Certificate in Professional Wine Knowledge (Sommelier)

INTRODUCTION

The New Zealand School of Food & Wine is the only WSET® authorised provider in New Zealand offering a 12 week classroom based teaching programme. 

This intensive programme offers the hospitality professional or the wine enthusiast an international qualification that provides a thorough understanding of the principle wines and spirits of the world and key factors influencing style, quality and value.

Course Content

Complete the four modules below over a year to gain the qualification. This course has been designed to be flexible to meet your needs; classes are available during the day, or evenings or weekends. Please see sidebar for module intake dates and timings.

Module One: Certificate in Wine (including WSET Level One)

Start to learn about wine and winemaking. Focus on the main wine varietals grown in New Zealand and the styles of wine that have built their reputations. Discover the European traditions that have influenced New Zealand winemaking. Subjects covered include principal grape varieties and characteristics, the winemaking process, sparkling wine production, viticulture, climate classifications and regional differences, wine labels, closures, faults, ageing, and the storage and service of wines. Complete the WSET Level One Award in Wines.

Module Two: WSET Level Two Award in Wine & Spirits

Each WSET level is an exciting step up from the previous level. With Level One being an overview into the world of wine, and an introduction into systematic tasting and description, Level Two goes into further depth about wine production, styles, the important wine producing regions of the world, and also includes information about spirits and liqueurs.

Module Three: WSET Level Three Award in Wine

Level Three explores the wine regions of the world in a lot more detail – including France, Italy and Portugal, Napa Valley and beyond in the USA, South America, South Africa, and closer to home, the regions of Australia and New Zealand.

The Level Three examination also includes a tasting assessment, which will be covered in detail in your course.

Module Four: Professional Wine Service

Complete your qualification by developing essential workplace required skills, including professional wine service based on the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and designing and costing wine lists. Food Safety and Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) certificates also included.

French Wine Scholar (Optional)

Everything you need to become fully versed in the world of French wines. Cover the wines of each region - from Bourgogne and Bordeaux to Jura and Savoie, including a diverse range of tasting and discussion. 

This course is included in the 12-week programme.

WSET Level Two Award in Spirits (Optional)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the most important spirit and liqueur categories; how they are produced and how they can be used as beverages and transformed as cocktails.

This course is included in the 12-week programme.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

You will be able to work as a wine and spirit professional in all fields of the hospitality, service and wine industries. This may be in your own business, or in wine retail outlets, wineries, wine companies, resorts, lodges, cruise liners, luxury yachts, restaurants or cafés - there are many opportunities to explore once you graduate.

PATHWAYS TO FURTHER STUDY

• Certificate in Cookery, Foundation
• Certificate in Hospitality & Event Management, Level 5

WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST

WSET® is the qualification awarding division of the London Wine & Spirit Education Trust and accredited by the British qualifications authority. These qualifications are essential for students wishing to study for the Masters of Wine. You will earn four WSET® Awards in this programme.