Certificate in Professional Wine Knowledge, Level 5

INTRODUCTION

New opportunities for careers in wine have recently become available, reflecting global interest and demand for fine wines.

The New Zealand School of Food & Wine is the only WSET® authorised provider in New Zealand offering a 16 week classroom based teaching programme. This intensive course offers hospitality professionals or wine enthusiasts both an NZQA Accredited Level 5 Qualification alongside the internationally recognised WSET qualifications. 

PURPOSE

This qualification provides the winery, retail, hospitality, hotel, and tourism sectors with individuals who are able to apply knowledge of international wine, spirits and alcoholic beverages, and their markets, to work in customer services, sales, or leadership roles. This programme forms the first semester of the Diploma in Professional Wine Knowledge (Sommelier), Level 6. 

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1
The business of Hospitality, Hotels, Wineries and Food and Wine Tourism 

Through a series of wine and beverage tastings, you will learn how wine and food tourism experiences underpin the success of many wine regions around the world. We will also look at the market conditions required to build successful food and wine destinations that offer high quality customer experiences through the distinctive wines they produce.

Module 2
New Zealand wine styles, Regions, Innovation and Influential producers

This module introduces the grape varieties that have established New Zealand's reputation as a country producing distinctive, quality wines. We will look at prominent wineries and winemakers who continue to enhance brand values and stories behind their international success. Module includes:

• Certificate in New Zealand Wine Micro-Credential

Module 3
Customer service, Sales, Bartending and Sommelier skills

The key to enhancing the customer experience is to develop communication skills that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of wine, spirits, cocktails and other beverages as well as confidence in customer service. This module looks at the practical skills required to advise, sell and serve wine and other beverages. It includes a food and wine pairing workshop and participation in organizing and running a wine tasting event.

Module 4
International wine styles, Grape varieties, Wine production and their regions

Around the world, styles of wine are influenced by the climate and conditions of regions and the grape varieties that are grown. Through a series of tastings, this module explores important international grape varieties that dominate European and New World wine regions. We look at viticulture and the wine making process for white, red, sparkling wine and sweet wines. Module includes:

• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

Optional: French Wine Scholar

Students wishing to complete the French Wine Scholar qualification my signup for this exam for an additional fee of NZ$750. 

Module 5
Spirits, Liqueurs, Fortified Wines, Cocktails & Bartending

In this module we will taste and evaluate principal spirits and liqueurs styles and develop an understanding of the major international brands. Included are practical sessions that explain how to set up a bar for service and make classic and premium cocktails.Module includes:

• WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates 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.

To ensure you receive all of the training required to operate within the hospitality industry you will also receive your Food Safety and Licence Controller qualifications.

PATHWAYS TO FURTHER STUDY

Graduates can go on to study:

• New Zealand Diploma in Professional Wine Management (Sommelier) (Level 6) or
• Certificate in Cookery Level 4

This programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 439 of the Education and Training Act 2020, and New Zealand School of Food and Wine Limited is accredited to provide it under section 441 of the Education and Training Act.