introductory sommelier course

Saturday & Sunday Nov 1 & 2, 2008
Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Willow Park Wines & Spirits, Calgary, Alberta
$500 per person

Registration: contact Julie Fitzsimmons 296-1640 ext 248, julie@willowpark.net

The student will recieve up-to-date and thorough information about the following: method of viticulture, vinification and local customs for major wines; production methods of wines and spirits; wine service, social skills and legislation; harmony of food and wine; wine tasting skills to enable candidates to recognize typical characteristics of wines and detect basic faults, and characteristics that typify classic wines and wine regions. At the end of the two-day educational course, candidates take a multiple-choice theory examination. The Introductory Sommelier Course is a prerequisite for the Certified Sommelier Exam. This course is appropriate for wine professionals and dedicated amateurs.

wine appreciation course

Sept 14th to Nov 2, 2008(7 sunday classes)
Hours: Sunday 7:00 - 9:00pm
Location: Willow Park Wines & Spirits, Calgary, Alberta
$250 + Textbook (available for purchase at first class)

Registration: contact Carol 296-1640, info@willowpark.net

This course will take you to all the wines countries throughout the world and focus on four categories: white, red, sparkling and fortified wines. This will include an introduction to wine tasting and winemaking. The last class features a special food pairing segment.

certified sommelier exam

Monday Nov 3, 2008
Exam 8:30am - 2:30pm
Reception 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Location of Exam: TBD
$350.00

Registration: contact Julie 296-1640, ext 248 julie@willowpark.net

The Certified Sommelier represents the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry. Through the creation of the examination, the Court of Master Sommeliers will identify beverage professionals whose knowledge, training, skills and demeanor are eligible for the title "Certified Sommelier."

The Certified Sommelier Exam is comprised of three parts: Written Exam - 25 questions covering the world of wine; Tasting Exam - blind wine tasting of two wines; and a Service Exam - requires the candidate to exhibit sales and service skills and includes either the decanting of a red wine or the safe and correct opening of a Champagne bottle.

Upon completion of the three-part exam, the student will receive a certificate and a pin distinguishing them as a Certified Sommelier, certified by the American Court of Master Sommeliers.

*All candidates must have passed the Introductory Sommelier Exam prior to taking the Certified Exam. Students who have not taken the Certified Sommelier Exam within two years of passing the Introductory Exam are strongly advised to retake the Introductory Exam at a special retake price of $195.00 (this is optional but recommended). Successful completion of the Certified Sommelier Exam is mandatory for all candidates applying for the Advanced Sommelier Course/Exam.

Further details about the Certified Sommelier Examination can be found at the Court website at www.mastersommeliers.org