Het Wijninstituut will launch two English-spoken wine course, starting in late September. The first course will begin on the 30th, held at de Hogere Hotelschool in the Hague, where het Wijninstituut has been conducting evening wine courses for many years. The Amsterdam course will be held in Hotel Casa400, beginning on the 23rd. During five evening sessions, over three months, wine lovers will improve their knowledge and tasting skills. This new, hands-on course will be of interest to both newcomers and more experienced wine lovers.

Each course focuses on the main grape varieties, differing from the traditional geographical approach, in which wine regions are presented in turn. The aim of the course is to give a clear and fast overview of various wine styles and to place more emphasis on the art of wine tasting. Sufficient time for tasting will be given during each class.

The course will use the practical and easy-to-read textbook 'Jancis Robinson's Wine Course', 3rd ed. 2006, ISBN  9780789208835.

Het Wijninstituut, owned by André Sauerbier, was founded in 1996, and conducts wine courses at six different locations, with a team of 12 instructors. It also offers training and tasting sessions to both consumers and trades people. All instructors are certified (Vinoloog or WSET) wine professionals. Exam ratings are generally well above the national average. Het Wijninstituut is not affiliated to anyone in the wine trade and operates independently.

Location: de Hogere Hotelschool, Den Haag.
Dates: 30 September; 14 October; 4, 11 and 25 November 2009.
Time: 19.30–22.15 pm.

Location: Hotel Casa400, James Wattstraat 75, Amsterdam.
Dates: 23 September; 7 October; 14 October; 28 October; 11 November 2009.
Time: 19.30–22.15 pm.

For more information on the course, see www.winecourse.nl  and www.wijninstituut.nl.