Anyone can become an accredited wine expert at this new Hunterdon County wine course
Six years ago, Flemington resident Dina Given was a compliance officer at a pharmaceutical company. Now, she’s an accredited wine expert.
And she’s helping people — those who want to work in the wine industry, or those who just want to know how to navigate a wine list – become experts, too.
Given is leading Wine & Spirits Education Trust-approved in-person and online classes at Cree Wine Company. The wine bar and lounge in Hunterdon County's Union Township also offers a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, with 50 wines by the glass and 400 by the bottle — all curated by Chris Cree, the state’s only Master of Wine.
Given’s Celebration Wine Academy will offer three levels of classes, ranging from a six-hour beginner class for $400 to an 80-hour course program including tastings of 60 wines for $1,900. Students must pass a final exam to receive a WSET certification from each course.
One of the largest wine education and certification organizations in the world, more than 100,000 people in 73 countries pursue certificates from WSET every year, according to a release.
“You don’t have to work in hospitality to take these classes — you can just be someone who’s interested in wine,” said Given. “We want to celebrate the path of learning about wine, since it should always be something to enjoy.”
Black History Month: New Black executive chef at Hunterdon County wine bar is breaking barriers
Given took the classes herself about six years ago after deciding to take her love for wine full-time. After accumulating nearly 1,000 bottles of wine and realizing that she needed a better work and life balance, she left the pharmaceutical world and started the Wine Diva in 2018.
Since then, Given has hosted private wine tastings and other events, including a wine murder mystery tasting. Last year, she began working with Cree at Hunterdon County’s only wine bar, managing its events, marketing and social media.
Given has known Cree for a decade, ever since she became a customer at his former Clinton wine shop. Later, he was her mentor as she pursued WSET certifications.
Local accolades: These are the best restaurants for wine in New Jersey, says Wine Spectator
Cree Wine Company is a fitting home for the classes, as they complement the other wine tastings and classes also offered at the wine bar. In-person WSET students will receive discounts on bottles purchased at Cree Wine Company, as well as waived corkage fees.
“We have a wonderful Hunterdon County food and wine scene that’s really untapped from a wine education perspective,” said Given of the county that now has seven wineries. “Cree Wine Company is the perfect location because it has an extensive wine list and a space that’s ideal for a classroom. People can take the classes, taste wines, and continue their education here.”
Info: Sign up at celebrationwineacademy.com/course-catalogue; learn more at creewine.com/wset-classes; Cree Wine Company is at 167 Perryville Road, Asbury; creewine.com, 908-200-7772.
Contact: [email protected]
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Cree Wine Company to offer accredited wine classes
