WSET 1 AT CASTELLO DI POTENTINO, TUSCANY MAY 9-MAY 12, 2025
WSET 1 AT CASTELLO DI POTENTINO, TUSCANY MAY 9-MAY 12, 2025
CASTLE WINE WORKSHOP (WSET 1)- This is a weekend residential course held in a beautifully restored medieval castle and working winery close to Montalcino.
Learn the essentials about wine with a special focus on the wines of Italy, following the globally recognised WSET approach. Enjoy vineyard hikes, waterfalls and wine stones within minutes of the castle walls.
Meals are home (castle) cooked prepared using locally sourced organic and free range ingredients and vegetables from Potentino's vegetable garden-Fresh bread, jams, fruit and yogurt, tea and coffee is served in the breakfast room each morning after (optional) yoga sessions in the library.
DETAILS
The Wine Course
The WSET Level 1 course teaches the student the fundamentals so they leave the castle clear about what wines they like and how to verbalise that preference...plus other essentials such as - How wine is made, What are the "Noble" grape varieties, How to select a wine off a wine list, How to correctly serve and store wine and How to spot a faulty wine. Participate in food and wine matching workshops, tour the castle winery and vineyards and enjoy a sparkling wine breakfast.
WSET Level is an empowering course intended for those who have a little, or no prior knowledge of wines. It is designed to provide a sound but simple, engaging and fascinating introduction to wines.
The weekend includes a minimum of 6 hours course time and a very straightforward 45 minute multiple choice exam.
What you will learn:
The main types and styles of wine
Common (or better, “Noble”) wine grapes and their characteristics
How wine is made
Tutored tasting of 10 wines plus a tasting, hosted by winemaker Charlotte Horton of the range of Potentino’s production.
How to store and serve wine and recognise a faulty wine
The principles of food and wine pairing
How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
The Castle
Castello di Potentino is set on Mount Amiata in the south of Tuscany, itis a working organic farm that produces award-winning wines and olive oil. Its grounds include a private chapel and beautiful garden. Built on an Etruscan site Castello di Potentino lies in a secret valley in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany – Monte Amiata. The medieval building is surrounded by unspoilt countryside, dotted with the vines and the ancient olive trees used for the estate’s small production of high quality wine, grappa and oil.
The first document to mention the Castello di Potentino is dated 1042. However, the original foundations are probably Etruscan. Over the centuries the property passed through the hands of many well-known Tuscan families of noble descent - the Tolomei, the Bonsignori, and the the Salimbeni, whom in the company of Contessa Bianchina, received Saint Catherine of Siena as a guest at the castle. At the end of the 16th Century it became a centre for the charitable works of the hospital order of Santa Maria della Scala.
After this period of religious activity, the Medici Duke Ferdinando I conceded the estate to Marchese Giovan Battista Bourbon del Monte, famous commander-in-chief of the infantry of the Venetian Republic. His descendants finally sold the castle to a gentleman from Switzerland, Antonio Hemmeler, in 1906. Recently it was purchased and restored by the Greene family, who have given new life to the ancient traditions of the building. The castle has eight luxurious bedrooms. The rooms all have different designs, some with wood beams and others with frescoes on the ceiling. Each one has antique furniture and plenty of old world charm.
Agriculture and viticulture are about growing and living, so eating and drinking well are an important element in the Potentino ethos which is concerned with the sustainability of how we inhabit a place and relate to it physically and mentally. The castle has its own vineyards, olive groves and vegetable garden.
LOCATION
Castello di Potentino lies in a secret valley nestled in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany - the Amiata.
Airports
Nearest airports are Pisa (2hrs 15 minutes), Florence Peretola (2hrs 30 minutes), Perugia (2hrs 15 minutes, but difficult driving) Rome Fiumicino (3hrs) and Rome Ciampino (3 hrs 30 minutes)
By Car
We recommend that people coming to Potentino come by car as it gives the maximum amount of freedom and there are no local taxi services on Monte Amiata.
Coordinates
42.924265, 11.543227
Train Stations
Grosseto is the nearest mainline station (50 minutes by car) although Chiusi/Chianciano Terme is also an option. There are also nearer stations at Buonconvento and Paganico but the trains are infrequent and transport can be difficult to arrange from there. Train timetables are available here.
Taxis And Private Cars
There are usually taxis available at Grosseto station. They should cost about €100-€120. If you would like us to organise a private car, we can do so.
Buses
Buses can be found to our local towns Seggiano and Castel del Piano from Grosseto train station. The timetable is available at Tiemme SPA.
Electric Vehicles
We have two chargers for Electric Vehicles, one for Teslas and one for other cars which are free to use.
Phone +39 0564.950014
Reception +39 0564 950643
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Friday 9th May, 2025
Evening
The weekend begins with a welcome Wine Tasting/Aperitivo in the castle dining room with Charlotte Horton, Castello di Potentino’s owner and winemaker who will guide you through the castle’s award winning wines. Evening meal to follow.
Day 2 - Saturday 10th May, 2025
Morning
Yoga in the library. (optional - mats available)
Breakfast and the course begins, “Introduction to wine, Types and Styles and the Principal Grape Varieties”
Afternoon
Lunch followed by a hike to the old vines at ‘Moreno’s Vineyard”
Evening
Dinner in the castle dining hall.
Day 3 - Sunday 11th May, 2025
Morning
Optional yoga in the library.
Sparkling wine breakfast plus “The principles of food and wine matching and the characteristics of the Noble Grape varieties.”
Afternoon
The short (45 minute) multiple choice exam and Lunch.
Free time to explore the nearby town of Seggiano.
Evening
Celebratory Potentino Negronis and Dinner in the Potentino dining hall.
Day 4 - Monday 12th May, 2025
Breakfast and Departure
Course Cost and How to Sign Up
The cost of the WSET Level 1 course and exam is €250 per person, this does not cover your stay/travel. Please see below to organise your residential stay.
How To Book:.
Emily will be teaching all WSET classes but for all residential/accommodation enquiries and bookings please email: alexander@potentino.com
Any queries however please do not hesitate to email me: emily@emilyoh.com
