Classes will begin on June 30, 2022 at Bacchus Landing
Healdsburg & Petaluma, CA – June 1, 2022–The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) recently announced a new certification program called the Petaluma Gap Accreditation Program (PGAP) for wine and hospitality professionals to learn more about the unique growing conditions and resulting flavor profiles of wines grown in the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA). “PGWA is excited to announce today that Odyssey Wine Academy will conduct a monthly in-person training class at Healdsburg’s Bacchus Landing, under a licensing agreement for the PGAP training materials,” said Tom Gendall, President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers and Director of Winemaking at Cline Cellars.
The certification class will be offered monthly, beginning on June 30, through the end of 2022 and will include lecture and video training, as well as a comparative tasting of Petaluma Gap AVA wines, discussion of the flavor characteristics and how to present these wines in retail and hospitality environments. The course concludes with a short exam and all who pass will be issued a certificate, suitable for framing. “I’m thrilled to partner with the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance to continue bringing in-depth wine education to our community. Getting this certification is critical for wine and hospitality professionals to have the understanding and confidence in what makes this AVA unique and be able to convey that to their customers” said Julie Rothberg, Founder of Odyssey Wine Academy. “We know that wine enthusiasts love hearing the stories behind the wines they are drinking; this program will provide an opportunity for those in the wine industry as well as curious locals to deeply understand the wines of the Petaluma Gap AVA.”
The 90-minute class will be offered on the following dates: June 30, July 22, August 26, September 24, October 23, November 1 and December 8, 2022. The fee to attend the class is $95 and registration is online. Class size is limited to 15 students to allow for discussion and exchange of ideas.
About Odyssey Wine Academy
Odyssey Wine Academy was founded in 2021 by passionate wine leader, Julie Rothberg. Odyssey Wine Academy is singularly focused on making wine fun, approachable and accessible to all. Rooted in Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) certifications, we seek to educate our community about global styles of wines with a systematic approach to tasting, evaluating and enjoying. Currently, Odyssey Wine Academy offers courses from Introduction (Level 1) through Advanced (Level 3) along with the Petaluma Gap Accreditation Program. We believe deeply that learning about wine is an odyssey and all are welcome on the voyage.
About the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance
Founded in 2005, the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) exists to educate members of the wine trade and consumers about the Petaluma Gap AVA and to increase awareness of the region’s unique growing conditions and award-winning wines. PGWA additionally supports member winegrowers and vintners within the region through ongoing programs and communications designed to help them maximize their success within the industry. The group’s membership is made up of grape growers, wineries, associate business members, sponsors and local community members with a passion for the region and its wine.
The Petaluma Gap Accreditation Program (PGAP) was developed in 2022 with the help of grants from American AgCredit, Sonoma County District 2, and Keller Estate Winery.
