Our StoryGastro Cocktail Academy is an advanced institution for beverage innovation, created by professionals from two of the world's most recognised establishments.
The academy’s first program, ‘Minor in Mixology’, is currently delivered in partnership with Culinary Institute of Barcelona (CIB), Escola de Cuina at CIB's campus in Barcelona. It is built for professionals who want to work with a laboratory mindset, connect the world of gastronomy with beverages, and develop proposals with their own identity.
Meet the team behind GCA
Co-Founder, Executive Chef & Program DirectorMatteo Ciarpaglini
Head of R&D for the Paradiso group in recent years, leading the technical and creative development of new products and projects. He has worked on international openings and collaborated with some of the world's most influential restaurants.
His career merges experience in spaces like Noma or Disfrutar with a background in Gastronomic Sciences and a specialization in food innovation. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, product, and creativity applied to the liquid world.
Co-Founder, Creativity & InnovationGianluca Basso
Bartender with experience in the Paradiso group, where he has worked in both operations and creative development within the innovation lab. He has taken part in creating menus, designing experiences, and international projects, combining creativity with technical knowledge and service context.
His profile bridges deep flavour research with hands-on applications in highly demanding contemporary cocktail environments.
Culinary Institute of Barcelona (CIB), Escola de Cuina, is the institutional home of the Minor in Mixology. A private international culinary arts and sciences school based in Barcelona, CIB was founded to nurture a new generation of chefs and entrepreneurs — capable of leading their own futures and driving the changes of the 21st century.
The Minor in Mixology takes place entirely on CIB's campus, making full use of their kitchen labs, technical facilities, and professional environment.
Barcelona is one of the most culturally and gastronomically diverse cities in the world to a point where diversity, creativity, and innovation meet, and where leading culinary artists and world-class restaurants were founded.
What We OfferSpecialised Training
A 9-module curriculum delivered in partnership with CIB, combining technical knowledge, experimentation, and creative beverage development — 100% in-person, in the lab and behind the bar.
Innovation & Talent
Designed to cultivate professionals capable of developing new concepts, products, and experiences — working with the same rigour and methodology as the world's best bars and R&D kitchens.
Industry Integration
Programs grounded in practical application, real-world projects, and professional development, taught by active practitioners at the highest level of the industry.
Machine partners
