The Little School in the Valle
Submitted by administrator on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 17:05.
By: Steve Dryden, 2008 Graduate of Escuelita
This winemaking school is dedicated to teaching skills in creating artisan wines to a diverse group of international “aspiring” winemakers.
Escuelita, or “little school”, is what locals call the artisan winemaking institution in the Valle de Guadalupe, in Baja California’s premier wine country. The official name is Union de
Productores del Valle de Guadalupe de RL de CV or Estacion de Oficios del Porvenir. In reality, this intimate, “hands-on” winemaking school is dedicated to teaching skills in creating artisan wines to a diverse group of international “aspiring” winemakers. In fact, some of Mexico’s top artisan and boutique winemakers have gotten their start at this unique, cooperative winemaking school.
When I first paid $110 US dollars to attend winemaking classes given on four Saturdays held during the grape harvest season, I didn’t realize that this was the beginning of a life-long relationship with the school, instructors and fellow students. I was further surprised to discover an equal mix of women and men, Mexicans and Americans, with two classes offered in either Spanish or in English. In addition, I soon discovered that my English-language teacher, Thomas Egli, is actually a Swiss enologist.
One thing is certain, Mexico’s “silent revolution” in creating premium wine is an international effort fueled by a grassroots movement in the art, passion, intuition, science and chemistry. The escuelita is a reflection of that trend. According to Thomas, “Our mission is to teach you the basics of winemaking using simple equipment with techniques based on producing small quantities of wine. We allow each individual to use creativity and intuition in applying wine-making techniques which makes this more of an art form than a textbook experience.”
The campus at Escuelita consists of three large buildings and several smaller storage areas. Originally, the facility produced olive oil. It has evolved over the years into a cooperative campus where folks can help each other in creating artisan wines. The benefit? You don’t have to invest a fortune in purchasing sophisticated and expensive winemaking equipment to make your own wine. And, for additional fees, you can purchase large quantities of various grape varietals and make your own barrel of wine. In fact, you can even rent barrels, upgrade to premium grapes, and store your wine in their cellar. This gives newcomers and amateurs an opportunity to see if they really want to pursue a hobby or career in winemaking without spending a ton of money. Another major advantage is that you have the technical assistance available on site with the guidance of the instructors and other experienced winemakers.
Once you get familiar with the school and the operations, you begin to notice a constant flow of traffic from past students and “rising stars” in the local artisan wine movement. Many former students return each year to use the facility, learn from the staff, rent equipment, purchase supplies and continue making artisan wine in a communal setting.
Baja California does not have an official enology school, so visionary leaders such as Hugo D’Acosta developed this program in 2004 to give locals an opportunity to become involved in Mexico’s emerging wine industry. Little did anyone know that, subsequently, an almost cult-like following would develop among wine lovers within Mexico, a country, according to Thomas, that has not in the past been acculturated to wine.
Basically, artisan wines are handmade by individuals using a blend of old world techniques and modern technology. These small quantities of wine are made by artistic and passionate individuals, each trying to allow the grapes to express the varietal, soil, weather, region and intuition of the winemaker. Those interested in experiencing these wines can join the artisan winemakers each summer in Valle de Guadalpue at an event called Gueteque, where you can sample wine from about 25 new winemakers each year. In the meantime, you might consider taking the time to learn to make your own wine, meet new friends and become part of Mexico’s emerging wine industry.
Submitted by administrator on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 17:05.
By: Steve Dryden, 2008 Graduate of Escuelita
This winemaking school is dedicated to teaching skills in creating artisan wines to a diverse group of international “aspiring” winemakers.
Escuelita, or “little school”, is what locals call the artisan winemaking institution in the Valle de Guadalupe, in Baja California’s premier wine country. The official name is Union de
Productores del Valle de Guadalupe de RL de CV or Estacion de Oficios del Porvenir. In reality, this intimate, “hands-on” winemaking school is dedicated to teaching skills in creating artisan wines to a diverse group of international “aspiring” winemakers. In fact, some of Mexico’s top artisan and boutique winemakers have gotten their start at this unique, cooperative winemaking school.
When I first paid $110 US dollars to attend winemaking classes given on four Saturdays held during the grape harvest season, I didn’t realize that this was the beginning of a life-long relationship with the school, instructors and fellow students. I was further surprised to discover an equal mix of women and men, Mexicans and Americans, with two classes offered in either Spanish or in English. In addition, I soon discovered that my English-language teacher, Thomas Egli, is actually a Swiss enologist.
One thing is certain, Mexico’s “silent revolution” in creating premium wine is an international effort fueled by a grassroots movement in the art, passion, intuition, science and chemistry. The escuelita is a reflection of that trend. According to Thomas, “Our mission is to teach you the basics of winemaking using simple equipment with techniques based on producing small quantities of wine. We allow each individual to use creativity and intuition in applying wine-making techniques which makes this more of an art form than a textbook experience.”
The campus at Escuelita consists of three large buildings and several smaller storage areas. Originally, the facility produced olive oil. It has evolved over the years into a cooperative campus where folks can help each other in creating artisan wines. The benefit? You don’t have to invest a fortune in purchasing sophisticated and expensive winemaking equipment to make your own wine. And, for additional fees, you can purchase large quantities of various grape varietals and make your own barrel of wine. In fact, you can even rent barrels, upgrade to premium grapes, and store your wine in their cellar. This gives newcomers and amateurs an opportunity to see if they really want to pursue a hobby or career in winemaking without spending a ton of money. Another major advantage is that you have the technical assistance available on site with the guidance of the instructors and other experienced winemakers.
Once you get familiar with the school and the operations, you begin to notice a constant flow of traffic from past students and “rising stars” in the local artisan wine movement. Many former students return each year to use the facility, learn from the staff, rent equipment, purchase supplies and continue making artisan wine in a communal setting.
Baja California does not have an official enology school, so visionary leaders such as Hugo D’Acosta developed this program in 2004 to give locals an opportunity to become involved in Mexico’s emerging wine industry. Little did anyone know that, subsequently, an almost cult-like following would develop among wine lovers within Mexico, a country, according to Thomas, that has not in the past been acculturated to wine.
Basically, artisan wines are handmade by individuals using a blend of old world techniques and modern technology. These small quantities of wine are made by artistic and passionate individuals, each trying to allow the grapes to express the varietal, soil, weather, region and intuition of the winemaker. Those interested in experiencing these wines can join the artisan winemakers each summer in Valle de Guadalpue at an event called Gueteque, where you can sample wine from about 25 new winemakers each year. In the meantime, you might consider taking the time to learn to make your own wine, meet new friends and become part of Mexico’s emerging wine industry.