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Tasting and Theory

Certificate in Irish Whiskey

Laptop with black notebook, a glass of whiskey and a green tartan in the background

The Certificate in Irish Whiskey from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy comprises of six online modules of interactive exercises, videos and pop quizzes to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the different styles of Irish whiskey. The course was written and developed by Irish whiskey experts Fionnán O’Connor and Matt Healy.

You will explore the history and business of Irish whiskey, before learning the whole production and maturation processes, including the different equipment used dependent on the different mash bills adopted. You will also learn about legal requirements and how to run a sensory analysis of Irish whiskey via a tutored tasting.

This beginner to intermediate course is for professionals looking to break into the industry or who are new to the industry, as well as to enthusiasts looking to improve their knowledge.

The flexible, self-paced format allows you to learn in your own time and, with quizzes at the end of each module, you can measure all the knowledge you’re distilling as you go.

We estimate 8-10 hours of study time to complete the course.

Successful candidates will receive a digital certificate of completion.

There are no prerequisites. There is no tasting requirement nor is there a tasting assessment in this course.

Enrollment is open at any time.

Wines of Portugal Academy: Intermediate Level

Bottle of wine on a pile of books with a backpack and blackboard in the background. The bottle says wines of Portugal. The blackboard says Portuguese 101, saude! and ola!

Wines of Portugal Academy: Intermediate Level
Date: Sunday, April 24th @ 9:30am – 4:30pm

This ViniPortugal course covers fundamental knowledge about Portuguese wine. Explore the history, taste a variety of wine styles, and further your knowledge of the native grape varietals of this great winemaking region.

This one-day course is ideal for trade professionals seeking professional accreditation and Portuguese wine enthusiasts.

Discover the 10 most important native grape varietals, understand traditional vinification systems, tour the unique sub-regions and taste 16 diverse wines showcasing Portugal’s diverse terroirs.

You will:

  • Develop an extensive knowledge of Portuguese wines
  • Be able to recognize the iconic wines, the famous fortified wines, the 10 main grape varieties, the typical blends and the contribution of each variety in the composition of the blend for wines of Portugal
  • Be able identify and know the main characteristics of the main regions (including Beira Interior and Azores)
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge on the harmonization of international gastronomy with Portuguese wines

Upon successful completion of a test, you will receive a certificate and the title of Wines of Portugal Certified Ambassador.

Prerequisite: None. 

The course is taught by Wines of Portugal Academy educator Sofia Salvador.

Gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world

Woman smiling in the calendar while holding up a bottle of wine. Man in background with a wine glass at his nose.

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines 
Date: Tuesdays, March 29th – May 17th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm 

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is an intermediate-level course for those entering a profession in the wine industry as well as for enthusiasts who wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. 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. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.

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:
  • 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

Stepping stone to Diploma: WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Date: Saturdays, March 26th – May 28th @ 10:30am – 4pm

Complete the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines this spring to prepare you for the next WSET Diploma program!

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced-level course 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.

This 40-hour course provides in-depth and detailed understanding of how human and natural factors in vineyard and winery affect wine style, quality and price. It further develops systematic tasting and description skills. Expect to spend 50 hours of preparation and review outside of the classroom.

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, sparkling wines and 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)

The course will be delivered by IWEG’s WSET Certified Educators Kim Berdusco DipWSET, Debbie Shing DipWSET and Erin Salmon DipWSET.

Become an Italian Wine Scholar

A bottle of wine, a glass of red wine and the Italian Wine Scholar study manuals for unit 1 on the wines of Northern Italy and unit 2 on the wines of Central and Southern Italy.

Italian Wine Scholar – Northern Italy (Unit 1)
Date: Thursdays, April 28th – June 30th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm

The Italian Wine Scholar is an extensive two-unit specialist certification focused on the diverse wines and wine regions of Italy. It is designed by the Wine Scholar Guild to provide current, accurate information on all of the wine regions of Northern, Central and Southern Italy, and to validate proficiency in the wines and wine regions of the country.

Unit 1 is 16 hours and covers Northern Italy and Unit 2 is 14 hours and covers Central and Southern Italy. The course provides detailed coverage of Italian wines, as well as an introduction to Italian history, geography, viticulture and winemaking. The units can be taken in any order.

You will:

  • Develop specialist knowledge of DOC and DOCG wines of 21 Italian regions
  • Appreciate the cultural context of Italian wine
  • Consider the vineyard and winery factors that contribute to wine styles
  • Taste and assess a range of Italian wines, which illustrate regional or grape varietal typicity, as well as diversity of styles by authorized Wine Scholar Guild instructors

This course includes:

  • A study manual and workbook
  • A full-year access to all Italian Wine Scholar online resources (videos, interactive quizzes, webinars, pronunciation exercises etc.)
  • Exam registration fee
  • Tutored tasting of over 40 wines per unit  
  • Diverse hands-on group activities designed to enhance recall and address different learning styles

In addition to classroom instruction, you are expected to spend 25 to 50 hours of preparation and review over the duration of each unit outside of classroom hours.

Upon successful completion of a 100-question multiple-choice exam with a passing score of 75 per cent or higher for each unit, you will receive the Italian Wine Scholar credential, certificate and lapel pin.

The course is taught by authorized Wine Scholar Guild instructors Nancy Reynolds DipWSET, Kim Berdusco DipWSET and Aleksander Simic DipWSET.

Or sign up for the new Italian Wine Scholar Prep

Image of a glass of red wine, two course textbooks titled 'The Wines of Italy: Glass by Glass' and the logo that says IWS PREP.

New to IWEG, we are proud to launch the latest wine education program from the Wine Scholar Guild, the Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) Prep.

This beginner-level course is for:

  • Inquisitive wine enthusiasts who want to become more familiar with the intricacies of Italian wine
  • Aspiring wine professionals
  • Hospitality professionals new to the world of Italian wine
  • Anyone wishing to become more knowledgeable about Italy and its wine and food culture

You will learn to:

  • Identify the location of the profiled appellations on a map of Italy
  • Describe the style of each of the wines covered in the session
  • Recall the main grape varieties associated with each wine covered in the session
  • Understand how key environmental factors have influenced the style of the wines
  • Recall vinification and aging techniques that contribute to the style of the wines
  • Decrypt the meaning of key labelling terms
  • Navigate the seemingly complicated Italian wine classification system

The course will take place on Thursdays, June 2nd – 23rd at 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Learn more!

Wines of Germany Qualified Study and Certification Program 

Together with IWEG, the German Wine Institute has developed the first of its kind Wines of Germany Qualified Study and Certification Program for the Canadian market.

The course is offered free of charge, courtesy of Wines of Germany.

Designed specifically for industry professionals, this Wines of Germany online certification covers fundamental knowledge about German wine.

This is a self-paced course which should take approximately 12-15 hours, including study time to complete.

Three online learning modules and downloadable learning materials are complemented by synchronous sessions on a video conferencing platform moderated by Christopher Waters DipWSET, Wines of Germany’s accredited instructor for this course.

Prerequisite: None, however prior wine knowledge (eg. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines) would be advantageous.

You’ll learn:

  • Germany in context: wine basics, geography and climate
  • German wine law and quality
  • The richness and diversity of German wine regions and main grapes/styles of wine

Upon successful completion of an online test with passing grade of 75 per cent or higher, you will receive a personalized and downloadable Wines of Germany certificate at the end of the course.

Course materials include the downloadable German Wine Manual and profiles on the main grapes and styles of wines.

Enrollment opens on March 13, 2022. Access to the course is limited to sixty days from the published start date.