The Best Way

Man sitting on indoor stairs while holding a glass of white wine

For Camden, an interest in wine turned into a career goal:

I used to spend my summers traveling Europe which is where my interest in wine began. Although I enjoyed it I never took it seriously or thought it was something I could make a career out of. I ended up working at the LCBO right before the pandemic began, and while it canceled all my further travel plans it got me thinking about what I want to do with my life. After talking with a coworker who took WSET courses I decided to enroll at the start of 2021.

I began my wine education journey with WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. It quickly became my passion and I knew this is what I want to do. To pursue a career in the industry I decided that this was the best way to establish myself. Holding WSET certifications shows that you have extensive theory knowledge as well as the ability to properly assess wines. When I finish the Diploma program my goal is to eventually start my own import company, bringing in wines from lesser known regions and varieties to share with adventurous wine lovers.

Woman in pink blazer with a big smile holding up a glass of red wine to her face.

Diana overcame her initial fears of the WSET Diploma:

A corporate lawyer by trade, my formal wine training began in the summer of 2016 when I enrolled in WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. While I had always enjoyed wine, I never felt that I had the right adjectives to describe what I was tasting or to know what I liked and why I liked it. From the first WSET course I was hooked and felt like I was in a grown up version of Grade 6 social studies class.

Level 1 just increased my curiosity and my desire to learn more which naturally led to Level 2 and then to Level 3. Frankly, I have to admit that Diploma frightened me a bit and I was more than intimidated given the intensity of Level 3. Instead, I decided to take my French Wine Scholar to feed my need to learn more about wine without committing to the full Diploma.

While in person classes were interrupted by COVID, I did complete the French Wine Scholar and did thoroughly enjoy it – still my favourite wine country! However, the Diploma kept calling me and it just seemed like the natural progression of my wine education.

I should mention that this is still a passionate hobby for me at this point, but one which I relish. The knowledge I have acquired, even half way through Diploma and the friends that I have made have been incredibly gratifying. Yes, its hard work, particularly when you have a day job. But the teaching professionals are excellent, incredibly helpful and you can tell they are routing for you.

Someday I do plan to “do something” with my wine passion, but for now, I am enjoying just learning about it. My advice – take the Diploma, make great, like minded friends, taste lots and lots of great (and sometimes not so great) wines and study hard.

À votre santé.

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.

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.

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.