Wine Institute of New England
5 Adirondack Lane Guilford Connecticut USA
About
This Connecticut-based wine school offers wine tasting classes and events along with more serious fare. Their academic programs include the Certified Specialist of Wine program from the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) and the French Wine Scholar from the Wine Scholar Guild.
The Wine Institute of New England does not have its own facilities. Instead, the school rents a classroom space at the University of New Haven.
Renée Allen, JD, CSW, FWS
Like so many of the best wine instructors, running a wine school was her second (possibly third) career. She started as a lawyer, having graduated from the prestigious Boston University School of Law. She went on to work for several firms until she pivoted into an editorial position at the Connecticut Law Reporter.
Renée founded the Wine Institute of New England in 2010. She quickly built a portfolio of classes and wine programs, bringing in several other well-credential wine instructors. Within five years of starting the school, she was hired by the University of New Haven to teach wine and spirits courses for their Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
While running the school, she has contributed to national and regional publications including Connecticut Magazine and the Beverage Journal. She has been quoted as a source by numerous publications, including the New York Times.
Wine Institute of New England
Name: Wine Institute of New England
Description: Wine Institute of New England specializes in wine and spirits education and certification, private and corporate events, consumer and trade publication writing and editing, and public speaking.
Price range: $55- $1,295
Payment accepted: Credit Card
Currencies accepted: USD
Address: P.O. Box 606. Guilford, CT 06437
Telephone: (860) 591-9463
SOMM Review
Although this school lacks a brick-and-mortar facility, it does offer well-above-average wine instruction. Classes are engaging and well designed. The New England Wine Institute is a smart choice for local wine aficionados seeking knowledge and entry-level certifications.
- Accreditation(3)
- Sommelier Certification(3)
- Wine Trade Certification(3.5)
- Quality of Instruction(5)