Wine Academy was started by Alex Prichard in order to bring the WSET’s structured courses to both wine professionals and consumers in Adelaide. In addition to the WSET courses the Wine Academy offers tailored tasting sessions and has a firm emphasis on wine appreciation and fun.
Born and bred in South Australia it would have been difficult for Alex not to have had an interest in wine. After a university career spent building up a cellar and educating herself about South Australian wines (often through rigorous weekends spent in the wine regions themselves) she was lucky enough to turn four months working in the UK into an eight year exploration of European wines.
During this time, Alex studied the WSET Intermediate and Advanced certificates with Karen Hardwick at The Wine Academy (shortlisted for the WSET Reidel Educator of the Year in 2008), with whom Alex has also done some teaching. Gaining a Distinction in both exams was topped off by being included in the top 30 students in Advanced in 2008 and subsequently winning the A A Calem Port Award.
While in the UK there was plenty of time for further drinking and travel, including a four day winemaking trip to the southern Rhone during vintage in 2008.
Alex also worked with Latitude Wines in Leeds, hosting tastings in Leeds.
Alex completed the Foundation and Intermediate Delivery modules of the WSET Educator Training Programme in 2009, just in time to return to Adelaide and set up Wine Academy.
In 2011, Alex participated in the prestigious L’Erudito – Lorenzo Galli Wine Scholarship programme, a two day Italian wine masterclass held annually in Melbourne.
Few of us are lucky to enjoy an unlimited wine budget, and by understanding what you like and why you can try new wines with confidence. Alex is an enthusiastic and passionate wine communicator: her emphasis is placed firmly on enjoying what you drink.
If you’ve got a burning wine question, or would like to know more about courses, parties or a particular wine – just get in touch!
