Wines of Summer: IWEG Monthly Newsletter Jul. 07, 2016
« Back to NewsPETER WEARING DipWSET PROFILE
WSET Diploma Coordinator Peter Wearing's DipWSET interest in wine goes back many years when he discovered that wine is just as much about the people and their story as the product itself. This interest led to his co-founding of an importing wines agency. What started as a way to write-off travel turned into a full-time occupation and he eventually quit his day job at the turn of the millennium. We asked Peter to share why he pursued the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits:
"Achieving my Diploma in 2011 gave me a real sense of personal accomplishment. It has also been a great benefit to me in my career. As Managing Director of The Small Winemakers Collection, an import agency located in Toronto, I have responsibility for managing suppliers from around the world. I find my visits to suppliers are much richer having my Diploma under my belt because I not only ask what I feel are more intelligent and relevant questions on viticulture and winemaking but I am better able to discuss their global wine business. That, to me, is really the benefit of the Diploma: understanding the factors that contribute to the style, quality and price of wine as well as the business aspects of the wine industry. It makes you better appreciate quality and value at all price points and styles."
"Achieving my Diploma in 2011 gave me a real sense of personal accomplishment. It has also been a great benefit to me in my career. As Managing Director of The Small Winemakers Collection, an import agency located in Toronto, I have responsibility for managing suppliers from around the world. I find my visits to suppliers are much richer having my Diploma under my belt because I not only ask what I feel are more intelligent and relevant questions on viticulture and winemaking but I am better able to discuss their global wine business. That, to me, is really the benefit of the Diploma: understanding the factors that contribute to the style, quality and price of wine as well as the business aspects of the wine industry. It makes you better appreciate quality and value at all price points and styles."
WSET LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN WINES AND SPIRITS
The WSET Level 4 Diploma qualificationis considered by many in the global wine industry as the premium all round wine and spirit qualification. It is designed to give specialist knowledge of the principal wines and spirits of the world combined with commercial factors and a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wines and spirits.
Diploma Level graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to underpin the job requirements in buying and merchandising roles such as Category Manager, Product Manager and Product Consultant, in hospitality and service roles such as Beverage Director, Wine Consultant and Hospitality Manager, and in sales and marketing roles such as a Regional Manager, District Manager and Brand Manager.
The Diploma is viewed universally as the stepping-stone to the Master of Wine programme.
If you have completed your WSET Level 3 Award in Wine & Spirits or are a graduate of CAPS & ISG and are looking to continue with your wine education, the WSET Level 4 Diploma could be for you! Deadline to register is July 20th.
The Diploma is viewed universally as the stepping-stone to the Master of Wine programme.
If you have completed your WSET Level 3 Award in Wine & Spirits or are a graduate of CAPS & ISG and are looking to continue with your wine education, the WSET Level 4 Diploma could be for you! Deadline to register is July 20th.
DISTANCE LEARNING
The WSET Level 4 Diploma Distance Learning is a two year programme through the WSET Global Online Campus that begins the first week of August and runs through to June the two years following.
The intensive self study is complemented by a strong online program with weekly assignments and student forums which will assist in your studies and provide engaging opportunities for feedback.
The WSET offers a feedback program whereby the student takes mock tests based on the Diploma examinations and they receive feedback on their performance. This helps students understand and reach the standard required for the Diploma qualification assessment.
The intensive self study is complemented by a strong online program with weekly assignments and student forums which will assist in your studies and provide engaging opportunities for feedback.
The WSET offers a feedback program whereby the student takes mock tests based on the Diploma examinations and they receive feedback on their performance. This helps students understand and reach the standard required for the Diploma qualification assessment.
This programme is also complimented with a Key Skills Workshop Weekend in Toronto within the first couple of months of study to provide students with the valuable experience of in class instruction. Deadline to register is July15th.
WHY IWEG?
As the leading organization in wine and spirits education in Canada, IWEG has offered the WSET Level 4 Diploma since 1988. Our 145 Diploma Graduates over the years have gone on to become vital members of the wine and spirits industry in Canada and worldwide.
IWEG's Diploma pass rates are higher than the global average APP scores, and we have a specialized team of WSET Certified Educators such as a Master of Wine, Masters of Wine candidates, Bordeaux Accredited Tutors and other experts who only teach the Diploma, nothing else.
IWEG's Diploma pass rates are higher than the global average APP scores, and we have a specialized team of WSET Certified Educators such as a Master of Wine, Masters of Wine candidates, Bordeaux Accredited Tutors and other experts who only teach the Diploma, nothing else.
FALL 2016 COURSES
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines and more
Date: Saturday, September 17th @ 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits
Date: Tuesdays, September 13th -November 15th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits - CONDENSED
Date: Saturdays, November 5th, 12th and 19th @ 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Date: Tuesdays, October 18th - December 6th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - NEW!
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 26th -November 14th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 3 Award in Sake
Date: Saturday November 5th, Saturday and Sunday November 12th and 13th, Saturday and Sunday November 19th and 20th @ 9:30AM -4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
Italian Wine Scholar - Unit 1 - NEW!
Date: Wednesdays, October 19th -November 30th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
Date: Saturday, September 17th @ 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits
Date: Tuesdays, September 13th -November 15th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits - CONDENSED
Date: Saturdays, November 5th, 12th and 19th @ 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Date: Tuesdays, October 18th - December 6th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - NEW!
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 26th -November 14th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
WSET Level 3 Award in Sake
Date: Saturday November 5th, Saturday and Sunday November 12th and 13th, Saturday and Sunday November 19th and 20th @ 9:30AM -4:30PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
Italian Wine Scholar - Unit 1 - NEW!
Date: Wednesdays, October 19th -November 30th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
THE NEW WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
Effective August 2016, the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits will transition to the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. The new qualification has been designed to provide a more accurate assessment of tasting ability, a greater focus on grape growing and winemaking, and engage students with the course materials and in class discussions.
Students will learn to explain the style and quality of the principal wines of the world and learn to taste wines systematically and accurately in a more logical, focused and engaged way.
Students will receive their study pack immediately upon full registration so they can begin reading the course materials right away.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 26th -November 14th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 26th -November 14th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: i4C
i4C, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (July 22 - 24) needs wine educated volunteers for the School of Cool Friday morning and the Cool Chardonnay World Tour Tasting & Dinner Saturday evening.
This is a superb and one of a kind opportunity to participate in our country’s leading wine event, meet international winemakers, industry leaders, fellow wine lovers and taste through some stellar cool climate wines, some not available here in Ontario.These events will be selling out so you lucky volunteers will be getting into events of great demand!
If interested, please visit coolchardonnay.org/page-volunteers/ to register!
There is currently ‘preferred’ availability at three hotel properties so please indicate if you would like more information on accommodations.
ITALIAN WINE SCHOLAR
The Wine Scholar Guild'sItalian Wine Scholar is an Italian wine course designed to provide committed students of wine with the most advanced and comprehensive specialization study program on Italian wine bar none!
IWEG is one of the first international schools and the first school in Canada to offer the Italian Wine Scholar.
The Italian Wine Scholar is great preparation for the WSET Level 4 Diploma!
IWEG is one of the first international schools and the first school in Canada to offer the Italian Wine Scholar.
The Italian Wine Scholar is great preparation for the WSET Level 4 Diploma!
Italian Wine Scholar - Unit 1
Date: Wednesdays, October 19th -November 30th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
Date: Wednesdays, October 19th -November 30th @ 7PM
Location: IWEG Drinks Academy
Register Now!
FALL 2016 SIGNATURE SERIES
The premier year of our Signature Series has been a spectacular success and we are now preparing a new set of seminars throughout the academic year that will highlight current and relevant subject matter with a unique educational edge.
Designed to engage our alumni, students and consumers these seminars will be an excellent platform to continue learning,developing tasting skills and to network with fellow industry. We are aiming for one seminar per academic month, so there will be twice as many for you to choose from and twice as many learning opportunities.If you register for them all it will be like taking a whole wine course!
Purchase individually or get the Early Bird Deal for the package of 9 for $700. IWEG alumni save 10%! Contact the office for package and discount details at 416-534-2570.
“IWEG’s signature series offers a superb opportunity to dive deeply into specific areas, illustrated by top quality wines. They should be part of everyone’s ongoing education." John Szabo Dip WSET, MS, @johnszabo
Designed to engage our alumni, students and consumers these seminars will be an excellent platform to continue learning,developing tasting skills and to network with fellow industry. We are aiming for one seminar per academic month, so there will be twice as many for you to choose from and twice as many learning opportunities.If you register for them all it will be like taking a whole wine course!
Purchase individually or get the Early Bird Deal for the package of 9 for $700. IWEG alumni save 10%! Contact the office for package and discount details at 416-534-2570.
“IWEG’s signature series offers a superb opportunity to dive deeply into specific areas, illustrated by top quality wines. They should be part of everyone’s ongoing education." John Szabo Dip WSET, MS, @johnszabo
September 15th: Celebrating i4C
IWEG will launch the 2016-17 Signature Series season presenting the highlights and favourites of the highly acclaimed International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. IWEG will showcase a hand selected flight of premier Canadian Chardonnay and other world renowned cool climate Chardonnay, that will feature the key elements of a 'cool climate' region, what this designation entails and discuss both the challenges and successes of winemaking in such regions.
October 20th: Sake: What you need to know
The evening will introduce sake basics, the unique terminology, key regions of sake production and provide the exciting opportunity of tasting through several sakes highlighting differences in style and regional distinctions.
November 10th: Bourgogne Terroir
With the Hospices de Beaune wine auction each November, we thought we would dedicate our November seminar to Bourgogne. Many struggle with the regulations and the villages of the region. Add the unmatched diversity in terroir and it is not difficult to get lost in confusion. Gain insight into the wines of Bourgogne through the senses.
December 8th: Anything but Champagne- New World Sparkling
Just in time for the holidays, IWEG will showcase a line up of exclusively new world sparkling, destined to prove that many stand up to if not exceed Champagnes expectations. Curious as to what makes sparkling wine the universal pairing with food?Oyster Boy will be here to shed some light on that.
Dates and times are subject to change.
IWEG will launch the 2016-17 Signature Series season presenting the highlights and favourites of the highly acclaimed International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. IWEG will showcase a hand selected flight of premier Canadian Chardonnay and other world renowned cool climate Chardonnay, that will feature the key elements of a 'cool climate' region, what this designation entails and discuss both the challenges and successes of winemaking in such regions.
October 20th: Sake: What you need to know
The evening will introduce sake basics, the unique terminology, key regions of sake production and provide the exciting opportunity of tasting through several sakes highlighting differences in style and regional distinctions.
November 10th: Bourgogne Terroir
With the Hospices de Beaune wine auction each November, we thought we would dedicate our November seminar to Bourgogne. Many struggle with the regulations and the villages of the region. Add the unmatched diversity in terroir and it is not difficult to get lost in confusion. Gain insight into the wines of Bourgogne through the senses.
December 8th: Anything but Champagne- New World Sparkling
Just in time for the holidays, IWEG will showcase a line up of exclusively new world sparkling, destined to prove that many stand up to if not exceed Champagnes expectations. Curious as to what makes sparkling wine the universal pairing with food?Oyster Boy will be here to shed some light on that.
Dates and times are subject to change.
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR WINE COMPETITION
IWEG is once again the official coordinator of the 8th annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Wine Competition.
IWEG instructor John Switzer Dip WSET will oversee the judging panel.
Select winning wines will be served at dining venues at The Royal and featured at various events during its 10-day run from November 4-13, 2016. The deadline for wineries to enter the competition is Friday, September 9thwith the delivery cut-off being Friday, September 16. Judging will take place on Saturday, September 24.
INDUSTRY NEWS AND EVENTS
News
Top 10 scotch whisky brands - The Drinks Business (07/01/16)
Winemakers warn of a coming Burgundy ‘apocalypse’ - Bloomberg (06/28/16)
Where to find the world's best sake - CNN (06/23/16)
Events
July 22- 24 @ Various Locations: i4C: International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. Celebrate the coolest wines on earth, featuring more than 100 Cool Climate Chardonnays over three days in Niagara wine country with winemakers from nine countries.
Do you have an event you'd like to share with the IWEG community? Please send all event details to marketing@iweg.org.
"When people tell me they want to get into the wine trade,or simply advance their wine knowledge for their personal enjoyment,I always draw their attention to the WSET courses" - Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine