Special Offer: Opimian Wine Club de Vin

Image of wine bottles in the sky with the text Opimian Wine Club de Vin

Opimian Wine Club de Vin is more than just ordering wines. It’s about sharing our passion for wine and spirits with a community of wine lovers. It’s also about learning the stories of the people behind each bottle. But mostly, it’s about connecting to the fascinating world of wine and spirits. We care for our members just like we care for family — with an extra glass always on hand.

Key Features:

  • Canada’s longest running wine and spirit club – Turning 50 in 2023!
  • Canada’s largest wine and spirit club – 10K+ members and growing
  • The only wine and spirit club in every province and two territories
  • Exclusive access to the wines and spirits of over 200 producers worldwide (these wines and spirits are only available to Opimian members)

Exclusive offer for IWEG students – A complimentary 1 year membership (value of $145/annum) to join the Opimian Wine Club de Vin community that includes:

  • A personal Somm and Member Concierge on call
  • Access to exclusive wines and spirits not available anywhere else in Canada (Over 200 producers worldwide and growing)
  • Cellar Magazine featuring Opimian wine releases delivered to your door + monthly web pop-ups, and special email offers
  • A personal dashboard to track your orders, engage with the member service team and discover the wonderful world of Opimian Exclusive wines
  • Wine and spirit education with Masters of Wine and affiliation with WSET Canada
  • Club and Community events – producer dinners, wine tastings, release parties, virtual tastings, tutorials, and more

To activate your membership: 

  • Go to opimian.ca/jointheclubSelect Standard Membership
  • Enter your information and the promo code IWEG at check out

You will receive a confirmation email, and the member concierge will contact you shortly!

Review Opimian’s current cellar offering and begin to order from the amazing range of wines and spirits!

Already an Opimian member? Email Mike Howe, mhowe@opimian.ca, to let him know and Opimian will add $105 in wine credits to your account!

Have you Ever Wished you Knew More About Beer?

Have you ever wished you knew more about beer? Can you tell the difference between an IPA and a pilsner? A brown ale and a porter? WSET is launching its first-ever beer courses this year!

IWEG will be offering in-class and online WSET Level 1 Award in Beer and WSET Level 2 Award in Beer beginning in February. The first online WSET Level 1 Award in Beer will start February 12th and the first online WSET Level 2 Award in Beer will start February 19th. In-class course dates will be shared shortly. 

Register your interest in the courses at IWEG using the email address beer@iweg.org.

The in-class courses will be delivered by IWEG’s WSET Certified Educator Chris Robertson.

Man with glasses in blue shirt standing in front of brick wall

Chris Robertson DipWSET is the senior director for beer, cider & ready-to-drink at the LCBO. He has over 20 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry as a buyer, marketer and business leader. He has extensive knowledge of beer, spirits and wine, including the WSET Level 4 Diploma, and in 2019, Chris was awarded the David A. Churchill Memorial Scholarship for the highest score in the WSET Diploma’s the global business of wine unit at IWEG.   

Study tip:

I encourage students to connect with one another throughout the learning experience through study groups and tastings. I think meeting people in the industry or those just interested in beverage alcohol is one of the most rewarding elements of these courses. It enhances your learning and makes the whole experience fun.

Describe Wine Using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting

ut 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.

In-class

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – starting soon!
Date: Tuesdays, January 30th – March 26th at 6pm – 8pm
Register Now!

Explainer: Robert Burns & Burns Night

If you’re wondering how a celebration of the life of Robert Burns became one of the biggest nights in the Scottish cultural diary globally, check out this detailed explainer.