A three-week international sommelier course is being introduced by the Indo-Italian Chamber in collaboration with The Gourmet magazine. “In order to create a real culture of wine in India you need a professional approach that is based on education,” says Sergio Sgambato, secretary-general of the Indo-Italian Chamber.

Italians take their wine rather seriously and perhaps in keeping with that, expect some serious cash too (choose this course if your love for wine precedes your love for Rs 3 lakh). “The course is serious business and will be held over three weeks; two weeks in Mumbai and one week in Italy,” explains Sgambato. “At the end of it, you will have an International Sommelier diploma, (certification handed out by FISAR, Federation of Italian Sommeliers and Restaurateurs) which is recognised by the European Union.” Roberto Rabachino, director of FISAR, and editor of Il Sommelier, will be conducting the course. He’s also on the board of directors of the Worldwide Sommelier Association. Topics such as wine-processing, organoleptic wine-tasting techniques and wine-serving will be covered. Food pairing will also include matching wine with Indian food .

Most parents who squirm at the thought of their children making atypical career choices surely don’t want to read this but hotel management students are part of the target group that includes Indian wine manufacturers, dealers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and wine-lovers.