Eastern European Wine Course

8 weeks

Make up classes are not available if you miss a session.

6 to 14 students

This course requires at least 6 students to commence.

At Cardwell Cellars

Upstairs in our map room.

$900 per person

Includes class time, course materials, and wines for tasting.

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.

Led by our Central & Eastern European wine specialists, 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.

Course Structure

⚬ Week 1

Overview, Regions, & Regional History

⚬ Week 2

Austrian Wine History & Classification

⚬ Week 3

Niederösterreich

⚬ Week 4

Burgenland & Styria
Slovenia, Croatia & Oak-Producing Regions

⚬ Week 5

Czechia & Slovakia

⚬ Week 6

Hungarian Wine History & Tokaji

⚬ Week 7

Eger, Villány and Somló

⚬ Week 8

Ancient Winemaking Traditions in Oslavia, Goriška Brda, and beyond

What you will learn

Find Us

Check our store on a map

461 Victoria St,

Abbotsford VIC 3067

Store Hours
Mon-Tue: 11:00 - 21:00

Wed-Sat: 11:00 - 23:00

Sun: 11:00 - 17:00