Certified Rioja Diploma

Do you love Spanish wines?
Unlock the sophisticated world of Rioja wines with our exclusive Certified Rioja Diploma Course at Melbourne Wine School.

Discover the rich history and diverse flavours of some of Spain's finest wines with the Certified Rioja course, taught by Melbourne Wine School and now available in Melbourne for the first time.

The Rioja Wine Academy

From the Rioja Diploma

What our students say

“

Andy presented the history, regions, styles, and winemaking traditions of Rioja in a way that was engaging and easy to understand, regardless of your level of wine knowledge. The carefully selected tasting wines perfectly complemented the material. I left with a much greater understanding of Rioja and renewed enthusiasm for exploring the region further.

Jenn

Rioja Course

“

I completed my Rioja diploma with Andy in June 2026 and the course was amazing from start to finish. Andy kept it fun, engaging and informative while providing some stunning wines from the region to perfectly showcase what Rioja is all about. I cannot recommend both Andy and the Rioja diploma enough. Can't wait for the next course!

Lachlan

Rioja Diploma · June 2026

“

Andy ran an amazing Rioja diploma course, his wine knowledge and easy teaching style are first class. He also always provides exceptional wines for his courses that showcase the best of every region he teaches.

Tommy

Rioja Diploma

Certified Rioja Educator

After Andy completed his study programme to become an official Certified Educator for the Rioja Consejo in 2024, we are thrilled to share the fruits of that labour.

This exclusive course has been designed to enhance the existing Rioja Diploma, which is otherwise entirely self-study. As a student of the Wine School you'll have access to exactly the same online resources — but you'll also benefit from 10 hours of classroom time unpacking the extensive theory, plus tutored tastings that bring the region of Rioja to life.

We are hard at work curating the wines for this course, aided by the Rioja Consejo, who are supporting us to create the most comprehensive journey through the region.

The theory

Five modules

1Winemaking & ageing
2Geography & terroir
3Grape varieties & viticulture
4Legal & Governance
5The past, present & future

In the glass

Examples of what we'll taste

01

Single-variety wines, side by side

Garnacha  ·  Graciano  ·  Tempranillo Blanco  ·  Maturana Tinta  ·  Maturana Blanca

02

Different maturation regimes, compared

Carbonic maceration  ·  Crianza  ·  Reserva  ·  Gran Reserva

03

The new terroir classification

Vino de zona  ·  Vino de municipio  ·  Viñedo singular

04

Styles across the region

Tinto  ·  Rosado  ·  Blanco  ·  Sparkling Rioja

At the end of the course you'll complete your exam online to be awarded the certificate and accreditation of the Rioja Diploma.

Course Details and Information

Who is the Rioja Wine Academy?

Rioja Wine Academy is the official educational platform of the DOCa Rioja Control Board, which offers free online courses for wine lovers, students and professionals.

They are the international reference for Rioja wine education, providing you with the latest, most accurate and reliable information.

RWA courses will take your knowledge of Rioja to the next level and increase your confidence when choosing a Rioja wine or when talking about it, whether with friends, enthusiasts or other wine students.

Description

This exclusive course has been designed to enhance the existing Rioja Diploma course, which is entirely self study.

As a student of the Wine School you will have access to exactly the same online resources, but you will also benefit from 10 hours of classroom time further explaining the extensive theory material, plus tutored tasting of wines.

What's Included?

This 10 hour course includes the history, wine styles and grape varieties and culture of Rioja with each class including a tasting of premium and entry level wines to further boost understanding.

Syllabus

We will cover 5 modules as part of the theoretical aspect of the course:

  • winemaking and ageing
  • geography and terroir
  • grape varieties and viticulture
  • legal framework and governance
  • the past, the present and the future

Certification & Exam

At the end of the course you will have to complete your exam online to be awarded the certificate and accreditation of the Rioja Diploma. 

Passing grade: 75%

Entry Requirements

All attendees must be at least 18 years of age.

As some of the examinable material won't be covered in class, it is important that you have a device, such as a tablet, laptop or desktop computer where you can complete your study at home and benefit from the online resources. The exam will also be online.