Video: How Can you Become an Ontario Wine Specialist? IWEG Wine of-Course!

 

We had a lot of fun this past Sunday sipping on our favourite Ontario wines and chatting about the New Ontario Wine Specialist Certificate!

Click on the arrow above to play the video.

You can read the 138 comments here (and comment yourself).

Share your thoughts on your favourite Ontario wines and discover which wines others love that you might want to try.

Also find out how you can become a Certified Ontario Wine Specialist.

Sip with you soon!

 

 

 

P.S. If you click on the “Like” and “Share buttons on Facebook now, you’ll get the heads up when we go live.

Join us next the Sunday Sipper Club at 6 pm eastern right here for Oscar Wines:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/natdecants/posts/

 

Natalie MacLean
 Natalie MacLean · 34:27 I’ll be posting the wines that we taste tonight as well more info on the Ontario Wine Specialist Certificate and other wine courses here:
Mellie Gams
 Mellie Gams · 0:00 I’m drinking a California cab I’m finding a little sweet. I heard if you put a pinch of salt in your glass it helps cut the sweetness. Is that true?

 

Biliana Velkova
 Biliana Velkova · 57:06 Thank you Natalie, I am not sure if you have done it already, but can you do one one Spanish wines
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 56:35 Hi Lori, great question. I would say the Master Sommelier designation is the most well known and we have many Master Sommeliers go on to the WSET Diploma. Here is a cool career map: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/…/wset-and-cms…/
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 34:58 The Old Third in PEC – Pinot Noir is the BEST!! Love Casa Dea wines – also from PEC Kew Vineyards in Niagara make great sparkling as does Hinterland. Also enjoy Vineland wines from Niagara.
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 14:46 Hello Sharon, if you are looking for a thorough understanding of the wine regions and a systematic approach to tasting, I recommend starting off with the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines + Spirits.
Sam Hauck
Sam Hauck · 27:55 Hi Natalie, Not running any course now, mostly writing, but if the person from Vancouver would like to do some monthly blind tastings to keep her skills up she is welcome to sit in on our monthly sessions.
 
Nancy Michieli
Nancy Michieli · 28:56 I live in Sarnia, Ontario. I took CAPS at Niagara College. Certified Specialist of Wine as part of the Society of Wine Educators, testing in Florida at the SWE Conference. I takes with a group in Ann Arbor Michigan.
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 10:30 Our Ontario wine course is only available in class because each class includes winery reps or winemakers and the final class is a tour of Niagara wineries.

 

Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 21:53 Kudos to you Lori for lifelong learning! Many of our students are sommeliers looking for more detail about certain regions or wine styles as well as ambitious wine lovers working towards their Master of Wine.
Sharon Prionas
 Sharon Prionas · 10:35 I’ve taken a 12 week wine 101 course for fun at a local college while I was in university, which got me into wine. I’d like to ‘formalize’ my wine education and get some letters after my name, but not sure where best to start.
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 25:18 I have taken the WSET up to level 3, Ontario wine certified, and a grad from the Brock University Oenology and Viticulture program. Similar to David, I’ve worked at some Ontario wineries and now work in wine education.
Oenologize
Oenologize · 29:18 To answer your question Lise Charest Gagne, the WSET says that you don’t need to take their level 1, you can start straight in the WSET level 2…Especially now with your completion of Oenologize.ca Wine 101 Foundations!
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 4:02 Thanks Natalie! IWEG Drinks Academy is a premier wine, spirits and sake school based in Toronto. We offer in class and online courses, such as the WSET, French Wine Scholar and our Ontario wine certification.
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 37:17 Thirty Bench is my go to for Riesling the triangle post its a richer fruit
Lise Charest Gagne
 Lise Charest Gagne · 33:10 Norm Hardie has nice Pinot Noir – the pizza is not every day check with them first
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 25:35 ive taken Malcolms 101 – his first session – very informative, great written handouts, fun interactive online tools
Paul E Hollander
 Paul E Hollander · 46:03 We have our “Wide Open Wine Guild” that meets once a month with a wine purveyor.
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 14:49 what creds do you have Nat and have you done the LCBO product thing
Paul E Hollander
 Paul E Hollander · 3:29 Good evening, Natalie. In the glass is a 2013 Complicated Chardonnay from Taken Wine Co, CA.
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 54:04 For technology is there the ability to bring in the other party?
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 48:19 Vanessa – do you think there will ever be some kind of standardization of what is a certified Sommelier?
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 41:08 Any plans to offer the Ontario Wine Course in Ottawa Vanessa?
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 36:29 The Old Third is an actual winery. They are not in LCBO and sell out every year. Go visit Jen and Bruno Natalie and tell them I said Hi!
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 30:21 I was told the Sommelier program was equivalent to WSET 2 so just jumped into Level 3.
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 29:02 Love Norm’s Pinot. Just had the Pinot from Pearl Morissette 2013 – just ordered more as well as
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 26:34 I took WSET because it’s recognized pretty much world wide.
Lori Kilmartin
Lori Kilmartin · 24:01 Thank you Vanessa. Just started Italian Wine Scholar so will get through that then who knows what’s next!!
Biliana Velkova
Biliana Velkova · 25:23 Biliana Velkova from Vancouver. No classes, but was looking at the UBC continuing studies wine courses…
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 15:28 Ontario sparkling wine rules!
Oenologize
Oenologize · 12:51 Woot Woot! Algonquin Sommelier program!
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 54:51 Whoops: [email protected]
Oenologize
 Oenologize · 9:15 Details at www.Oenologize.ca
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 11:40 Dave Larocque has lived his love for wine for over 30 years, initially as a product consultant with the LCBO, then subsequently working at many Ontario wineries, and as a wine educator and trainer for Canadian winery staff, Niagara College, the Wine CoSee More
Lori Kilmartin
 Lori Kilmartin · 11:09 I did the Sommelier program at Algonquin and then did the WSET 3 there. I am now taking the Italian Wine Scholar through IWEG
Nancy Michieli
 Nancy Michieli · 25:48 I have CAPS Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine.
Lorelai McGonagall
Lorelai McGonagall · 34:32 Vanessa, that’s awesome to hear! I’m planning on registering for WSET 3 next session, so I’ll keep that in mind Thank you!
Colin McKone
 Colin McKone · 34:18 Favourite Ontario wines, Norm Hardie Pinot Noir and Henry of Pelham Baco Noir
Sharon Prionas
Sharon Prionas · 20:53 I bought a case of the Southbrook’s Triomphe Cab Sauv, which we loved. First found out about them on Dragon’s Den.
Keith Stanton
 Keith Stanton · 26:35 Love Norm Hardie’s wines especially with a pizza at the winery
Lorelai McGonagall
 Lorelai McGonagall · 25:14 I just started WSET 2 last week, verr much enjoying the course so far!
Lori Kilmartin
Lori Kilmartin · 19:18 Sommelier was all encompassing, knowledge on all aspects of wine and winemaking, service as well. WSET 3 was more focused on country and grapes, Italian Wine Scholar I am taking online and is more knowledge based. I am a perpetual student. What a great subject to study!!
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 53:12 If you think of a question down the line, feel free to email me at [email protected] or message me IWEG Drinks Academy
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 46:54 The Ontario wine course was created in collaboration with the Wine Council of Ontario. Dave wrote the book The Wine Appellations of Ontario.
Vanessa Campbell
 Vanessa Campbell · 41:48 Hi Lori, I will suggest it for next year – we could do a winery tour in PEC!
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 37:43Me too, Dave. Delicious terroir-driven pinot noir by thomas bachelder.
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 31:07 Oenologize is right. You can jump right ahead into WSET Level 2, especially if you have some knowledge already.
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 8:57 Hi Lisa, yes you must however they don’t need to be written in Toronto. We can find a location locally for you.
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 1:31 Hi Natalie, I’m here too! Drinking Henry of Pelham tonight.
Oenologize
Oenologize · 50:27 Henry of Pelham is definitely the King of Baco..And Sue Ann Staff the Queen??
Oenologize
 Oenologize · 33:37 Norman Hardie County Chardonnay is delicious. Also Hidden Bench Pinots and Chardonnays
Oenologize
Oenologize · 9:06 My course is Wine 101 – Foundations. Just finished the first offering today! Great for beginners / wine lovers.
Oenologize
Oenologize · 7:34 Hi Natalie! Checking in from St Catharines with a Coyote’s Run Pinot Noir, left over from class today!
Dave Head
Dave Head · 40:34 I’m a grad of PLWGA (Peter Lorre Wine Guzzling Academy)
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 30:10 Lorelai, we can offer in person satellite classes in Thunder Bay. Feel free to contact us: https://www.iweg.org/contact
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell · 7:14 All 4 WSET courses are available online! Here’s a link: https://www.iweg.org/organizations/4
Oenologize
Oenologize · 40:41 Speaking of Thomas Bachleder, and Norm Hardie, both are featured in this exellent piece on Ontario wines done by the GuildSomm: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/videos/m/videos/16349
Dave Head
Dave Head · 34:12 Big Head is our fav! And nothing to do with the name… Missed you last week in Aruba….
Lori Kilmartin
Lori Kilmartin · 42:27 That would be awesome Vanessa – sign me up!!! 😀🍷
Lise Charest Gagne
 Lise Charest Gagne · 38:05 i just travel, taste and drink

Lise Charest Gagne

Lise Charest Gagne · 16:13 sounds like allot of certified by experience too ;)
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 23:36 Vanessa must be take level 1 prior to level 2
Sharon Prionas
Sharon Prionas · 18:36 I LOVE Southbrook, too! My fave Niagara wine!

Lise Charest Gagne

Lise Charest Gagne · 4:36 My next venture is the WSET level 2
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 7:46 Must we write the exams in person?
Lori Kilmartin
Lori Kilmartin · 20:50 Ravine is Niagara on the Lake
Lori Kilmartin
Lori Kilmartin · 6:01 I am drinking a Ravine Vineyards from Niagara Sparkling Brut !
Sharon Prionas
Sharon Prionas · 4:57 What’s the difference between WSET and Sommelier?
Lorelai McGonagall
Lorelai McGonagall · 26:52 I’m taking it online, too far from Toronto to fly in to take it.
Lise Charest Gagne
Lise Charest Gagne · 33:54 seasonal its outside
Nancy Michieli
Nancy Michieli · 34:08 I love Les Etoile from Hinterland

Sharon Prionas

Sharon Prionas · 21:59 Bioflavia™ Organic Grape Skin Powder

Colin McKone

Colin McKone · 13:36 Algonquin sommelier grads :)
Dave Head
Dave Head · 36:59 Queylus is great too, love their Pinot Noir

Vanessa Campbell

Vanessa Campbell · 15:28 Ontario sparkling wine rules!

 

 

Ontario’s Brave New Wines course is now into its third successful year and IWEG continues to develop and broaden the learning experience for students and connoisseurs of Ontario wines.

In response to student demand this is now a certified program in collaboration with the Wine Council of Ontario and candidates successful in passing the final exam will hold a recognized Certificate as an Ontario Wine Specialist.

Also new for the 2017 program, we are excited and proud to introduce wine educator Dave Larocque. Dave has lived his love for wine for over 30 years, initially as a product consultant with the LCBO, then subsequently working at many Ontario wineries, and as a wine educator and trainer for Canadian winery staff, Niagara College, the Wine Council of Ontario, and staff of numerous restaurants. He recently authored a book titled ‘The Wine Appellations of Ontario’. His newest venture, Wine Culture, brings the enjoyment of wine to groups across Canada through presentations and tastings in an educational and entertaining approach.

Southbrook Vineyards

Students will attend four full days of study with each morning focusing on the wine appellations of Ontario and basic wine education, while the afternoons will present insightful tasting opportunities with a number of local winemakers, each addressing unique aspects of their winemaking style that builds on the morning studies. The final day will bring the classroom work to life with a field trip to three leading Niagara wineries.

In collaboration with the Wine Council of Ontario, these 4 sessions of learning and tasting celebrate local wines, growers and producers and give insight into the bold venture that is winemaking in Ontario.

Come and meet some of Ontario’s leading edge wine makers, enjoy their award-winning wines and learn more about how the trail-blazing Ontario wine industry is preparing for the future.

Ontario’s Brave New Wines runs Sat. Feb. 25th – March 25th; 9:30am – 4:30pm.

Henry of Pelham Winery

Day 1: FEB 25

An introduction to the Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County appellations and their sub-appellations, and the importance of location, topography, weather, climate and soil within each appellation. Participating wineries:

Henry of Pelham (Short Hills Bench) – Paul Speck
The Grange of Prince Edward County (Prince Edward County) – Caroline Granger
Colio Winery (Lake Erie North Shore)

Two Sisters Vineyards

Day 2: MAR 4

Which wine should I choose? Discover the four fundamental classifications of wine styles; table, sparkling, dessert and fortified.

Learn about the major grape varieties of Ontario and their common characteristics. Participating wineries:

Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard (Prince Edward County) – Claude Arsenault
Hinterland Wine Company (Prince Edward County) – Vicki Samaras
Thirty Bench Wine Makers (Beamsville Bench) – Emma Garner
Southbrook Vineyards (Four Mile Creek) – Paul DeCampo

 

The Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery

Day 3: MAR 11

Learn about the basic components of wine.

Explore and discover wine and food matching principles through an interactive wine and food component tasting. Participating wineries:

Redstone Winery (Lincoln Lakeshore) – Rene Vanede & David Sider
Two Sisters Vineyards (Niagara River)
Vineland Estates Winery (Niagara Escarpment) – David Hulley

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

Day 4: MAR 25

Tour three wineries in Niagara; taste VQA wines; tour wine cellars, barrel rooms, vineyards, and sparkling wine cellars. Students will take a guided tour and tasting at the following wineries:

Trius Winery (Four Mile Creek) – Dave Larocque
Château des Charmes (St. David’s Bench)
Stratus Vineyards (Niagara Lakeshore) – Suzanne Jenke

Stratus

Write the final ‘The Wine Appellations of Ontario’ test to become Ontario Wine Certified.

Did you know??

One of the deepest of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario’s water mass moderates air temperatures year-round. In concert with the appellation’s second notable feature, the Niagara Escarpment, this shapes the perfect climate to nurture grape vines. (VQA Ontario)

IWEG now offers an alternative to Pay Pal; to charge tuition directly to your credit card please call into the office directly 416-534-2570.

tasting wine blond woman

Looking for more winees class in Toronto, but perhaps having difficulty deciding where to study?

Here are the top 10 reasons to choose the Independent Wine Education Guild (IWEG):

1) Leader in Education – IWEG has been leading wine and spirits education in Canada for almost 40 years. In 1977, the IWEG became the first Approved Program Provider (APP) for the Wine Spirits and Education Trust (WSET) outside of London, U.K.

wine tasting technical 2

2) Depth and Breadth of Instructors – 25 certified instructors, subject-matter experts, with extensive experience in the wine and spirits industry, dedicated and passionate about education.

3) Exclusivity – The only provider in Ontario to offer all of the following: 4 levels of the WSET program, the French Wine Society’s French Wine Scholar and the Prud’homme Beer Certification.IWEG

4) Proven Results – IWEG consistently delivers higher pass rates on WSET courses compared to global providers.

5) Commitment to Students – IWEG is dedicated to the student experience and success by providing online support, workshops, customized study tools and additional education materials.

6) Something for Everyone – Courses and learning materials suitable for all levels of experience, interest, and learning styles.

7) Market and Sector Experience – Over the last 40 years, IWEG has acquired deep experience and understanding of the Canadian alcohol beverage marketplace, with a proven track record in the education sector, graduating thousands of students. In addition, IWEG is committed to fostering relationships with a community of fellow wine and spirits professionals across a variety of sectors in the industry.

wine tasting technical8) Committed to Excellence – IWEG is committed to excellence in teaching and learning experience through constant evaluation of delivery of our programs; both by students and WSET officers, investing in training and development of instructors, keeping our curricular knowledge current, as well as pouring benchmark wines and spirits for our students.

9) Location, location, location – IWEG’s main office is conveniently located right downtown on the Yonge subway line, and at the Humber College North Campus for those travelling north or outside of the GTA. Distance Learning online courses are also available across the country.

10) Innovation – IWEG is one of six international WSET APPs to be Stock Photoawarded the privilege of delivering the brand new Level 3 Award in Sake.

11) Competitive tuition fees.

And it looks like that is our top 10 … whoops 11!   If you would like to hear more please give us a call 416-534-2570 or visit the website for details on our full curriculum: www.iweg.org

IWEG Drinks Academy
211 Yonge St. Suite 501
Toronto, ON
M5B 1M4

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