Nose for wine for nine PCA players

NINE past and present county cricketers have developed a nose for wine on courses organised by the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

The PCA teamed up with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Accolade Wines to run the courses at the Oval and Edgbaston which, if they pass successfully, will lead to the players gaining the WSET Level One Award in Wine.

The award is a beginner level introduction to wine and is suitable for those interested in starting a career in or pursuing an interest in wine with courses being run by WSET certified educators from Approved Programme Providers WSET School London and Birmingham Wine School.

Middlesex captain James Franklin, who was one of the players who completed the WSET course, was full of praise for an unexpected area of personal development.

“Thanks to the PCA and WSET for providing a great platform to get a valuable introduction in to the vast world of wine,” said the former New Zealand all-rounder. “It was a great day full of information and fun.”

Franklin’s Middlesex team mate Ollie Rayner seconded his views: “Generally I'm not fussy about what I drink but thought maybe as I like wine, why not find out why and what to look for in the future.

“Before the course my taste in wines was quite affordable, now, not so much. It was a great day and well put together.”

At the end of the course, all the players took a 30 question multiple choice exam and will receive a certificate and lapel pin if they pass successfully.

The players were also given advice on how to further develop their knowledge and experience and about the range of careers in the wine and spirits industry.

Players who attended the WSET courses: James Franklin, Ollie Rayner (Middlesex), Mat Pillans (Surrey), Luke Wells, Laurie Evans (both Sussex), Jack Shantry, George Rhodes (both Worcestershire), Chris Wright (Warwickshire), Nick Denning (Essex)