Case Studies Wine School - Wine and Spirits Training for Scotland and the north of England

Based in Edinburgh, Case Studies Wine School is an "Approved Programme Provider" for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and offers an active programme of courses for trade professionals and wine enthusiasts, primarily in Scotland. In addition to WSET courses, the school holds specially designed courses and events for wine enthusiasts, including "Wine School at the Fringe", an anuual 3 week event at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which was an offical "sell-out" in 2007.

Case Studies Wine School has recently established its headquarters and main training premises in Edinburgh, on a barge moored on the Union Canal at Lochrin Basin in the city centre.

How to Find us ...

Metered on-road parking is available on Lower Gilmore Place, the road adjacent to Lower Gilmore Bank. Access to Lower Gilmore Place is from Gilmore Place. Please note there is no access from Gilmore Park. There is normally plenty of parking space available - restrictions are lifted at 5:30 pm.

We are approximately 10 minutes walk from Haymarket station.

Bus nos 1, 34 and 35 all stop outside Cargo on Fountainbridge.

The most convenient pedestrian access to Edinburgh Quay is by the bar/restaurant Cargo on Fountainbridge. The Millennium Link (blue and white) barge is moored just a few hundred metres along the towpath, next to the Fountain Court Apartments.

Case Studies Wine School is run by Claire Blackler. Claire tutors and hosts many of Case Studies Wine School's courses and events. The School also has a great team of tutors and hosts who bring their own personalities, teaching style and specialities to the School. The team currently includes Bronwyn Anderson, Elaine Mitchell, Marc Henry, Doug Bond, Thomas Ottey and Paddy Gilhooly.

More about Claire ...

Our Tutors - Claire Blackler MSc AIWS Claire Blackler MSc AIWS

I am an approachable, enthusiastic and professional ambassador for wine and wine education. In 2005, following three years part-time study in wine and spirits, I left a 10 year career as an Analytical Scientist in pharmaceutical research to set up "Case Studies Wine School" (CSWS). Through the school I have a passionate vision to offer a fresh and contemporary approach to wine and spirits education for trade professionals and wine enthusiasts.

I am very excited to be involved in developing a future for wine education and I absolutely love what I do!

To continue my development as a wine educator I have become an Associate member of the Institute of Wines & Spirits, a Recommended Tutor for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a member of the Association of Wine Educators. In 2007 I was thrilled to be nominated for the Riedel Trophy "WSET Educator of the Year 2007" at the WSET Inaugaural Graduation Ceremony. I recently attend the lEcole du Vin in Bordeaux and after an intensive 5 day course (that was admittedly broken up with some long, typically French lunches and dinners!) achieved the title of International Bordeaux Wine Educator.

I have hosted wine appreciation cruises and tours for Saga Holidays, presented at Channel 4s Taste of Edinburgh, Scottish Wedding Show, Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show and the Dundee Flower & Food Festival.

Of course I enjoy food, particularly when shared with friends or family and accompanied by a lovely bottle of wine. I am a keen skiier and love to travel (as a wine educator I have been fortunate enought to travel to the wine regions of Germany, Chile, Italy and France). I live with my husband, Paul on a narrowboat moored on the Union Canal.

If you have any questions about Case Studies Wine School and our wine and spirits courses and events then please dont hesitate to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.