My Wine School Partners with Republic of Georgia

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My Wine School Partners with the Republic of Georgia to Boost Wine Tourism:

My Wine School is awarded a USAID contract to introduce the Wine & Spirit Education Trust's curriculum in the Republic of Georgia

March 12, 2012--- After nearly a year of research and planning, My Wine School's CEO, Jessica Bell and the US government have finalized a program, financed by USAID, to help strengthen the Republic of Georgia's economy through increased wine tourism.

In spite of a vibrant winemaking culture and commitment to producing quality wines, Georgia's wine tourism remains latent primarily due to underdeveloped infrastructure, limited knowledge of international wines within Georgia, and limited knowledge of Georgian wines abroad. In her new role, Bell will introduce the wine education curriculum from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the world leader in wine and spirits education, to Georgian wine experts, and develop a unique wine education program for front-line hospitality staff in Georgia.

As an Approved Program Provider of the WSET and the creator of several proprietary and innovative wine courses over the last five years, Bell possesses the experience necessary for successful execution of this elaborate mandate, spanning four months and two continents.

It is Bell's experience with MWS's most recent signature offering, WineCASTs, or live, interactive, online wine classes, which will make this assignment so unique and innovative. In addition to her two visits to Georgia in mid-April and late May, Bell will supplement the WSET's new Online Distance Learning Course with live weekly instruction and tasting guidance via live video streaming from her offices in the US.

"I am so impressed with the qualifications of my future Georgian students, however, due to the group's varying levels of wine knowledge and English proficiency, my main objective was to provide ample and diverse opportunities for learning." Though she has never traveled to Georgia, Bell is excited for the opportunity to share her expertise abroad as well as to learn from her students about Georgia, its culture and wines. "I see this program more as an exchange of ideas, rather than a one way flow of information. Georgia's rich history and future potential on the world's stage intrigues me, and I am as excited about learning, as I am about teaching!"

Editors Notes:

JESSICA BELL OF MY WINE SCHOOL

In addition to starting her wine school in 2006, Bell has a background in investment banking on Wall Street, and an extensive list of wine accolades, including numerous public appearances and coveted professional positions in the world of wine. Specifically, Bell is accredited at the highest levels by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. She also holds a certificate in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier Association and several Master-level certificates from the French Wine Society. Her work experience is equally impressive with a key role at a Spanish winery, Sommelier for The Modern in New York City and as a highly sought after wine industry consultant. She is also one of 50 individuals in the world certified as an official instructor of Burgundy by the Burgundy Wine Board and possesses additional regional-specific accreditations from several French and Spanish regions. Bell is also host of the Emmy- nominated television program "Wisconsin Foodie", Time Warner's "On Demand Wine Tips" and a regular contributor to the podcast "Life Between the Vines", Wisconsin's NBC affiliate, TMJ4's A.M. talk show, "The Morning Blend", and Wisconsin Public Radio talk show, "The Larry Meiller Show".

Ian Harris, WSET's Chief Executive added: "I am delighted that Jessica is introducing WSET programmes into Georgia – this brings the total number of countries where the WSET is available to 57 and I know she will do a great job".

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WSET Editors Notes:

WSET is the largest global provider of education & qualifications in the field of wines and spirits and is accredited in UK as an Awarding Body by Ofqual and has been developing the trade professional for over 40 years and in the Academic year 2010-11 over 35,500 candidates sat a WSET examination.

WSET currently has centres delivery WSET programs in 58 countries and in 17 languages.

For more information visit www.WSETglobal.com or contact Chris Kelly, Marketing Manager WSET This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it