Classes

 
 
 
 

Wine and Spirit Education Trust

Vinsanity School of Wine is an Approved Programme Provider of the prestigious courses of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The WSET is the world leader in wine education. I have been teaching WSET courses since 2010. Vinsanity School of Wine offers Level 1 Award in Wines, Level 2 Award in Wines, and Level 3 Award in Wines. To view Vinsanity School of Wines’ Policies & Procedures click here

Level 1 Award in Wine

May 25 (9:00 - 5:00 - with exam same day) at The Pourium

Tuition: $425.00

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. Learn more about the course here.

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine, learn the basic skills needed in order to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. There are no prerequisites. Upon successful completion of the exam candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 1 Specification here. More information regarding course fees can be found here

Level 2 Award in Wine

Date: TBA

Tuition: $999.00

WSET’s Level 2 Award in Wines is a beginner to intermediate-level qualification exploring wines, suitable for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts. While there is no prerequisite many students find it helpful to complete WSET Level 1 prior to registration. Learn more about the course here.

This qualification is intended for anyone wishing to learn more about the world of wine or those seeking to continue their learning after successful completion of WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. Candidates will learn about the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. An introduction to the fields of viticulture and vinification are included. Students will learn to taste and describe wines with confidence. Upon successful completion candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 2 Specification here.

More information regarding course fees can be found here

Level 3 Award in Wine

Date: TBA

Instructor: TBA

Location: TBA

Tuition: $1750.00

Study in a classroom setting with the practical tasting of over 70 different wines. This is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for dedicated wine enthusiasts. Successful completion of Level 2 is strongly recommended prior to registration. Learn more about the course here.

This qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Viticultural, vineyard management and winemaking are examined. Upon completion students will be able to assess wines accurately, and use your understanding to explain wine style and quality. Upon successful completion candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 3 Specification here.

More information regarding course fees can be found here

 
 

 Wine Scholar Guild

The Wine Scholar™ Study and Certification programs offer students of wine the opportunity to specialize in the wine country of their choice. I am a certified instructor of the French, Spanish, and Italian Wine Scholar Programs, Italian Programs Director, and the co-author of the Wine Scholar Guild’s newest course offering Italian Wine Scholar Prep.  

IWS Prep is designed to address the needs of the inquisitive wine enthusiast and aspiring wine professionals alike. As a foundation course, IWS Prep remains accessible but is content-rich and full of cultural highlights that are as engaging as they are entertaining. IWS Prep is your passport to understanding Italian wine. It also acts as a stepping-stone to the internationally acclaimed Italian Wine Scholar certification program.

Our scholar level wine education programs provide current, accurate and in-depth information on the wines France, Italy and Spain. They are designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. WSG programs can be followed in the classroom via a network of Approved Program Providers or via distance-learning through the acclaimed e-learning platform. Individuals who follow these in-depth programs and pass the exam earn the French, Italian or Spanish Wine Scholar title and corresponding post-nominal, which may be incorporated into a professional signature. 

If you are interested in enrolling in IWS Prep or one of the Wine Scholar Guild’s Scholar level programs, please Contact Me.

  • Alex Allardyce

    INSTRUCTOR

    Alex was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After obtaining an Honors degree in Political Science and History and an Advanced Certificate in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Winnipeg, she fell in love with wine while travelling Europe for a year after graduation. After completing a full harvest in the Languedoc-Roussillon, she returned to Winnipeg and started working for Jones & Company Wine Merchants in 2016. She worked there for three years, during which time she completed her WSET Levels 2 & 3 and the CAPS Diploma Program in May, 2020 to become a certified Sommelier. After briefly working as a sales representative for Elevage Selections in Winnipeg, she recognized that her true passion was working in the service industry. Alex is now employed at the Manitoba Club, one of the Platinum Clubs of the world, working as a Sommelier and Supervisor. Traveling for wine and food remains a big passion of hers and has taken her all over the world. More recently, Alex traveled to Scandinavia where she worked with an importing company, traveling all through Finland. She also completed two harvest stints at Averill Creek on Vancouver Island. Her most recent accomplishment include being awarded the CAPSTONE Canada Scholarship on behalf of CAPS Canada and California Wines Canada, winning the title of 2021 Best Sommelier of Manitoba, and winning the preliminaries for the Master Port of Canada, which allowed her to travel to Portugal to represent Manitoba.

  • Seema Pal

    INSTRUCTOR

  • Marlies Tibbs

    INSTRUCTOR