Holiday Finds – Classic Styles from the Cape

Limited seating by RSVP. This event is complimentary for trade and IWEG students. If full, waitlist spots may be available. 

Please RSVP to Sara at ssangster@iweg.org.

Answer Customer Questions Accurately 

Bald man with a beard smiling with yellow fall leaves in the background.

Matt is a customer service representative for the LCBO in Midland. After completing the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines online, he pursued his education further with the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines online. Here’s his experience: 

I decided to take the course to further my general interest in wine and plan to continue to explore further courses in both wine and spirits. In my role as customer service representative, I like to have the knowledge to answer customer questions accurately and with the confidence to recommend the product that meets the customers needs and recommend others that could be of interest to them. WSET courses provide a great knowledge and accreditation that I can use to further my career in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Special Offer: WSET Level 3 Award in Sake

Sign up by November 18th with the coupon code l3sakenov22 to save $95 at checkout. Limited quantities available.

WSET Level 3 Award in Sake provides in-depth and detailed understanding of the production methods that affect sake style, quality and price. It develops systematic tasting and description skills, as well as the ability to make recommendations. Expect to spend 25 hours of preparation and review outside of the classroom.

You’ll learn:

  • The main techniques that are used in the production of sake and how they influence style and quality
  • The principal and specialty categories of sake
  • The sake industry and the commercial importance of sake in the Japanese and export markets
  • The principles behind the storage, selection and service of sake
  • How to appreciate the historic and current cultural and commercial significance of sake in Japan and in export markets
  • How to assess and describe sake with confidence, and be able to make selection, storage and service suggestions
  • How to taste sake, describe their characteristics and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT)
Black and white photo of a man in a turtleneck and suit with arms crossed

The course will be taught by Michael Tremblay. Michael’s foray into wine and sake has been 25 years in the making, traveling around the world and using wine and sake as a lens for learning about the history and culture of different regions. Michael is one of 70 Sake Samurai in the world, a title bestowed by the Japan Sake and Shochu Maker’s Association at Kyoto’s 1300 year old shrine to sake, the Matsunoo Taisha. He is the co-author of the book on sake “Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, Earth” released on March 8, 2022 and published by Tuttle. 

Special Offer: WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Condensed

Man sitting at t table with various glasses of wine in front him. He is holding up and looking at a red wine.

Sign up by November 18th with the coupon code nov22l2 to save $100 at checkout. Limited quantities available.

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
Date: Saturdays, November 19th – December 3rd at 9:30am – 4:30pm

Career Opportunity: Cellar Master at IWEG

Image of the back of man selecting a bottle of wine off a shelf filled with wine bottles
IWEG is currently looking for a cellar master to join the team. The cellar master is responsible for the management of the wine and spirits inventory at the IWEG, which form part of course specifications for WSET qualifications and WSG study and certification programs.

In this role, they will contribute to IWEG’s overall objectives of delivering successful programs, instructed by effective adult educators, yielding strong pass rates, a high degree of student satisfaction, and positive regard within the wine and spirits community.

Learn more about this opportunity. 

Explore New Zealand Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with John Szabo

Bottle of red wine being poured into a wine glass on a wooden tablw

Join Master Sommelier and IWEG visiting instructor John Szabo for an evening of tasting and exploration of New Zealand Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The masterclass will take place on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The cost is $95. Register now!

Master Sommelier John Szabo was the first Canadian to add the “MS” after his name in 2004, and he holds the WSET Diploma with honours. He’s seen the hospitality business from all sides including cooking and washing dishes, serving and sommellerie, importing, teaching, writing, photographing, speaking, emceeing, consulting and judging wine internationally. He was listed as “Canada’s best-known sommelier” in Meininger’s Wine Business International.  

How Do Wine Scholar Guild Courses Align with Other Wine Certification and Training Programs?

Do you wonder how the Wine Scholar Guild and its programs compare to the other major providers of wine certification organizations? The guide above is designed to help you understand the differences and make informed choices about your wine study path. Learn more.

Upcoming Wine Scholar Guild courses:

Italian Wine Scholar 
Date: Tuesdays, January 24th – March 7th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Register Now!

French Wine Scholar 
Date: Thursdays, March 23rd – May 18th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Register Now!