Wine Education Opportunities
Consistent with our strong support of wine education, the i-WineReview has compiled this preliminary list of wine education opportunities
for our readers across the United States
Suggestions for additional
listings of qualified wine education schools and classes are most welcome.
Proposed listings should be submitted
to the publishers at info@i-winereview.com
Across the United States and Abroad
The Institute of Masters of Wine
The
Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) exists to promote the highest
level of educational achievement for the wine industry, culminating
in the internationally recognized qualification of Master of
Wine (MW). There
are currently 250 MWs world-wide. The IMW organizes all aspects
of the Master of Wine examination and education program. Education
seminars and examinations are held in the UK, the USA and Australia.
Wine industry experience and the Diploma offered by the Wine
and Spirit Education Trust. are considered very useful preparation.
Students wishing to take the exam are required to take a 2 year
program of self-learning to develop their knowledge and skills.
For more information contact hwilliams@masters-of-wine.org
Website: www.masters-of-wine.org
The Court of Master Sommeliers
The Court is an international organization
founded in England in 1969 to encourage improved standards
of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants.
The Court’s
American chapter established in 1977 has awarded Master Sommelier
Diplomas to over 124 candidates and their numbers are expected
to increase rapidly in the coming years. Becoming
a Master Sommelier involves passing rigorous examinations in
restaurant services and salesmanship, wine knowledge, and practical
tasting.
Website: www.mastersommeliers.org
The Society of Wine Educators
The mission of the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) is to advance
wine education through professional development and certification.
It offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to learn
about wine. SWE offers two professional credentials for those
seeking to certify their wine knowledge by an independent organization,
the Certified Specialist of Wine (CWS) and a Certified Wine
Educator (CWE). The
Society’s professional development opportunities are offered throughout
the year. The Society also has a new on-line wine academy. Telephone:
202-408-8777
Website: http://www.societyofwineeducators.org
The French Wine Society
The French Wine Society is the leading provider of French wine study and certification programs internationally.
FWS courses of study are industry-endorsed and range from the comprehensive French Wine Scholar certification program covering all of France to in-depth Master-Level programs on specific wine regions within France.
The FWS offers membership with benefits including live and recorded member educational webinars, an industry chronicle, a member forum and more.
Since 2013, the FWS also organizes immersion study trips to France linked to certification.
Website: www.frenchwinesociety.org
The Napa Valley Wine Academy and
Napa and North California's WSET Wine School
The Napa Valley Wine Academy is a Napa based wine school that conducts wine and spirits educational classes in Northern California including; Napa Valley, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sacramento, and San Jose. Our mission is to inspire and empower our students to explore the world of wine. Wine is our passion and education is our mission. We take you outside of the standard classroom and into winery and food centers that place you closer to the subject matter at hand. Our Wine School offers WSET® Certification courses, in Napa, San Francisco, and Northern California as an Approved Program Provider with the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust in London. We also offer continuing wine education classes through our Wine Academy Course™ and Academy Wine Workshops™. We host regular Wine Academy Tastings™ that focus on exploring the regions and wines of the world. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust provides high-quality education in wines and spirits to more than 43,000 people every year around the globe. The WSET® has become the foremost international organization in the field of wines and spirits education, and offers a suite of sought after qualifications that are considered to be the gold standard in wine education.
Website: www.NapaValleyWineAcademy.com
telephone: 855-513-WSET
Online Schools
Wine Campus
Wine Campus™ is one of few wine colleges specialising in wine education via up-to-date and carefully researched e-learning modules.
All wine courses are interactive and engaging. In contrast to merely beachcombing the Web, students will 'apprentice' from tutors, first-rate wine experts to whom they would otherwise have no access to.
Wine Campus™ offers wine appreciation courses, 1o1 vocational classes, master (honours) classes, advanced (graduate) courses covering all aspects of wine, including viticulture, oenology, wine sales and marketing, dynamics of food and wine alchemy, sommeliership. Wine Campus™ adheres to the EU principles of e-learning and certifies wine professionals.
Website: www.winecampus.org
More info on Wine Campus - wikipedia
Regional and Local
Boston
Boston University's Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource Center
The Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource Center is an educational facility at Boston University’s Metropolitan College established for the study and promotion of wine and other spirits in order to educate people about wine as a beverage, which, when consumed in moderation, can be part of an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle. Its purpose is to foster educational programs at Boston University that explore all aspects of wine, including viticulture; enology; wine history; economics; distribution and marketing; the pairing of wine with food; and the psychological, physiological, and cultural phenomena of wine consumption.
Wine Studies Certificate Programs
The Center offers Wine Studies Certificate Programs consisting of four levels of coursework and expertise. Beyond the personal enrichment gained through any of the four levels of wine study, achieving certification in Levels 2, 3, and 4 will enhance one’s opportunity to work in the wine industry. All students, including those already in the industry, will benefit from the expertise of our instructors, Sandy Block, Bill Nesto, and Alex Murray.
Website: www.bu.edu/foodandwine/wine_programs
Chicago
Chicago Wine School
The Chicago Wine School is an independent educational organization
providing information about wines and spirits. The coarse
course are the five week course, one evening per week of which
there are 2 levels: The Basics, Intermediate (“The Varietals” and “The
Countries”), and Advanced (“The Regions”). The
CWS also offers numerous evening seminars. Patrick W. Fegan
is Director.
Telephone: 312-491-0284
Website: www.wineschool.com
New York City
Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
International Wine Center
The International Wine Center, a New York City wine school, opened
its doors in 1982. Since 1982, the Center has trained
hundreds of wine professionals and helped thousands of wine lovers
to discover the pleasures of wine. In 1994, International
Wine Center was the first organization in the U.S. to become
affiliated with the prestigious Wine & Spirit
Education Trust® (WSET®), and offer its courses. The WSET,
founded in England, is a widely recognized wine certification
program that includes an intermediate, Level Two, Advanced Level
Three, and Diploma-Level 4. Mary Ewing-Muligan, president of
International Wine center is the first woman in America to become
a Master of Wine.
Telephone: 212-239-3055
Website: www.internationalwinecenter.com
The Sommelier Society of America, Inc
The
Society is the nation's oldest wine teaching organization. Founded
in 1954, it is devoted to creating a vital wine society for industry
professionals and interested consumers. The Society offers wine
education classes, tastings and professional consultation services.
Their flagship course is a Twenty Week Certificate Course for
restaurant owners, managers, wait-staff and bartenders. emphasis
is on the varietals, viticulture specifics, techniques of tasting,
food and wine pairing and service. Classes
are taught in New York City and on Long Island.
Telephone: 212-679-4140
Website: www.sommeliersocietyofamerica.org
The Institute of Culinary Education
The
Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), located in New York City,
offers a mix of one-session, two-session and six-session wine
classes. The most in-depth wine class at The Institute is Wine
Essentials,
which meets once a week for six weeks, with each session dedicated
to a particular topic, such as Bordeaux or sparkling and dessert
wines. The
Institute also offers classes on wine and food pairing classes
and selected
great wines under $15.
Telephone: 212-847-0700
Website: www.iceculinary.com
New York University and the James Beard Foundation
NYU’s
School of Continuing and Professional Studies and the James Beard
Foundation offer a wide variety of food and wine courses to please
the palate and expand the culinary senses. Becoming a Wine Expert:
The Essentials of Wine Tasting, Pairing Wine with Chocolate are
among the offerings.
Telephone 212-675-4984
Website: www.jamesbeard.org
Philadelphia
The Wine School of Philadelphia
Offers
a wine certification program, which includes a two-month
Foundation Program (First Tier), a long Intermediate
Wine Certificate Program (Second Tier), and a high level
and rigorous Advanced Certificate Program (third tier). The
School also offers an Online Certificate Program and individual
wine classes such as Wine 101, fundamentals, and Wine
by Region.
Telephone: 215-965-1514
Website: www.vinology.com
San Francisco
Bruce Cass Wine Lab
Bruce
Cass Wine Lab offers fun, informational, and entertaining wine
education in evening classes throughout San Francisco. Experience
12 - 16 fantastic wines each night, accompanied by lecture, discussion,
plus bread & cheese! Classes
include: the Art of Wine Appreciation and Essentials of Great
Wine.
Telephone: 415-861-5500
Website: www.pacrimwine.org
Washington DC Metropolitan Area
and
Northern Virginia
The Sommelier and Wine and Food Society
The offerings here include a valuable nine week Wine Captains Course and 4-week advanced Burgundy and Bordeaux wine classes. All courses provide a combination of wine knowledge, intensive tastings and discussions of wine and food pairing, and practical know-how. The courses are taught by Rob Stewart, a former chef and sommelier. If you are not in the profession, here is your chance to rub shoulders with the lucky ones who are. The Sommelier Wine and Food Society and Rob Stewart can be reached at 703-685-7970 or via e-mail winehead@earthlink.net
Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Washington Wine Academy
The Washington Wine Academy,
one of the finniest wine training centers in the Washington,
DC area.. recently became the second organization
in the United States to offer the Wine and Spirit Education Trust
certification program. Students in the Washington, DC Metropolitan
area are now able to enroll in WSET Intermediate, Advanced,
and Diploma titles. . For further information about WSET and
other wine education programs offered by the Academy, contact
the Washington Wine Academy at 703-922-9422.
Website: www.washingtonwineacademy.org
Greater Washington Wine School
Offers wine classes on a wide range of topics which this year include Pinot Five-Ways, Proprietary Reds, Cognac and Brandy, and Boutique Wineries. Classes meet on weekday evenings throughout the Washington area. Call or e-mail Jane Hermansen, 301-657-0220 or 240-305-6469 gwwsllc@aol.com.
This is only a breif list of wine education programs and classes. Additional Listings of all Qualified Wine Education Schools and Classes are Welcome. Proposed listings should be submitted to the publishers at info@i-winereview.com