Cru Consultancy Launches Champagne Specialist Certification in Canada
Trade-focused Certified Champagne Specialist program launches Fall 2026 in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa
Cru Consultancy is proud to announce the Canadian launch of the Certified Champagne Specialist, debuting in Fall 2026. This will be the first time these internationally respected Champagne trade education courses will be offered in Canada.
Developed by the Comité Champagne* (CIVC), the official trade association representing Champagne houses and growers in France, the certification program delivers in-depth, region-specific education designed for wine professionals, sommeliers, importers, educators, retailers, and hospitality trade.
Courses will initially launch in Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa, with additional Canadian cities expected to follow.
“This is a major milestone for Canadian wine education,” said Cru Consultancy co-founder Sharon McLean. “Bringing the Certified Champagne Specialist programming to Canada creates a new level of opportunity for wine professionals to deepen both their technical understanding and their connection to the region.” Both McLean and Cru Consultancy co-founder Treve Ring completed their educators’ training with the Comité Champagne in Champagne in February 2026.
The curriculum, materials, and certification standards are supplied directly by the Comité, offering participants access to the same internationally recognized educational framework used in leading wine markets around the world.
The program explores:
- Champagne terroir and viticulture
- Production methods and aging
- Regional history and appellation law
- Styles and classifications
- Sustainability initiatives
- Service, pairing, and commercial applications
- Numerous tasting opportunities
The in-person certification programming follows the establishment of the Canadian Bureau of the Comité Champagne in late 2024, reflecting the growing importance of the Canadian market. Canada is now the 10th most important export market by volume for Champagne.
2026 Courses are now available for registration on the Cru Consultancy** website:
Toronto – September 14 & 15
Victoria – October 4 & 5
Vancouver – October 4 & 5
Ottawa – November 23 & 24
FOR MORE INFORMATION
info@cruconsultancy.com
www.cruconsultancy.com
*Created more than 80 years ago, the Comité Champagne is the interprofessional organization representing all Champagne Houses and Winegrowers. Champagne Education is the Comité Champagne's training program for professionals and future professionals in the hospitality and wine distribution sectors.
https://www.champagne.education/en
**Founded in 2012 by wine educators Sharon McLean and Treve Ring, Cru Consultancy shares the world of wine through education, writing, and conversation. Champagne is a lifelong passion for the founders: Sharon is the Wine Scholar Guild’s French Programs Director and oversees the Champagne Masters, Bourgogne Masters, and Bordeaux Masters programmes; and Treve is a Champagne Master (WSG), internationally recognized wine critic, editor, judge, and speaker. Together, Sharon and Treve bring a rare combination of depth, insight, and experience to grow Champagne culture and knowledge.
