A wine course is a good way to improve your wine knowledge. The most serious approach is to take a WSET course or equivalent, but other more low-key options are available.
WSET Wine Courses or Equivalent
The most rigorous program is administered by The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), a UK based organization, whose certification program is offered in over 70 countries through accredited service providers. The WSET program was developed for the hospitality industry but is also available to the keen amateur.
There are four levels – Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced; and Diploma. Note that course fees are tax deductible. In Toronto, the WSET program is offered by three organizations:
IWEG (Independent Wine Education Guild) Drinks Academy was established in Toronto in 1977 and is the only provider in Ontario to offer all four levels of the WSET program. They also offer country specific courses developed by the Wine Scholar Guild and one night courses on assorted topics.
Fine Vintage Ltd was established in 1995 and currently operates in fifteen countries and across Canada. It is a family business, owned and operated by James McCluer who is one of a small number of Masters of Wine in all of North America. It offers WSET levels one, two and three, and additional specialty courses including a sensory course on wine aromas and flavours.
Adventure in Wine is owned and operated by Michelle Paris who is a certified sommelier through both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. Michelle offers WSET levels one, two and three. All courses are provided virtually at a regularly scheduled class time just like in-person classes were. Ontario students will also get shipped all the wine samples.
George Brown College has a variety of daytime and evening courses available through the Food & Beverage subsection of its Hospitality & Culinary Arts program.
The Wine Scholar Guild
provides study & certification programs on the wines and wine regions of France, Italy and Spain. It was originally established as the French Wine Society and quickly became the leading provider of French wine study and certification programs internationally. In order to accommodate requests for equivalent study programs on Italy and Spain, it changed its name to the Wine Scholar Guild. It has program providers worldwide. In Toronto, its programs are provided by IWEG Drinks Academy
The North American Sommelier Association (NASA) provides an Italian Wine Specialist course at a number of North American locations including Toronto.Scroll down the page to the location listing to obtain date, location and price information for Toronto, and contact NASA for additional details.
Other Wine Course Options
Wine Folly has a suite of online wine courses starting at USD$19. They launched in 2011 in Seattle, Washington, USA although interestingly, their contact information features a Calgary address. In 2015, they launched their first book, Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine – a New York Times bestseller.
In 2018, they launched their second book, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition, The Master Guide – a James Beard award winner. I suggest starting off by subscribing to their free newsletter which provides access to assorted articles on wine. The quality of the articles is top notch.
The Rioja Wine Academy developed this free 15 hour online course to share insider knowledge about Rioja’s classifications, grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and wine styles.. A diploma is granted to those that receive a mark of 75 per cent or higher on the 30-question multiple choice final exam.
Natalie Maclean and The Wine Sisters offer various courses which will definitely improve your knowledge but you won’t have to study so hard.
Other Educational Options
A Wine Podcast is a good way of picking up knowledge in a laid back manner. Also, refer to Tutored Tastings if your time is at a premium. For do-it-yourselfers, here’s a great article entitled Drink Wine Like a Pro