WSET Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits (Spring 2019)
1. Choose A Class
This program is offered in conjunction with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Curriculum
Spring 2019 Course Dates: 12 weeks (Tuesdays)
April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Contact Hours: 33 (3 Hours per session) + Exam
Course Fees:
Tuition: $795.00 + Exam: $150.00 = $945.00
Textbook & Study Guide: $100.00 + GST
Includes Key Fact Sheets, Maps, Self Checks and Practice Exams (including answer keys), Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine, Tasting Notes etc.
Kit (6 ISO Tasting glasses, tasting sheets): $45.00 + GST/PST (if you have taken the WSET Foundation course, you do not need to purchase another kit).
Course Competencies:
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:
- A basic understanding of the major wines & spirits of the world, their production methods and region of origin.
- The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal wines and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
- The product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for advising customers in the hospitality and retail sectors.
- An understanding of the principles of food and wine matching and how those principles are applied
- Ability to use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to gain an appreciation of wine style and quality.
- Knowledge on the correct storage and service of wines and spirits
Course Prerequisites: Level 1 Foundation or relevant wine experience.
Student Evaluation: The final examination consists of one 50 question multiple choice paper.
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No
Weekly Outline:
Week 1 – Factors Affecting Wine Style & Price / Tasting Technique
- The effects of climate, soil, annual weather & topography
- Understanding winemaking & viticulture
- Factors affecting cost
- Wine tasting technique
Week 2 – Label Terminology / Food & Wine Matching
- Understanding common labelling terms
- Principles of food & wine matching
- Menu matching exercise
Week 3 – Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
- Characteristics of the grapes
- Chardonnay & Pinot Noir wines from around the world
- The Gamay & Pinotage varieties
- Tasting of key wines
Week 4 – Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot wines from around the world
- Tasting of key wines
Week 5 – Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Riesling
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling wines from around the world
- The white wines of Alsace & Germany
- Other white wines of the Loire
- Tasting of key wines
Week 6 – Syrah/Shiraz & Grenache,
- Characteristics of the grapes & their role in blends
- Syrah & Grenache wines from around the world
- Tasting of key wines
Week 7 – Italy, Spain & Portugal
- Characteristics of the major grapes
- Wine styles of Italy
- The wines of Spain & Portugal
- Tasting of key wines
Week 8 – Sparkling & Dessert Wines
- Methods of production
- Sparkling & Dessert wine styles
- Grape varieties used
- Tasting of key wines
Week 9 – Fortified Wines, Spirits & Liqueurs
- Methods of production
- The wines of Sherry, Port & Madeira
- Labelling terms for spirits & liqueurs
- Types of spirits & liqueurs
- Tasting of key wines & spirits
Week 10 – Service & Storage of Wine
- Correct storage & cellaring of wine
- Alcohol & health
- Decantation
- Wine faults
- Tasting
Week 11 – Review
Week 12 - Exam