Stephen A. Mutkoski, the Banfi Vintners Professor of Wine Education & Management at Cornell University 's School of Hotel Administration, has been named Wine Educator of the Year by the European Wine Council. The award was presented at the Council's 10th annual dinner gala and awards presentation at Le Cirque in New York, says a Cornell media release.

Formed in 1992 in New York, the European Wine Council comprises trade reps of eight European wine-producing nations. It aims to enhance knowledge and appreciation of European wines in the United States and to promote a spirit of goodwill among wine professionals in the US and Europe.

Since 1983, Mutkoski has taught his Introduction to Wines course, always one of the university's most popular courses and the only course of its kind among major US universities.

The professor estimates that he has taught over 30,000 students and that 90,000 bottles of wine have been opened in the class. "That's a lot of corks," says Mutkoski, "and a few screw caps, too."

In addition to the introductory course, Mutkoski teaches specialty courses in Beverage Management to Hotel School students. He hosts exclusive wine tastings for students, featuring rare vintages made possible through his relationships with premier vintners. Mutkoski also has taught in the School's Professional Development Programme, where he provides his insights on beverage management to hospitality executives.

Mutkoski has written two distance learning courses on Food and Beverage Management for eCornell, an online learning company wholly owned by Cornell University, and offered via the School's executive education program. He also is author of The Wine Professor® CD ROM series, an interactive multimedia training program.

"We are very proud of Steve for earning this internationally recognised award honouring his commitment to his profession and to his students," says Interim Dean Sherri Kimes. "Steve's impact is reflected in the large number of his students who have gone on to become leaders in the wine industry."

Mutkoski continually refines his knowledge of the wine industry, visiting at least one major wine region in each of the past 20 years. He has been inducted into the leading wine and food societies, including the Association Internationale des Maitres Conseils en Gastronomie Francaise, the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves, and the Cofradia del Vino de Rioja.