This course comprises the second half of the Advanced Wines and Spirits program and is a continuation of the Level 3 course. It is designed to build upon the fundamentals learned in the Intermediate Certificate program. This program features detailed discussion about the classic regions and wines of the world not covered in Level 3 including specific lectures on production and types of spirits, sparkling, fortified and aromatized wines. The key factors that affect the character and quality of the wines will be explored. Each class is enhanced with a tasting that includes the benchmark wines discussed in the lecture.
This program is offered in conjunction with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and students will gain the WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits upon successful course completion.
Course Length: 11 weeks
Contact Hours: 33
Course Competencies:
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:
- A thorough understanding of the principal wines and spirits of the world and their commercial importance in the world’s market.
- The in depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for product selection in the hospitality and retail sectors.
- The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal wines and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
- Ability to apply the principles of food and wine matching to the key styles of wine available.
- Ability to use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to produce tasting notes that will allow the identification of style, quality and price band of wines and spirits.
- Knowledge to provide advice on the correct storage and service of wine and spirits.
Course Prerequisites: Advanced Wine and Spirits Level 3 (Part I)
Textbooks: Textbook and study guides are the same as for Level 3
Material and Supplies: 6 ISO Tasting glasses, tasting sheets, pen, pencils, and paper.
Student Evaluation: The final examination is The Wine and Spirit Education Trust Advanced Certificate and consists of 50 multiple choice questions; 4 short written answers and a blind tasting of one wine.
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No
Weekly Outline:
Week 1 – Germany
- German wine law
- Understanding the wines of Germany
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 2 – Spain & Portugal
- Spanish & Portuguese wine law
- Understanding the wines of Spain & Portugal
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 3 – Central & South-Eastern Europe
- Central & South-Eastern Europe wine law
- Understanding the wines Central & South-Eastern Europe
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 4 – New World Part 1
- Australian & South African wine law
- Understanding the wines of Australia, South Africa & New Zealand
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 5 – New World Part 2
- US & South American wine law
- Understanding the wines of the US & South America
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 6 – Canada
- US & South American wine law
- Understanding the wines of the US & South America
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 7 – Champagne & Other Sparkling Wines
- Methods of sparkling wine production
- The major European sparkling wine styles
- Other sparkling wines
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 8 – Sherry & Similar Wines / Port & Similar Wines
- Methods of fortified wine production
- The major European fortified wines
- Other fortified wines
- Food & wine
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key wines
Week 9 – Spirits & Liqueurs
- Principles of distillation
- Methods of spirit production
- The major spirit & liqueur styles
- Service of spirits & liqueurs
- Market dynamics
- Tasting of key spirits
Week 10 – Review & Mock Test
Week 11 – Final WSET Examination
