I’m thrilled to share a milestone in my wine journey—I’ve officially passed the Cava Educator Class and received my Cava Educator Certificate from the Cava Academy.
If you know me, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for sparkling wine, and Cava holds a very special place in my heart. It’s one of those wines that still feels under the radar, even though it delivers incredible quality, history, and value.
Why I Love Cava
Cava is Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine, and so much has changed since I first began my wine journey. Early on, I tasted a Cava that completely surprised me—in the best way. Crisp, complex, and food-friendly, it absolutely wowed me. It quickly earned a spot on the wine list at my restaurant, where it became a go-to recommendation.
What makes Cava especially exciting today is how much the region has evolved:
- Greater focus on terroir and vineyard expression
- Stricter aging requirements and quality tiers
- More transparency around origin and production
- A renewed emphasis on craftsmanship
And let’s talk value—Cava often comes in at about half the cost of Champagne. Don’t get me wrong, I love Champagne, but there’s room in my glass (and my heart) for both.
The Journey to Becoming a Cava Educator
Last March, I enrolled in the Cava Academy, excited to formally deepen my knowledge. Then… restaurant life happened. I was ready to take the exam in May, but things got busy (as they tend to do).
Recently, I finally carved out the time to revisit my notes, dive back into the material, and take the exam—and I’m proud to say I passed. I’m now officially a Cava Educator, and I couldn’t be happier.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning. I’m excited to continue digging deeper into:
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Cava’s evolving classifications
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Indigenous Spanish grape varieties
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The broader wines of Spain, which deserve far more love and attention
If you’re curious about Cava and want to learn more, I’d love to share that knowledge with you.
I’m available to host a Cava class—either in person or online. Just reach out: debbie@hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com
Here’s to celebrating Cava, Spain, and lifelong learning—one sparkling glass at a time.
