Sommelier Wine Course

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Estimated study time?

Individuals differ, learning styles differ, and the individual time factors and learning speeds differ so it would be hard to place a precise time so we suggest a range of between 19-25 hours of study. This includes reading through the material and completing the quizzes and the final examination. There is no time constraint nor limit, of utmost importance is you enjoy this journey of knowledge and you indulge your curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

How long do I have to complete the course?

Human beings never complete anything without a target. We may believe this to be untrue but if you were to silently contemplate yourself with unbridled honesty you would admit this is a truth, unpleasant it may be but still the truth. At APWASI we encourage you to complete this course within six months from registration. As the course recommendation is between 19-25 hours, a six-month period of completion is an exaggerated premium of time for you as we want you to do other more constructive things in life than procrastinate.

Who is it for?

Our courses are for the dedicated, determined, belief in themselves and wanting to succeed. If you have these qualities you will succeed at anything you want not only these courses.

These courses, by the nature of their content are aimed at wine professionals currently in the industry and those who are intending to join the industry, and enthusiasts. The kaleidoscope of career options is many. This would include retail, importing, exporting, distributing, and perhaps even producing. Additionally, if you are in the hospitality industry, hotel, airline, cruise ship, high-medium end restaurants, this course would give you a firm and unquestionable structure of wine and spirit knowledge to further your career. Following our 5 C’s philosophy we believe our courses are for those who treasure knowledge and have a thirst to make their mark in life.

Where can I do this?

Anywhere in the globe, on the sunny beaches of Hawaii or the secluded jungle of South America or even the salubrious atmosphere of a private club in London, literally it is anywhere you wish. Our courses are available world-wide, 365/ 24/7, in 23 different languages. All you need is an internet connection! These courses can be accessed on your mobile device, tablet or on your computer.

Why us?

We are all accustomed to choices and with choices there are set parameters that we set before making a decision. Education is not an inanimate object it is not a pair of lifestyle shoes, shirt, blouse or meal. Education is the keystone of your life and we encourage you to choose as you see fit. Our criteria suits those that are openminded, cultural adept, eager to learn on a holistic basis and not just facts and figures- regurgitating them out like an antiquated calculator with a paper roll attached. We want, we demand, our graduates to be beacons of openness, approachable and wanting to share experiences and knowledge with all within the industry. We all begin our life with the currency of youth and this applies to not only APWASI but also other organizations like us across this globe. We bring fresh beginnings with new education methods to match the new trends, embrace the plethora of learning styles and together our courses are definitive in character that are matchless in the devotion given to their creation. If you value the future as we state, “learning for the future” then we are your future.

How can I learn this without tasting?

One cannot learn to swim without water and neither do we expect you to learn without tasting . We have at the end of each course a selection of wines we recommend you to try using the skills you have acquired on the wine essentials course we offer. Through this method you can increase your practical wine tasting skills. Our courses allow you to evaluate the wines by understanding the “why” and “the how”.

I don’t know how to taste.

The ability to taste wine is universal. The methodology to understanding wine and appreciating wine is not universal and that needs to be understood through concept, tasting and recording. This we achieve by having you take the wine essentials course we have as a prerequisite to any courses you select. Within this course lie the secrets to identifying, nosing and tasting wines and finally evaluate wines. It’s our pleasure to join you on this journey of adventure and bountiful knowledge. After taking this course you will learn and be able to taste wine with comfort.

Final Exam Information

For information on final exam procedures, please visit this link.

Dr. Clinton LeeDr. Clinton Lee has attained the highest qualification from the Wine Spirit and Education Trust based in London, the WSET Diploma and the Certified International Educator. He has over 80 million views globally on TikTok and Instagram about his wine and etiquette lessons.

He is an international wine lecturer, writer and critc. He has taught WSET programs and other wine courses both in Canada and internationally in China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan Argentina, France, Hungary and Italy.

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Lessons

1.0 Sommelier Introduction

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Current Global Situation The world is as diverse, interesting and captivating as it is reflected in the world of wine. The world of wine is divided into the "Old World" and "New World" wine camps. Essentially, "Old World Wine" is wine from Europe. Many across the globe enjoy wine, yet they have not fully understood [...]

2.0 What is wine

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

What is WineDefinitionsWhat is Wine: Vines and VineyardsTypes of Wine: RedType of Wine:WhiteTypes of Wine:RoséTypes of Wine:SparklingTypes of Wine:Late Harvest WineTypes of Wine:Fortified & IcewineSome Useful Wine TermsHow Wine Is MadeHow White Wine is MadeHow Red Wine is MadeHow Rosé wine is madeHow sparkling wine is madeHow Late Harvest & Fortified Wine is madeUseful Wine [...]

3.0 Grapes.

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton Lee

All About Wine GrapesRed Grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon)Red Grapes (Merlot)Red Grapes (Pinot Noir)Red Grapes (Syrah)White Grapes (Chardonnay)White Grapes (Sauvignon Blanc)White Grapes (Riesling)All About Wine GrapesAll about wine grapes. To be officially termed wine, as has been mentioned before, it must be made from grapes.  A grape is a member of the genus Vitis. Within the Vitis [...]

4.0Growing Conditions.

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

Growing ConditionsWeather and ClimateWeather and Climate Part 2What happens in the vineyard during the different seasonsThe Old WorldThe New WorldThe future of WineGrowing ConditionsGrowing Conditions Vineyard in Champagne As human beings, we strive to be better all the time. Bringing up a child is no different than caring for grapes. How can that be, you [...]

5.0 How to open, store and serve wine.

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

How to Open a Bottle of WineOpening a Sparkling WineHow To Store WineHow To Serve a WineDecantingAeratingGlasswareHow to Store and Age WineWhen To Drink a WineHow to Open a Bottle of WineHow to open a bottle of wine.OPENING A STILL WINE What you will need: The industry standard for wine openers is the Waiter's Corkscrew. [...]

6.0 Pairing wine with food.

Length: 45 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

Sensory perception (Appearance)Sensory perception (Aroma)Sensory perception (Taste)Sensory perception (Flavour)Dr. Lee Food & Wine Pairing TableHow to make a wine recommendationSensory perception (Appearance)1. Sensory perception. When it comes to our perception of wine there are a few things to consider: A. Appearance Sight is obviously not the most important sense when it comes to assessing a [...]

7.0 Part 1 Conclusion

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Conclusion Congratulations! You have now completed the most important of all your wine lessons - understanding and knowing the building blocks to appreciating wine You have covered the different styles of wine from still to sparkling You learned how wines are assessed from nose, sight, palate and finish You appreciate the different grape varieties and [...]

8. Part 1 Exam

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement of completing the course. The next step is to successfully pass the Final Examination. This examination is timed and there are 100 multiple choice questions with 70% being the pass mark. We strongly urge you, encourage you, to study hard before you attempt to take the examination. Ensure you know […]

9.0 Viticulture

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

ViticultureAnnual Life CycleGrape GrowersOrganic ViticultureIntegrated Pest ManagementBiodynamic ViticultureSustainable ViticultureSectionViticulture Viticulture Viticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the cultivation, protection, and harvesting of grapevines. Viticulture has been around for centuries. “Winegrowing“ is sometimes used in place of viticulture when the grapes are specifically grown for the purpose of making wine and not for [...]

10.0 Vinification.

Length: 0 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton Lee

VinificationSuggested VideoVinification Vinification The term vinification refers to the whole biochemical transformation sequence that enables the transition from grape to wine. In basic terms, wine making! Vinification methods are different, with or without skins. The operations can include mixing, alcoholic fermentation, racking, malolactic fermentation, centrifugation, and filtration, depending on the wine being made. In this [...]

11.0 Make up of wine, components & wine faults.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Make up of wine, components & wine faultsSuggested VideoMake up of wine, components & wine faults Make up of wine, components & wine faults Grapes have the most valued mix of fermentable sugars, acidity, favourable flavour, and liquid content to create a complex drink like wine compared to all of the other fruits in the [...]

12.0 Noble Grapes.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Noble GrapesSuggested VideoNoble Grapes Noble Grapes There are a small handful of grape varieties which account for the majority of wine produced in the world. These varieties are universally recognized to be grapes suitable for making the very best wines. We will go over the characteristics of these grapes again, and also how they may [...]

13.0 The Main Regions and Grape Varieties of Various Countries.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

The Main Regions and Grape Varieties of Various CountriesSuggested VideoThe Main Regions and Grape Varieties of Various Countries The Main Regions and Grape Varieties of Various Countries Apart from the 7 noble grapes which make up the majority of wines produced, it is also important to know the main wine regions of a country, and [...]

14.0 Summary of Must-know Sub-Wine Regions.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Summary of Must-know Sub-Wine RegionsSuggested VideoSummary of Must-know Sub-Wine Regions Summary of Must-know Sub-Wine Regions There are so many wine regions in the world that deserve to be included in this current list. We have listed the top 15 wine producing countries in this lesson and in other future courses we will have a list [...]

15.0 Introduction to sparkling wine, sherry, port.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionSparkling WineSherryPortIntroduction Introduction The following subjects are introductory to the full certification courses provided at APWASI. The information provided here in Wine Essentials 2 will give you the basics you should know upon completion. If you are interested in becoming an APWASI Certified Specialist in any of the following, please have a look at our [...]

16.0 Introduction to Whisky, Brandy, and Liqueurs.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

WhiskyBrandyLiqueursWhisky Whisky What is Whisky? The "What is Whisky?" debate was led by the appointment of a Royal Commission on Whisky and other Potable spirits There was a battle between malt whisky producers, grain whisky producers, and blenders for a firm legal definition of what whisky actually is Malt whisky makers of the Highlands believed [...]

17.01 Food and Wine Pairing – Italy.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider, as strange customs to you are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, [...]

17.02 Food and wine Pairing – Germany.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs to you are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but [...]

17.03 Food and wine Pairing – Portugal.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.04 Food and wine Pairing – Spain.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.05 Food and wine Pairing – France.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.06 Food and wine Pairing – United States of America.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.07 Food and wine Pairing – Canada.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.08 Food and wine Pairing – Chile.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.09 Food and wine Pairing – Argentina.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.10 Food and wine Pairing – South Africa.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.11 Food and wine Pairing – Australia.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know the local / regional culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of [...]

17.12 Food and wine Pairing – New Zealand

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know their culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of it as a [...]

17.13 Food and wine Pairing – China.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionMust Try DishesSuggested Meal CoursesSuggested WinesIntroduction Introduction In order to pair any meal with wine, you must know their culture and tradition of serving food. This is a universal rule and it would serve you well to consider; strange customs are like finding a rare diamond. Don't be offended, but think of it as a [...]

17.14- Wine Tasting Equipment and Tasting List

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

Wine Tasting EquipmentAPWASI Wine Tasting MethodologyWine Tasting ListWine Tasting EquipmentWine Tasting Equipment Congratulations on your decision to learn even more about different cultures and people through your wine studies with APWASI Wine Essentials II. Your adventure began in Wine Essentials I and now that you are familiar and confident with the tasting aspect of your [...]

18. Career Opportunities in the World.

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Career Opportunities in the WorldWine Buyer/PurchaserService IndustryWine and Spirits ProductionSuggested VideoCareer Opportunities in the World Career Opportunities in the World Practical Applications: Applying what you know in the world There are many different opportunities that await you when you enter into this world of wine. They can range from being in the business that supplies [...]

19.0 Sommelier Practical Component

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Practical Sommelier ComponentPractical Sommelier Component Welcome to the practical component of the course This section will focus on the importance of having a deep and thorough practical knowledge of wines. This will enable you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge when you are explaining a wine to a potential client, purchasing, or selling a wine [...]

20.0 Course Feedback

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Course Feedback Did you enjoy the content of the APWASI preview course? * YesNo 1. How would you rate the quality of this course? PoorAcceptableGoodVery GoodExcellentN/A 2. How did you find the course length & detail? ShortJust RightToo LongN/A 3. Were the course questions easy? EasyJust RightHardVery HardN/A 4. Would you recommend this course? YesNoN/A [...]