Congratulations to Our New WSET Level 4 Diploma Graduates
David Brodati
David Caird
Bryan Corder
Marie-Helene Dumais
Adrienne Friesen
Ana Bertha Gallegos Barcenas
Ryan Gilchrist
Stephanie Guth
Lauren Hall
Michael Landriault
Vedran Lesic
Karen Nause
Seema Pal
Guillaume Plante
Lynda Maria Razaqpur
Benjamin Somers
Michael Tremblay
Annemarie Van Ettekoven
Shenin Yazdanian
Han Qing Victor Xia
Graduates are invited to attend the annual WSET Awards & Graduation Ceremony in London.
“IWEG is extremely proud of our graduates, who showed great resilience and persistence to keep studying the WSET Diploma program, despite all the challenges and disruptions in recent years to the learning environment due to Covid-19. We salute their dedication and hard work. The Diploma is a game changer in terms of career and personal development and we sincerely think our graduates’ newly minted Diploma credentials will give them a valuable competitive advantage in the wine and hospitality industries.” – Paul Miles DipWSET, Executive Director
Check It Out: Scotch Whisky Flavour Wheel
In the late 1970s, the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) developed the first Scotch Whisky Flavour Wheel, which has since become the industry standard for sensory evaluation of Scotch whisky.
Flavour wheels are an extremely accessible tool for use by the industry and enthusiasts alike, essentially providing a common language for describing the aromas of various compounds that arise during the whisky-making process. A consistent framework can offer the chance to create formalized tasting notes that everyone can relate to and understand.
Not everybody needs a wheel as complex as the SWRI one, so the Edinburgh Whisky Academy created their own Scotch whisky flavour wheel to get you started with the idea. Download and learn more about the wheel.
Upcoming Edinburgh Whisky Academy courses:
Certificate in Scotch Whisky
Enrollment is open at any time
Register Now!
Certificate in Irish Whiskey
Enrollment is open at any time
Register Now!
Certificate in Gin
Enrollment is open at any time
Register Now!
Scholarship Opportunities
Wine Scholar Guild
Each year, Wine Scholar Guild awards one full scholarship for each of the following programs: French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar. These scholarships are designed to allow students with limited financial means to achieve professional certification.
This scholarship opportunity is open to all committed students of wine from around the world, both wine professionals or those hoping to enter into the wine industry. Applicants must be of legal drinking age in both the United States (21 years or older) and in their country of residence. Previous winners of the scholarships may also apply again for a different program than they were awarded in the past. All applications must be complete and submitted by January 15, 202311:59 PM EST. Learn more!
International Wine and Spirit Competition: Emerging Talent Awards
The International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) Emerging Talent awards are an unparalleled opportunity for new and exciting voices within the industry to make their name and to build exposure and recognition for their work.
The winner of each of the six Emerging Talent awards will be granted a £2,500 travel bursary, courtesy of the IWSC Foundation, to enable them to further their education and development within their chosen field. These awards are open to everyone of all ages and all professions of the drinks trade.
Entry to the 2023 Emerging Talent Awards is now open. Download the entry forms and return them before Friday, January 27, 2023 to marketing@iwsc.net. Learn more.
Taste and Explore with John Szabo
Master Sommelier John Szabo was the first Canadian to add the “MS” after his name in 2004. He holds the international Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma with honours, as well as the Canadian Sommelier Guild diploma. He’s principal critic for WineAlign.com, Canada’s premiere wine resource, and co-host and producer of the podcast Wine Thieves with a global following in the trade. He writes a monthly wine advisory for Canaccord Genuity, a global financial services management company headquartered in Canada, as well as a column for Grapevine Magazine, and contributes to many international trade and consumer publications. He’s currently co-writing on a book on wine chemistry.
On the consulting side, John builds wine programs across Canada, and is currently sourcing wines for Accor/Fairmont/Sofitel Hotels in Québec. He is a regular guest speaker at events worldwide and has delivered masterclasses for virtually every major wine trade associations and has taught countless wine courses over the years, among others, for the CMS and IWEG. He has travelled to virtually every wine producing country on earth in pursuit of fine wine and to keep on top of this fascinating industry, including two visits to New Zealand. In his spare time, he tends to his new vineyard in Prince Edward County.
Join John for tasting and exploring in 2023 at the following masterclasses:
Explore New Zealand Pinot Noir with John Szabo
With the support of New Zealand Wine Growers, join Master Sommelier and IWEG visiting instructor John Szabo for an evening of tasting and exploration of New Zealand Pinot Noir. The masterclass will take place on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Sign up now!
Taste the Austrian Grand Crus of the Danube Valley with John Szabo
With the support of Austrian Wine, join Master Sommelier and IWEG visiting instructor John Szabo for an evening of tasting and exploration of the Austrian Grand Crus of the Danube Valley. The masterclass will take place on Thursday, March 30th, 2023 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Sign up now!
Focus on the Grand Crus of the Napa Valley with John Szabo
With the support of Napa Valley Vintners, join Master Sommelier and IWEG visiting instructor John Szabo for an afternoon of tasting and exploration focusing on the Grand Crus of the Napa Valley. The The masterclass will take place on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at 2pm – 4pm. Sign up now!
Learn About a Wide Range of Grapes and Styles
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for anyone wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce.
You’ll learn:
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
- How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
- The style and quality of wines:
- Made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
- Produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
- How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
- Sparkling wines
- Fortified wines
- Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
- Principles of food and wine pairing
Upon successful completion of a 50-question multiple-choice exam, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – starting soon!
Date: Tuesdays, January 17th – March 7th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Register Now!
Taste and Describe with Confidence
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is for industry professionals as well as dedicated enthusiasts who want to develop a broader and deeper understanding of wine. You’ll have a thorough understanding of grape growing and wine making and the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. You’ll learn how to use your tasting notes to make objective conclusions on a wine’s style, quality and readiness for drinking.
You’ll learn:
- Grape varieties, wines and wine-growing regions in detail
- The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation and bottling
- How these key factors influence the key characteristics of the principal
- Still wines of the world
- Sparkling wines of the world
- Fortified wines of the world
- How to apply your understanding to explain wine style and quality
- How to make appropriate wine recommendations
- How to taste wines, describe their characteristics and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Upon successful completion of theory and blind tasting exams, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines – starting soon!
Date: Wednesdays, January 18th – May 3rd at 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
Register Now!
New Zealand Wine Week 2023
New Zealand Wine Week kicks off on January 30th until February 7th! Join us throughout the week for bitesize “wine adjacent” webinars covering research at the forefront of New Zealand wine, the wine regions and the country’s commitment to climate change. In these sessions, local producers and international trade will have conversations about sustainability, site, and Sauvignon. Take a look at the sessions and register!With the support of New Zealand Wine Growers, you can also join Master Sommelier and IWEG visiting instructor John Szabo for an evening of tasting and exploration of New Zealand Pinot Noir on February 2nd. Sign up now!