This program is designed to build upon the fundamentals learned in the Foundation course and features discussion on the classic grape varieties of the world. The factors that affect the character and quality of wines are explored and this program takes a basic look at viticultural and vinification techniques. The service and storage wine is covered from both a professional and non-professional perspective, as are the principles of food and wine matching. 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 Intermediate 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 basic understanding of the major wines & spirits of the world, their production methods and region of origin.
- The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal wines and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
- The product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for advising customers in the hospitality and retail sectors.
- An understanding of the principles of food and wine matching and how those principles are applied
- Ability to use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to gain an appreciation of wine style and quality.
- Knowledge on the correct storage and service of wines and spirits
Course Prerequisites: Level 1 Foundation or relevant wine experience.
Textbooks:Textbook and study guides are provided
Material and Supplies: 6 ISO Tasting glasses, tasting sheets, pen, pencils, and paper.
Student Evaluation: The final examination consists of one 50 question multiple choice paper
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No
Weekly Outline:
Week 1 – Factors Affecting Wine Style & Price / Tasting Technique
- The effects of climate, soil, annual weather & topography
- Understanding winemaking & viticulture
- Factors affecting cost
- Wine tasting technique
Week 2 – Label Terminology / Food & Wine Matching
- Understanding common labelling terms
- Principles of food & wine matching
- Menu matching exercise
Week 3 – Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
- Characteristics of the grapes
- Chardonnay & Pinot Noir wines from around the world
- The Gamay & Pinotage varieties
- Tasting of key wines
Week 4 – Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot wines from around the world
- Tasting of key wines
Week 5 – Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Riesling
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling wines from around the world
- The white wines of Alsace & Germany
- Other white wines of the Loire
- Tasting of key wines
Week 6 – Syrah/Shiraz & Grenache,
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Syrah & Grenache wines from around the world
- Tasting of key wines
Week 7 – Italy, Spain & Portugal
- Characteristics of the major grapes
- Wine styles of Italy
- The wines of Spain & Portugal
- Tasting of key wines
Week 8 – Sparkling & Dessert Wines
- Methods of production
- Sparkling & Dessert wine styles
- Grape varieties used
- Tasting of key wines
Week 9 – Fortified Wines, Spirits & Liqueurs
- Methods of production
- The wines of Sherry, Port & Madeira
- Labelling terms for spirits & liqueurs
- Types of spirits & liqueurs
- Tasting of key wines & spirits
Week 10 – Service & Storage of Wine / Review
- Correct storage & cellaring of wine
- Alcohol & health
- Decantation
- Wine faults
- Review quiz
- Tasting
Week 11 – Exam
"I am writing to express my gratitude for your "above and beyond" service while I attained my WSET Level II and III certification. Since my interest in taking the program in 2007 through to successful completion of Level III, my experience at The Art Institute was positive. You have consistently been a pleasure to deal with and were willing to understand my unique position with career objectives. Any correspondence I sent to you was quickly replied to and you eased my anxiety by personally calling me as soon as my results were in. The fact I was orchestrating my courses from Edmonton with you in Vancouver was never an issue.
I highly recommend to anyone interested in pursuing the WSET program, The Art Institute will ensure the demands of the program are manageable and supported by their Department Head and the instructors they contract.
I am now residing in Nova Scotia, in a managerial position in the Wine and Spirits business and my WSET Advanced Certificate hanging on my wall." - Jennifer Katona
