Special Offer

A More Formal Education

Woman with brown hair smiling while wearing a white shirt and a grey plaid blazer.

Bianca has shared her wine education with family and friends. We invited her to share her learning experience with us:

Why did you pursue WSET courses?

I heard so many great things from my partner about WSET who took Levels 2 and 3 and decided I wanted to get a more formal education myself. My goal for WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is to build a strong foundation in what is typical for the most common varietals. I’m also taking this course to be more knowledgeable when reading labels of wines I have not tried.

What do you hope to gain from your wine education?

I’m taking this course out of self-interest. A huge advantage for this course is the structured tastings led by very knowledgeable instructors, which help students hone their tasting skills beyond what they could achieve through self-study. Wine and food are such a big part of time spent with family and friends and I hope to only improve on that experience by learning more.

Do you have any study tips?

Reading the sections ahead of time makes the lesson and tasting much more useful so you can more carefully look for the notes and style characteristics in the wine.

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
Register Now!

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.  

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. 

Importing Wine, Beer, Spirits For Pleasure & Profit

Join Charles Steven Trenholme for the day-long seminar Importing for Wine, Beer & Spirits For Pleasure & Profit, which provides insights into the dynamics of importing wine, craft beers & spirits into Canada. Charles Steven brings to the seminar 35+ years of experience working in various capacities including managing national sales agency, brand management, sommelier and as educators.

Charles Steven knows first-hand that there are still hundreds of suppliers around the world actively looking for importers to represent them in Canada, providing the opportunity to develop a full or part-time career in this dynamic industry. There are also sales and brand ambassador positions available for those with certified sommelier training.

Many of Ontario’s top importers & agents started their careers after attending Charles Steven’s seminar. They readily agreed that they gained valuable insight to the ins & outs of importing beverage alcohol, as well as the operations of the LCBO.

There are also good career opportunities for those with WSET or Sommelier training.

Charles Steven has offered this seminar since 1993 receiving rave reviews from The Globe & Mail, Wine Tidings, Toronto Life, Toronto Sun, The Hamilton Spectator, Wine Access, Vines Magazine as well as CBC Radio.

The seminar will take place on Saturday, November 5th at 9:30am – 4:30pm.

IWEG students and faculty can use the promo code IWEG to receive a 10 per cent discount.

Further information and registration can be found here.

Sommeliers Needed: Brunello Wine Tasting

Predhomme Marketing Insights is seeking Smart Service certified sommeliers to take orders and pour wine for a Brunello wine tasting on November 17, 2022. Sommeliers will be paid $25 per hour to pour these outstanding wines. Sign up here. Contact kelly@predhomme.ca or amanda@predhomme.ca for more information.

Volunteers Needed: Noble Estates 30th Anniversary Party

Noble Estates is hosting a 30th Anniversary party (two years late) on November 17th in Toronto. Their restaurant partners, LCBO staff, producers and customers will be attending the event to help celebrate. There will be a tasting component in the afternoon.

Noble is looking for volunteers to help with the pouring in the afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering while also networking with industry professionals, contact Victoria at VictoriaP@nobleestates.com.

Wine from the Edge

Vineyard with a sunset with text that says Wine from the Edge, Newaland and Oregon, Noovember 10, Toronto 45 degrees

The Oregon Wine Board & New Zealand Winegrowers present a deep dive into classic and unexpected wines from ​Oregon and New Zealand.

On Thursday, November 10, 2022, join Master of Wine Bree Stock and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas as they take you on a tour through wines from both regions.

Masterclass: 10am -1pm
Lunch at Ricarda’s: 12pm – 1pm

  • Compare 8 New Zealand Wines with 8 Oregon state wines
  • In-depth look at growing and soil conditions in both regions
  • Variety of red, white and sparkling wines
  • 6 blind wines to test your tasting skills

Limited number of seats.

Trade walk around tasting: 1pm – 4pm

  • A self-pour progressive tasting event at 3 Toronto restaurants: Aloette, Peter Pan Bistro and Sommelier Factory. 
  • This interactive experience will allow you to visit each location to discover three themed tasting comparisons from each region.  

Register soon because space is limited.