More than a Hobby

Why study the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines?

Man in dress shirt sitting outside with glass and bottle of red wine

Calvin is a recent WSET Level 2 Award in Wines student at IWEG. Learn why this wine enthusiast signed up for the course:

I have always had a keen interest in wine and took the WSET Level 2 to learn about various grapes and regions, more generally broaden my palate and maybe in the future do something related that is more than a hobby. Having an exam component was excellent as it helped focus my learning, particularly in new areas and also made reading wine labels going forward a lot more interesting. Doing practice quizzes was really crucial for the exam as well as the weekly reading. More importantly I enjoyed the course a lot (even though it was virtual) and would love to do another level and perhaps pursue something related to the wine industry in the future.

Close up of a woman with glasses holding up a bottle of white wine

Madhu fit in her wine studies while working fulltime and raising a family. Here’s how she made it happen:

I work at a liquor store as a customer service representative. I signed up for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines to increase my knowledge of wine and help customers select better wines. I won’t lie, it was hard for me to fit studying in my busy life. I work fulltime and have two kids. But what I did was just put in a half hour everyday after work and went over the course work chapter by chapter. I got so into it that I started running a tasting club with friends and shared my newfound knowledge. It helped me remember more details. Once the course was done, I kept doing mock exams. Practicing for those added to my confidence. And now I’m thrilled to have my certificate, and I can’t wait to sign up for the next course.

Starting Soon: WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Red wine glass on a patio table

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Date: Saturdays, July 9th – July 23rd at 9:30am – 4:30pm
Register Now!

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.

This 17-hour course provides fundamental product knowledge and systematic tasting skills. Expect to spend 11 hours on preparation and review outside of the classroom.

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
  • The style and quality of wines
  • How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of
  • 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

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines Bursary from Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario

A row of glasses of wine on table with one tilted in a hand for examination

IWEG is pleased to partner with Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario to offer two IWEG students that identify as women a $500 bursary for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines!

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have successfully completed WSET L3 with a final grade of Pass with Distinction 
  • Must be enrolled in the WSET Level 4 program
  • Must identify as women
  • Are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, permanent residents, protected persons or international students

Applicants must provide a short cover letter introducing themselves and provide the following:

  • An essay of 1000 words maximum describing their background, motivation for this chosen career path and state why they would be a suitable candidate to receive the offered bursary
  • A detailed statement of their community involvement (preferably in the relevant industry
  • Submit proof of their academic excellence.

All applications should be emailed to maria.depenweiller@gmail.com. Please include in the subject line: Attn: Maria Depenweiller- IWEG application.

Once the bursary is presented, the applicant will submit a second letter of 700-1000 words describing how the bursary will assist them in achieving their career and educational goals.

Les Dames Escoffier has put together a small committee for review of applications and selection of the suitable candidates for the bursary presentation.

Applications are due by July 31, 2022.

Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario 
Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario (LDON) is a Canadian not-for-profit corporation. It is a leadership organization comprised of forward-thinking women who have achieved success in the food, beverage, hospitality, and tourism industries and who contribute significantly to their communities.
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Their mission is to advance and support aspiring professional women in the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality, as well as to champion critical industry issues.

Why study the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines?

Man dressed in black smiling while smelling a white wine

The Diploma has Josh’s career on the right track:

The WSET Diploma has been on my radar since I passed my sommelier at 21. I’m honestly beyond thrilled to be enrolled in the program this year. My ultimate goals are to land a role in marketing wine and to complete the Master of Wine program, and I know that the education I’ll receive through the WSET Diploma will put me on the right track to accomplish both. After being laid off from a career in hospitality for a collective 5 months, this bursary helps to lift part of that financial weight and allows me to spend more time focusing on the education that will propel my future in wine.

Black and white of a woman standing with her hands in her pocket and smiling

From an interest to a career driver, here’s why Colleen is a Diploma grad:

The Diploma journey has taken my interest in wine and spirits to new heights, while fueling my career at the same time. As a marketer, my role involves bringing product knowledge and brand stories to life through the in-store experience and numerous communication channels. It goes without saying that the breadth and depth of knowledge I’ve gained through the WSET Diploma has helped me to develop authentic and engaging marketing programs, and ultimately educate our customers on this wonderful world of wines and spirits. Over and above that, it’s equipped me with the confidence and knowledge needed to collaborate with partners on LCBOs buying team, retail, and the trade community in a meaningful way.

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines

Group pf people tasting wine in a vineyard

The market-leading WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines qualification provides expert level knowledge and develops key analytical skills for success in the global wine business. Perfect for both the trade professional and the serious enthusiast, the course will arm you with specialist-level skills and experience, plus international recognition as an expert in the field of wine.

Holders of the Diploma will be able to identify characteristics of the principal wines of the world, make informed assessments of a product’s quality and value, and identify appropriate opportunities for the products within a given market.

You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to underpin the job requirements in such roles as Food & Beverage Manager, Wine Buyer or Sales Executive.

The Diploma fulfills the prerequisite for the wine qualification requirement for entry to the Master of Wine (MW) program.

The IWEG experience

As the leading organization in wine, spirits and sake education in Canada, IWEG has offered the WSET Level 4 Diploma since 1988.

Our Diploma graduates over the years have gone on to become vital members of the wine and spirits industry in Canada and worldwide. IWEG holds the record for having the largest amount of Diploma graduates in Canada!

IWEG has been offering Diploma studies for longer than any institute outside of the WSET School in London, which means we enjoy a long history of student success. Our passionate and highly qualified Diploma educators, who come from different fields within the trade, provide on-going support to help you master the analytical tasting skills and supplemental theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed.

Learn more about the in-class WSET Diploma.

Learn more about the online WSET Diploma.

School of Cool: i4C

Row of glasses of chardonnay wine with a red booklet that says school of cool.

The i4C: International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration is back July 22-24, 2022 in Niagara!

Tickets and packages for the complete lineup of i4C events are available for online purchase.

The School of Cool is the perfect way to kick start your i4C weekend. This all-day event featuring Andrew Jefford from Decanter is filled with fun extras like The Great Chardo Swap, delicious White Oaks coffee breaks, an amazing lunch and so many tastings. Once word gets out about everything that’s included for just $175, these tickets will be gone! And remember, the Walkaround Tasting from 3:30 – 5:00 pm is included in your School of Cool ticket. Learn more.