Wine & Spirit Education Trust
WSET® at Brock University
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was founded in London, England in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications. In addition to courses and qualifications for those in the 'trade', there is an increasing number of 'consumers', or enthusiasts, who attend courses. They may attend a course because of a wish to gain a formal qualification or simply a desire to enhance their knowledge of the ever-increasing variety of wines and spirits being produced in the world today. The WSET standards of education are beyond reproach and the certification earned at the various levels is not only respected and well-known world-wide, but is also the perfect jumping off point for those seriously pursuing the highest level of wine and spirits education - the Master of Wine or MW designation. WSET courses are taught in 39 countries around the world making the Intermediate and Advanced Certificate's and Diploma truly unique and useful regardless of where your future employment takes you. Simply put, the WSET offers the most highly regarded respected and transferable wine certification available anywhere.
- Providing high quality education and training in wines and spirits.
- Internationally recognized body in the field of wines and spirits education resulting in sought-after qualifications.
- Quality Instruction - All Instructors have completed the Diploma level of education and beyond. All are highly qualified professionals.
- A Program for Everyone -- In addition to courses and qualifications for those in the ‘trade' the WSET attracts an increasing number of consumers and enthusiasts
Which Course is right for you?
Step 1 Establish which wine and spirit qualification you would like to achieve, having checked that you meet the entry requirements.
Step 2 Register!
Level 1: WSET Foundation in Wine
Prerequisite: Entry Level - no prerequisites required.
This qualification aims to provide basic product knowledge and skills in the service and retail of wine.
This course is also a good introduction for the wine enthusiast who wishes to learn in a more structured way wine styles, storing and serving of wine, plus food and wine matching.
Qualifications introduce candidates to:
- The main styles of wine
- The characteristics of the major grape varieties
- The WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting
- Service and Retailing of Wine
- The Matching of Food and Wine
To gain the Level 1 qualification candidates are required to:
- Complete a program of training
- Successfully complete a multiple-choice paper of 30 questions and a portfolio of tasting notes.
* Successful students receive a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin.
Go to registration information below or contact ccovi@brocku.ca for availability.
Level 2: Intermediate Certificate in Wine and Spirits
Prerequisite: Level 1 WSET Foundation in Wine is recommended but not required.
The WSET Intermediate Certificate in intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry who wish to gain more experience and/or more indepth knowledge of wines and spirits.
The course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who have a serious interest in wine, and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.
The Intermediate Certificate course covers the wines and spirits of the world and is followed by a one-hour multiple choice examination. Wine tasting is a part of every class.
Qualifications introduce candidates to:
- Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting and food and wine matching
- Grape growing and wine making
- Key wine- and spirit-producing regions
- Key grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache
- Sparkling and sweet wines
- Fortified wines plus spirits and liqueurs.
To gain the Level 2 qualification candidates are required to:
- Complete a program of training
- Successfully complete a multiple-choice exam of 60 questions and a portfolio of tasting notes.
* Successful students receive a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin.
Level 2 will be offered in September, 2009 - to register simply click below. Details on future offerings will be announced or contact ccovi@brocku.ca for availability.
Level 3: Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits
Prerequisite: WSET Level 2 (recommended).
Preference will be given to Level 2 WSET graduates.
Advanced Standing for admission to Level 3 will be given upon completion of entrance test* to: graduates of Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS); IWEG (Level 2); graduates of the OEVI program at Brock University. For these or other programs please consult with the Coordinator of CCOVI Continuing Education for clarification or confirmation.
*Entrance Test is used to demonstrate equivalent level of knowledge at the Intermediate level through completion of equivalent courses or sufficient experience in the wine and spirit industry. Must be proficient with the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting .
The WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate is intended to provide in-depth knowledge of a wide range of wines and spirits.
This qualification is also suitable for the wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained at Level 2.
All sessions include tastings.
The Advanced Certificate covers wines and spirits of the world in considerable depth. Students are required to prove competency in theory and tasting. The examination for the Advanced Certificate is in two parts: theory examination of 50 multiple-choice questions and four short-answer questions, plus a tasting examination consisting of a blind tasting of one wine.
Qualifications introduce candidates to:
- Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting
- Viticulture and Vinification
- France 1: Bordeaux and South-West France
- France 2: Burgundy and Alsace
- Loire, Rhône and South of France
- Germany, Austria, Hungary, UK
- Italy
- Spain and Portugal
- Eastern Europe, New Zealand and South Africa
- The Americas
- Australia
- Sparkling Wines
- Fortified Wines
- Spirits and Liqueurs
To gain the Level 3 qualification candidates are required to:
- Complete a program of training
- Successfully complete a multiple-choice exam of 50 questions plus a tasting examination.
* Successful students receive a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin.
Level 3 will be offered in January, 2010 - to register simply click below. Details on future offerings will be announced or contact ccovi@brocku.ca for availability.