Cyprus' First Accredited Wine Sommelier School
TEPAK and Vouni Community Set the Stage for the Island’s -First of Its Kind- School
The Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) and the community of Vouni have signed a cooperation protocol, paving the way for Cyprus's first accredited Wine Sommelier School.
According to a TEPAK announcement, the Wine Sommelier School, along with the Tour Guide School, will be incorporated into the University's Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Occupations. While the administrative headquarters is in Paphos, the sommelier school classes and part of the tour guide school sessions will be held in Vouni.
At the signing ceremony at the Vouni Oenology Center, the Commissioner of the Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou, emphasized the memorandum's role in strengthening academic-community ties.
TEPAK's Rector, Professor Panagiotis Zafeiris, highlighted the cooperation protocol with Vouni as a milestone for both the university and the community, aligning with the university's strategy for outreach and societal engagement.
The partnership with the Vouni community will enable cutting-edge research in viticulture and the development of educational programs benefiting students, he added, noting that it will also support sustainable development and environmental protection in the sector.
Vouni's community leader, Matthaios Protopapas, expressed that the collaboration signifies a promising future with excellent prospects, enhancing local employment in viticulture and tourism, thus creating new opportunities for the community.
He further stated that TEPAK's presence would attract thematic tourism directly linked to the region's history, improving the quality of life and increasing economic resources.
Dr. Petros Kosmas, lecturer from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, conveyed the department's support through Antonis Theocharous, the Deputy Professor and Department Head. Dr. Kosmas remarked that this initiative signals the beginning of a partnership aimed at establishing the first Wine Sommelier School in Cyprus, certified by the Quality Assurance and Certification Agency of Higher Education—a hub for guide education and lifelong learning for those interested in acquiring foundational sommelier training.
