Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Course 2008
The Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food, and Culture is pleased to offer the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Program. The British-based WSET is recognized worldwide as a preeminent wine and spirits educational program, offered in 47 countries and holding 11,000 certification exams yearly. WSET qualifications are currently available in 13 different languages, and last year over 24,000 students sat for WSET examinations. Employers worldwide recognize the thorough and rigorous curriculum of WSET and honor its certifications as a basis for promotion and advancement within the hospitality and beverage industries.
The WSET Level 1 Foundation Certificate in Wine
Saturday, December 6
9:30 am–5:30 pm
Location: Special Events Room, Student Center, Stony Brook Southampton, 239 Montauk Highway at Tuckahoe Road
Cost: $299 (Includes instruction, wine & all study materials), $70 (Exam & WSET Certificate)–Optional
There will be a lunch break during which participants can purchase lunch at the University Café or bring your own. Register online now using our secure server >>
Please note: Registration will remain open for the course until 6:00 pm on December 4. Due to time constraints in ordering exams from London, those registering after November 21 who wish to take the exam will need to make arrangements with the program coordinator to take the exam at a later date.
This one-day intensive course aims to provide the basic product knowledge and skills to prepare a person for their first job in hospitality or wine sales. The Foundation course also provides a thorough, systematic introduction to wines for the amateur wine enthusiast.
This program is accredited by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The WSET study guide will be provided. To earn the WSET Foundation certificate, students will have the option to sit the Level 1 WSET exam at the end of the course.
Course Prerequisites: None.
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:
* A basic understanding of the main types & wine styles available and their determining factors
* The ability to describe the characteristics of the principal grape varieties of the world
* An understanding of the fundamentals of food and wine matching
* The ability to use a systematic approach to tasting and writing simple tasting notes
* Knowledge of the correct storage and service procedures for wine.
* Knowledge of professional responsibility regarding the service of wine, including social, legal & health aspects
Professional winemaker Christopher Tracy will teach the Foundations course. While working as a chef, Christopher earned his Sommelier Certificate from the Sommelier Society of America as well as the Higher Certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He was awarded the WSET Diploma which entitles him to the DWS distinction. He is also a Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, and is currently a candidate for the Masters of Wine. Since 2001, he has been the Winemaker at Channing Daughters Winery in Bridgehampton, where his innovative techniques have garnered international acclaim for his wines. The Center for Wine, Food, and Culture has met the rigorous standards required by the WSET to become an "Approved Programme Provider" of its courses, which range from Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, to the "Diploma" level.
Course Requirements: Attendees must be over 21 years of age. The instructor reserves the right to exclude participation of any attendee who abuses the privilege of wine tasting.**
**All participants must sign the standard New York State "Hold Harmless" waiver for wine education class participation.
Questions? Please call Ginny Clancy, Program Coordinator at (631) 632-9404.
Spring 2009
WSET Level 3: Advanced Certificate
Interested in this program? Reserve early. Limited spaces fill up quickly.
The Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food, and Culture is pleased to offer the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Program. The British-based WSET is recognized worldwide as a preeminent wine and spirits educational program, offered in 26 countries and holding 11,000 certification exams yearly. Employers worldwide recognize the thorough and rigorous curriculum of WSET and honor its certifications as a basis for promotion and advancement within the hospitality and beverage industries.
Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
10 classes plus exam, March 31 to June 9 (exam on June 16), with a one-week break to be determined
Location: Special Events Room, Student Center, Stony Brook Southampton, 239 Montauk Highway at Tuckahoe Road
Instructor: Christopher Tracy
Cost: $1,300.00. Includes lectures, wine tastings, instructional materials, and examination fees
Register online now using our secure server >>
The Advanced Certificate is suitable for anyone wishing to gain in-depth knowledge of wines and spirits. Although it builds upon the knowledge gained at the WSET Intermediate level, there are no prerequisites for this course. Students will acquire a thorough understanding of the factors influencing the style, quality and price of wines from key wine producing regions of the world. They will also develop analytical tasting skills, as tasting will be part of the examinations.
Successful candidates receive the internationally-recognized Advanced Certificate of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust of London, which is a prerequisite for the two-year Diploma Program. The final exam is comprised of a 60 question multiple choice exam, a written short essay component with 4 parts and a tasting component. A passing grade constitutes 56% or higher, with 70% or above garnering "Pass with Merit" and 86% or higher awarding "Pass with Distinction." Candidates in the Advanced program must achieve consistent scoring in all sections of the exam to qualify.
Advanced Certificate Curriculum topics:
Wine tasting technique and assessment of wine quality
Principles and practice of viticulture and vinification
Labeling regulations
Bordeaux, Rhone, and Southwest France
Burgundy, Loire, and Alsace
Italy, Spain and Portugal
Germany, Central, and Southeastern Europe
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
North and South America
Sparkling wines of the world
Fortified wines, spirits and liqueurs of the world
Information and advice for customers and staff
Professional winemaker Christopher Tracy will teach the Advanced course. While working as a chef Christopher earned his Sommelier Certificate from the Sommelier Society of America as well as the Higher Certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He was awarded the WSET Diploma which entitles him to the DWS distinction. He is also a Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, and is currently a candidate for the Masters of Wine. Since 2001, he has been the Winemaker at Channing Daughters Winery in Bridgehampton, where his innovative techniques have garnered international acclaim for his wines.
Your e-mail confirmation is your proof of registration. No ticket will be mailed. Your name will be at the door of your chosen session, and no other documentation is necessary.
Refunds: Refunds are not available for any missed sessions, and a full refund can only be issued if the request is received 2 weeks prior to the start of class.
Course Requirements: Attendees must be over 21 years of age. The instructor reserves the right to exclude participation of any attendee who abuses the privilege of wine tasting.**
**All participants must sign the standard New York State "Hold Harmless" waiver for wine education class participation.
Questions? Please call Ginny Clancy, Program Coordinator at (631) 632-9404.
The Center for Wine, Food, and Culture is a not-for-profit organization. Donations are welcome.