Metro State has become the first in the state and one of only 45 sites in the country to offer advanced education and certification in wine and spirits through a partnership with the International Sommelier Guild.

Starting Sept. 14, the guild will offer a wine fundamentals certificate course. The class will meet 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays for 12 weeks. The course will first introduce participants to the basics of wine, including sensory evaluation, wine terminology and characteristics of major grapes. In the second half of the course, participants will learn about the wine business, develop blind-tasting skills, and build their service skills and food-and-wine pairing techniques.

Those who complete the certificate course are eligible to enter the Sommelier Diploma Program, an intensive six-month course covering tasting techniques, cellaring, investment strategy, menu design and regional analysis of wines, spirits and ales.

"I am really excited," said Michael Wray, assistant professor of hospitality, meeting and travel administration and director of the college's culinary arts program. "This looks to be a really strong partnership."

Wray will be among those attending the first class this Sunday. As part of the partnership, the guild is providing a scholarship to the $1,500 certificate course for Wray and a student, Mandie Corbin.

The training is aimed at restaurant managers and owners, people considering a career that involves wine - as a liquor store operator or a distributor - and those with a love of wine who want to learn more.

"The classes are rather intensive and are really aimed at the professional," Wray said.

The guild provides the instructor and the curriculum and offers its wine education only at facilities that meet its high standards. Metro's culinary arts classroom laboratory fit the bill.

"We're going to be producing more knowledgeable people for the restaurant industry throughout Colorado, which will ultimately result in enhanced dining experiences."