GMIT to host sherry masterclass with world expert Javier Hidalgo

GMIT’s College of Tourism and Arts (CTA) is delighted to host a Sherry Masterclass on Thursday, 4 February, by world renowned sherry expert Javier Hidalgo. Mr Hidalgo will deliver a lecture to first year students on the Bachelor of Business in Retail Management and third year students on the Bachelor of Business in Bar & Restaurant Management, and staff, at the Galway (Dublin Road) campus.

The owner and wine maker for Hidalgo Winery in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Javier’s lecture is themed ‘The Diversity of Sherry’. He will provide an insight into the love, structure and innovation surrounding sherry. In addition he will share and reveal his family history as he is most fortunate to come from two of the great wine families of Sanlúcar.

Assisting Javier with his lecture is GMIT wine lecturer Elizabeth Fox who was recently awarded a special prize for the highest result in the World Certified Sherry Educators Programme in Spain. Elizabeth is one of 25 professionals from around the world who qualified as a Sherry Certified Educator.

Speaking about this visit, Elizabeth says: “We are delighted to have Javier visit Galway and GMIT. This masterclass is an excellent opportunity for students and colleagues to better understand the world of sherry. Javier has been guest lecturer in reputable universities such as Harvard and Oxford so it a pleasure and honour to have him share his experiences with us.”

Cáit Noone, Head of the College of Tourism and Arts, says: “The College of Tourism and Arts continually works with industry partners to bring new and innovative learning to students. Our faculty is committed to building new partnerships and this in turn ensures our students are industry focused and ready to join the work force upon graduation. This Masterclass is a very welcome addition to an ongoing series of similar events taking place throughout the year.”

For further information on programmes in the GMIT College of Tourism & Arts, please see: http://www.gmit.ie/college-tourism-and-arts/college-tourism-arts