Learning About Wine - The West Coast Way

The Vancouver Wine Academy is housed at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, in revitalized 'Maintown" (12th and Main Street).  The Wine Academy offers pre-eminent wine education for both industry professionals and serious wine enthusiasts.
For professional certification, the International Sommelier Guild's Level 1, Level 2 and Sommelier Diploma Program provide comprehensive, industry-standard credentials recognized world-wide.  Instruction covers disciplined tasting technique and sensory evaluation, detailed study of the world's wine regions, food and wine chemistry and pairing, the art of wine service, cellar management, and wine list creation.  Licensed by education boards, the prestigious ISG qualifications are the most exacting Sommelier designation available.

ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 Cost: $485 + GST.

Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 (WFCL 1) is the first step in achieving the prestigious ISG Sommelier Diploma.  This course is also appropriate for serious wine enthusiasts at the beginner level.  The eight sessions provide an introduction to the basic aspects of sensory evaluation including the different components of wine appearance, aroma, and flavour.  This course offers a basic understanding of the major grapes used for making wine and their discerning characteristics as well as an introduction to fortified and sparkling wines.  Wines from around the world will be tasted and evaluated each evening.  Classes are held weekly for 8 sessions, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 2 Cost: $750 + GST.

ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 2 (WFCL 2) builds upon the fundamentals learned in Level 1, with greater emphasis on major wine- producing regions of the world.  Focus includes all aspects of the wine business including viticulture, vinification, and regional appellation laws. Blind tasting skills will develop further by studying a diverse selection of old and new world wine regions as well as sparkling, fortified wines, spirits and beer.  In addition, refinement of service skills, food and wine pairing techniques, and proper storage practices.  The goal of this course is to provide an advanced understanding of wine and winemaking in preparation for the Sommelier Diploma Program.  A comprehensive 15 week program that is also appropriate for the serious wine enthusiast who wishes to develop an appreciative palate and a diverse, well-selected collection of wine.

ISG Sommelier Diploma Program Cost:  $2,500 + GST

This program is an intensive six-month course held once a week for eight hours. The International Sommelier Guild is the only professional body that accredits Sommeliers by direct instruction.  The curriculum ensures a complete understanding of viticulture, vinification, tasting techniques, cellaring, investment strategy, menu design, fine-dining service skills, and regional analysis of wines, spirits, and ales.  This degree is aimed at being the defining benchmark for wine knowledge within the hospitality industry.  Upon successful completion of the Sommelier Diploma Program, you will graduate with a diploma that designates you as a leader in the wine industry with professional mobility world-wide.  The program is 23 weeks in duration, one day per week.

For Vancouver class schedule and complete information about the International Sommelier Guild programs, and to register for classes please go to: www.internationalsommelier.com  Prices differ in the USA.

Please direct your questions regarding the Sommelier programs to Mark Davidson at 604.551.7643 or DJ Kearney at 604 929 7180, or e-mail them at mdavidson@internationalsommelier.com ; djkearney@internationalsommelier.com