Courses of Study

Intermediate Certificate

3 full days, or a total of 24 hours, arranged according to availability.

This course is aimed at those who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of wines and spirits for use in employment in the hotel, restaurant, or drinks trade, and have little previous background in wine and spirits. The qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies.

The course is also geared toward general wine enthusiasts, who wish to acquire the basic theoretical and practical background of a sommelier or wine merchant.

The programme :

1. Introduction

• Wine Tasting Technique, Methods of Evaluating Wine.
• Food and Wine Matching.
• Factors influencing the Style of Wine.
• Learn how to Decode and Understand Labels.

2. The Classic Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay.
• Pinot Noir.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
• Sauvignon Blanc.
• Riesling.
• Syrah/Shiraz and Grenache.

3. Key Wine Producing Regions of the World

• France.
• Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal.
• South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Chili, Argentina.

4. Other Styles of Wine

• Sparkling and Sweet Wines.
• Fortified Wines (Sherry, Port).

5. Spirits and Liqueurs

• Distillation Process.
• Different Types of Spirits and Liqueurs.

The programme concludes with an examination consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 1 hour.

Price: 490 euros (VAT not included), which includes study material, wines (48 different wines will be tasted), books, and exam registration fee.

Advanced Certificate

5 full days, or a total of 40 hours, arranged according to availability.

This certificate, currently only offered in English, provides a more technical and detailed approach to wines and spirits around the world. Wine tasting techniques are developed and fine-tuned.

This certificate is suitable for:

• A professional wishing to gain in-depth knowledge of wines and spirits in order to secure a position of responsibility in wine selection, or advising clients or colleagues in the industry.
• Wine enthusiasts with a serious interest in wine, who wish to increase their knowledge of wines and spirits of the world in a more structured way, with an internationally recognised qualification.

The programme

1. Wine Production

Origin and Terroir, Viticulture, Vitification, Ageing, Rules Regarding Wine Labelling

2. Wines of the World

Here we will study the regions and important appellations of each country, as well as the factors which influence the style, quality, and price of wines. For each region, wine tastings will be conducted using the WEST method, and we will analyse the characteristics and the value for money of various wines.

• France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany.
• Central and South Eastern Europe, as well as England, Lebanon.
• South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South America.

3. Traditional Methods around the World

4. Liqueurs and Fortified Wines

5. Spirits

6. Sales Advising and Service

• The WSET Method of Wine Tasting.
• Quality and Price.
• Food and Wine Matching.
• Service.
• Wine Faults.
• Responsible Drinking and Safety.

This course of study will conclude with a 2-hour examination, made up of 2 parts: Theoretical examination consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, and 4 open-ended questions; Practical examination consisting of 1 blind wine tasting.

Price: 750 euros (VAT not included), which includes study material, wines books, and exam registration fee.