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Wine education is extremely important to both of us. Through our books, articles, talks, classes, and reviews, we have tried to help and advise wine lovers on this very complex subject. Through the Parker & Zraly Wine Certification Program we hope to provide wine aficionados with an enjoyable and informative way to test their wine knowledge while, at the same time, acknowledging and celebrating their expertise.
Over the years, many people, both professionals and consumers, have asked both of us how they can test their knowledge of wine. In response to this interest, more than a year ago, we began working together to create an educational testing program. After evaluating the available wine education programs, we concluded that most are too expensive, too difficult, and/or too time consuming. With input from the entire Wine Advocate and eRobertParker.com staff, we developed a new way of testing and endorsing all levels of wine expertise.
With a combined total of well over 100 years of wine experience among us, our team has created a new and unique wine testing program that addresses the needs and interests of today’s wine lover.
The Parker & Zraly Wine Certification Program consists of three certification levels. After completing all eight examinations of Level I - Aficionado of Wine (AW) (launching September 20, 2007 with the Wines of France exam), wine lovers can gear up for the March 2008 launch of Level II - Connoisseur of Wine (CW). The most advanced, Level III - Expert of Wine (EW), will debut in September 2008 and will challenge even wine experts and professionals. Levels I and II consist entirely of online examinations. Level III will include a written exam as well as a meeting with Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly for a blind wine tasting and oral examination on wine.
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