Italian Wine Essentials: An Italian Wine Scholar Prep Course [Oct 30 - Nov 20]
Your Foundation for the World of Italian Wine
3 Mondays: October 30th, November 13th, 20th (6pm-8:30pm)
Optional Exam: Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
Are you interested in digging deep into the wines of Italy, but aren’t ready to commit to several months of intense study? We have the class for you.
The Italian Wine Essentials course provides an introduction to Italy and its wine regions in addition to core information on 39 of Italy’s best-known wines. This is a passport to Italian wine and a stepping-stone to the internationally acclaimed Italian Wine Scholar, a professional certification program on the wines of Italy.
We will guide you on a wine-focused journey through Italy, learning about legendary wines, foods, landmarks and cultural attractions as you “travel.” The program has been divided into three sections, each featuring a geographical area of Italy: the wines of Northern Italy, the wines of Central Italy and the wines of Southern Italy. Within each section, a tantalizing palette of wines are showcased.
Who is the Italian Wine Essentials course for?
Inquisitive wine enthusiasts wanting 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
Why choose Italian Wine Essentials?
This engaging and informative course will enable you to:
Acquire fundamental Italian wine knowledge in just weeks
Refine your tasting skills
Master the essential grapes and appellations of Italy’s major wine regions
Navigate the seemingly complicated Italian wine classification system
Be perfectly poised to continue your studies with the prestigious Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) certification program
Are there any pre-requisites?
All you need to enter the program is a basic understanding of wine coupled with an interest in learning more.
What does the program cover?
Italy is home to over 400 DOCs and DOCGs; Italian Wine Essentials introduces you to 39 of the most well-known appellations. Thirty-two primary appellations are covered in significant detail, with seven “Detour” appellations included to round out the curriculum. Grape varieties, wine profiles and labelling terms are all explored. Each wine is presented within a regional and cultural context. Local landmarks and traditional cuisines are also highlighted.
What is included?
Classroom instruction
Extensive tastings
A beautifully designed 125-page, landscape-format course book - The Wines of Italy: Glass by Glass.
Access to high-quality e-learning activities designed to enrich the course book and support different learning styles; these activities include interactive e-learning modules with additional cultural highlights and quizzes.
An optional exam
What about the exam?
Enrollment in this engaging and informative course includes an optional exam sit. The optional exam is comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions. Students will be offered the opportunity to sit the exam at their local wine school, passing score is 60%.
What’s next?
Upon completion of the course you will be ideally positioned to continue your learning with the esteemed Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) certification program!
The Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) certification program is an advanced course of study and academic in nature. Endorsed by the Italian Trade Commission (ITA), it is designed for those aiming to specialize and set themselves apart from their wine industry peers. The course is comprehensive in nature and requires a substantial time commitment.
Prior knowledge of Italian wine is recommended. This is a certification program. Successful completion (passing the exam) confers an internationally recognized post-nominal (e.g. John Smith, IWS).
Cost: $425 In-Person
Location: Commonwealth Wine School
Instructor: Jo-Ann Ross