Russia’s oldest sparkling wine producer – Abrau-Durso – recently opened the region’s first gastronomic school.

In educating the next generation of Russian chefs, the 143-year-old wine estate would lead by example, Abrau-Durso chairman Pavel Titov said.

“Historically, Russia has not possessed one single specialised gastronomic institution that could rival the best schools in Europe. With this project, we now have an opportunity to change Russia’s poor global image for hospitality and gastronomy that has endured for decades,” Titov told Decanter.com.

“We also wish to promote and develop the Black Sea Coast’s economic potential, and put the spotlight on the region in preparation for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014,” he added.

Situated in the Krasnodar region of southern Russia, the estate’s new gastronomic centre was officially inaugurated in November 2012, and will welcome its first students in March.

Although Titov refused to divulge the exact development costs, project manager Yulia Bortsova confirmed that students would receive classes at new education areas based in the winery’s existing hotel and restaurant complex.

Students will also have an opportunity to study at the two Michelin-starred Les Crayères restaurant in Reims, in collaboration with the city’s food academy.

“With our exchange programme, students have an opportunity to learn from leading French and Russian chefs, including Philippe Mille, Anatoly Komm, and George Tashker,” Bortsova said.

As part of its expansion project, Abrau-Durso has started still wine production and plans to further expand its hotel and hospitality facilities in 2013. ( http://Decanter.com )