A delegation of outstanding Russian, Hungarian and Japanese sommeliers took part in the 'Sherry Wine Educator 2007' seminar, organised by RCDO Jerez form 17th to 19th October at its head office in Cádiz, with an aim to endorsing international sherry experts. The international flavour of the event was made possible thanks to the Andalusian Foreign Trade Agency (Extenda) and the Regional Government.

Participants in the seminar were awarded a certificate in 'Official Sherry Educator', a renewable qualification that lasts for five years, after passing theoretical and practical sessions, as well as an exam. Once the formative seminar is over, these experts can work as organisers for tastings and also give conferences about sherry to trainers, prescriptors and wine experts in their respective countries.

The aim of this activity is to promote sherry on international markets by providing support for and endorsing qualified experts with real knowledge. The RCDO Jerez also organises this course in order to ensure a high educational level regarding the treatment and tasting of these wines around the world.

Andalusian wine and alcoholic beverage exports increased in 2006 to more than €269m, with the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Holland and the United States as the main destination countries. By province, Cádiz with sales of €173m, is leader of Andalusian exports followed by Málaga, with €50.9m.

By product, sherry, with an alcohol content of more than 15 percent, leads the way in exports from Andalusia with sales of €58.1m, according to information from the Spanish Foreign Trade Agency ICEX.