We at Winelab Agency are proud to have hosted the first Northwest Wine Coalition Foundation Level 1 Certification Course in Europe, providing a structured introduction to the wines of Washington State and Oregon.
On November 12–13, 2024, the Pacific Northwest Wine Certification (Level 1) was successfully conducted at Winelab Academy in Aarhus. Over two days, 26 wine professionals, including sommeliers, servers, importers, and educators, explored the unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques of these regions.
Led by Bree Stock, Master of Wine, the course combined theoretical lessons with guided tastings, ensuring participants developed both technical knowledge and a deeper sensory understanding of the wines. The program was designed to establish participants as experts and ambassadors for Northwest wines.
The program was carefully designed to balance theory and hands-on learning, giving participants a comprehensive understanding of Northwest wines while keeping engagement high.
Day 1 introduced participants to the Pacific Northwest wine regions, covering climate, geology, AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), and grape varieties of Oregon. Guided tastings reinforced theoretical concepts.
Day 2 focused on Washington’s AVAs and grape varieties, stylistic differences, and market positioning, concluding with a 30-question multiple-choice certification exam, which all participants completed.
By integrating tastings directly into the learning process, the course provided a dynamic and interactive experience, allowing attendees to develop their tasting skills and communicate the unique qualities of these wines with confidence.
Over the two-day course, participants gained a deep and structured insight into the diverse wine styles of Washington and Oregon. The hands-on approach, with tastings woven throughout the curriculum, ensured that theoretical knowledge was continuously reinforced by practical experience.
The structured format allowed sommeliers, importers, waiters, and educators to refine their ability to assess and articulate the characteristics of Northwest wines, making it highly relevant to their professional roles. The final certification exam provided a strong foundation, equipping participants with valuable expertise to apply in their work.
As the first edition of this certification course in Denmark, the program successfully introduced a structured learning path for professionals seeking expertise in Northwest wines. With a Level 2 certification already scheduled for 2025, this initiative is set to further expand knowledge and appreciation of Washington and Oregon wines in the Danish wine industry.
By hosting and facilitating this course, Winelab Academy played a key role in connecting Northwest wine producers with the Danish market, ensuring that industry professionals gained a deeper understanding of these distinctive wines and are well-equipped to promote and represent them with confidence.
In the beautiful setting of Gammel Strand in Copenhagen, Winelab Agency facilitated a Northwest Wine Salon featuring 20 wineries from Washington State and Oregon. This intimate event introduced 60 sommeliers, on-trade professionals, importers, and media representatives to the depth, diversity, and distinctive qualities of Pacific Northwest wines.
A curated hotspot at Winemarket Aarhus showcasing wines from Oregon and Washington State — served by top sommeliers to over 1,000 curious guests.
Across five cities in Denmark, Winelab Agency organized a national seminar series on behalf of Wines of Germany, targeting hospitality and sommelier students with a hands-on introduction to German wine. The initiative aimed to strengthen future sales and visibility by engaging directly with the next generation of on-trade professionals.