• ·  These credentials are a valuable and widely respected mark of a wine professional’s commitment to personal career development and ultimately to the wine industry as a whole.
• ·  Individuals that receive professional certification raise the standard of proficiency in the wine arena and assist the industry by elevating the knowledge base of everyone with whom they come in contact.
• ·  Professional certification encourages an industry to build upon itself by fostering an environment where individuals can pursue excellence and achieve subject mastery.

Schedule:

Each Tuesday : Jan. 31, Feb. 7/14/21/28, March 6  from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Exam: Monday, 12th March : 6pm to 7pm

 Price :

$915 +HST (For industry member special rate, contact us). 

BC Wine School is now part of Vinoscenti.

For more information www.vinoscenti.ca

BC Wine School Team
101-1220 West 6th Avenue – Vancouver BC V6H 1A5
info@bcwineschool.com or 604.684.6000

Around The World in 80 Minutes

Tuesday, January 10^th | 6:30 pm | $40 | The Waldorf Hotel

Wine 101 at breakneck speed, covering all the major countries, wine grapes, how to read labels, food pairing tips and more!  Walk away knowing your Bordeaux and Burgundies from your Riojas and Chiantis with dozens of regions to spare.

An 80 minute course that’ll last a lifetime!

32 Grapes ~ 16 Countries ~ 8 Samples

Tickets and more information at EastVanWineAcademy.com!

Want to learn about wine without breakin’ the bank? Want to actually have fun while doing so? The East Van Wine Academy produces wine events that don’t suck at Vancouver’s legendary Waldorf Hotel. All events are produced and hosted by local wine writer and consultant Kurtis Kolt, who likes a good time just as much as you do.

The Certified Sommelier Exam itself is the next step in the route to becoming a Master Sommelier, the hospitality industry equivalent of a Master of Wine. There are in fact fewer Master Sommeliers in the world than Masters of Wine and Canada currently only has only two, both resident in Ontario.

The Introductory Course will be instructed by a team of Master Sommeliers and will take place at The Art Institute’s International Culinary School campus on Granville Street.

“We are excited to continue working with The Court of Master Sommeliers to offer their courses here in Vancouver” said Mark Shipway, The Art Institute’s Wine Department Head. “The Court’s program is entirely complementary with our existing WSET one and offers a route for students to gain an official Certified Sommelier designation from a world renowned organization.”

This course will have most appeal to individuals working in the hospitality industry who already have qualified to a minimum of WSET Level 2 or Level 3 although this program is open to all including students from other sommelier programs and wine enthusiasts.

To register for the course with Visa, MasterCard or Discover, please visit the website at http://www.mastersommeliers.org/Pages.aspx/Courses-Schedules-Overview and complete the online registration form.

For inquiries about this program please visit the website or contact Kathleen Lewis, Executive Director at klewis@mastersommeliers.org. ]]> http://goodlifevancouver.com/master-sommelier-introductory-course/feed/ 0 http://goodlifevancouver.com/east-van-wine-academy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=east-van-wine-academy http://goodlifevancouver.com/east-van-wine-academy/#comments Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:55:31 +0000 cassandra http://goodlifevancouver.com/?p=9916 At Vancouver’s Waldorf Hotel on the second and fourth Tuesday each month.

Hosted by resident sommelier Kurtis Kolt a different region or country will be featured each event, including Italy, France, Germany, California, Portugal and British Columbia.

About the Courses

Each one-hour course features a different region or country including Italy, France, Germany, California, Portugal and British Columbia. Kolt will cover the history of the selected region, styles of grapes, tasting techniques, food pairing tips and more, all in a relaxed and intimate setting. Guests will receive course material in a uniquely craftedwine zine and tastings during After-School, a party and wine tasting social immediately following the course.

About After-School Parties

Extending the regional theme of the evening each After-School party will feature ten different wines offered in 3oz pours, encouraging guests to sample a wide variety of wines at accessible price-points. The night will immerse guests in the regional culture of that week with canapés, visuals and vinyl selected by resident DJs.  After-Schoolparties are the perfect environment for guests who attend the course to put their new knowledge to use are also a casual, fun atmosphere for those who want to skip school but are still interested in learning more about wine.

Tickets available on Eventbrite for the official launch Tuesday, March 22.

East Van Wine Academy presents Spain

The Wine Course –  7:00 – 8:00 pm

From rich, red Riojas to the sparkling Cavas of the  Penedès region, learn about Spain’s history, geographic regions and grape varietals from Albarino to Tempranillo. We’ll also teach you how to decipher Spanish wine labels, offer food pairing tips and and recommend bottles available in our market. The collectible Waldorf Wine ‘Zine you’ll recieve as part of The Wine Course will be a keepsake reminder of everything you’ll learn!

Attendees will also receive access and four tasting vouchers to be used at the After School event, immediately following the Wine Course.

After School – 8:00 - Midnight

*Those attending the Wine Course get in free!

Celebrate the wine culture of Spain! After School, a stand-up, social event, will feature 10 Spanish wines offered in 3oz pours, encouraging guests to sample a wide variety of wines at very accessible price-points.

The Waldorf kitchen will provide Spanish bite-sized pintxos and tapas, while El Garzita spins classic Spanish Flamenco music, folk and contemporary sounds to be enjoyed amongst projected Spanish wine culture visuals of picturesque vineyards, bustling tapas bars and street scenes.

Come enjoy the wines of Spain in a fun, dynamic atmosphere, open yourself up to tasting and learning something new!

East Van Wine Academy Spring & Summer Calendar

March 22^nd – Spain

April 12^th – BC

 April 26^th – France

 May 10^th – California

 May 24^th – Italy

 June 14^th – Chile

June 28^th – Germany

 July 12^th – Australia

July 26^th – Portugal

About Kurtis Kolt

Kurtis Kolt is a Vancouver-based freelance wine director, judge, consultant and writer who was awarded the Sommelier of the Year Award at the 2010 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. He is certified by London’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Has credit in the Winemaking program at UC Davis and has travelled throughout wine regions in North and South America, Europe and Australia. A big proponent of a casual and fun approach to wine, Kurtis’ enthusiasm and experience has resulted in a high demand for appearances, from writing and judging for Wine Access and Vancouver Magazine to leading wine festival seminars and beyond.

Wine Plus+ also has an exciting start to the year ahead. Beginning with the Winter Festival of Wine at Sun Peaks, then presenting at the Master of Wine seminar in Napa, followed by two new judging commitments at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London and the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition in Texas.

Wine Plus+ & Rhys Pender in the News
Good Life Vancouver
Georgia Straight
Vancouver Sun
Savour
Jancisrobinson.com 
Institute of Masters of Wine 
Wine Press Northwest 
Winnipeg Free Press 
Wine Access

2011 Dates for WSET and Tasting Series

We now have dates set for the WSET and Tasting Series classes beginning in February 2011. Registration is now open at www.wineplus.ca.

KELOWNA WSET:   
  Foundation Certificate (2 x evening) – $300 (incl. Exam), Tues, Mar 8, 22 (6 – 9:30pm)
  Intermediate Certificate (6 x evening) – $800 (incl. Exam), Tues, Apr 5, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 24 (6 – 9:30pm)       
  Advanced Certificate (12-evening) $1250 (incl. Exam) Wed’s, Feb 9, 16, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, Apr 8, 20, 27, May 11, 25 (6 – 9:30pm)   
 
PENTICTON WSET:   
  Foundation Certificate (2 x evening) – $300 (incl. Exam), Mons, Apr 18 & May 2 (6 – 9:30pm)
  Intermediate Certificate (3 day) – $800 (incl. Exam), Mons, May 16, 30 & Jun 6, 2011 (9am - 5pm)

PENTICTON TASTING SERIES:
Spanish Reds - Feb 28 ($40)
Lesser Known Red Varieties – Mar 21 ($40)
Rhone Red Varieties - Apr 4 ($40)
Sparkling Wine - May 9 ($40)
Alsace - Jun 20 ($40)
10% discount if you purchase the package of all 5 tastings. Visit www.wineplus.ca to register.

Follow us Online 

 List Your Job on www.wineplus.ca

Consulting to Wineries

1 Day FOUNDATION

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Jan 22, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
CALGARY 1 Sat, Feb 5, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
KELOWNA 1 Sat, Feb 5, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
PENTICTON 1 Sat, Feb 26. 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER 1 Sat, April 16, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm

4 Week FOUNDATION $499 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 4 Wed, Feb 2-23, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
CALGARY 4 Tues, Feb 8-Mar 1, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
FRASER VALLEY 4 Mon, Feb 28-Mar 21, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
KELOWNA 4 Tues, Mar 1-22, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
 

3 Day INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

KELOWNA Sat/Sun/Sat, Jan 22, 23 & 29, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER Sat/Sun/Sun, March 12, 13 & 20, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
PENTICTON Sat/Sat/Sat, April 9, 10, & 16, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
CALGARY Sat/Sun/Sat, May 28, 29 & June 4, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm

9 Week INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)
VANCOUVER 9 Tues, Jan 25-Mar 22, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
CALGARY 9 Tues, March 8-May 3, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
FRASER VALLEY 9 Tues, April 12-June 7, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
KELOWNA 9 Tues, Mar 29-May 24, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
 

6 Day ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 2 X Sat/Sun/Mon, May 28-30& June 11-13, 2011 9:30am-5:00pm
PENTICTON 3 X Sat/sun, May/June 2011 – dates on our site
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each day of the advanced course – until 5:30pm
15 Week ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 15 Wed, March 23- June 29, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
CALGARY 15 Wed, March 2- June 10, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
KELOWNA 15 Wed, March 2 – June 10 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each night of the advanced course – until 9pm

Now available in Vancouver!
Fine Vintage Certificate Courses

Fine Vintage has developed its own series of 1 day courses on the following topics.
Wines of France, Wines of Italy, Food and Wine Pairing, Become a Sommelier, and The Business of Wine.
 

The Fine Vintage Certification courses were created as fun and affordable courses (mostly at $299 for the day), where you could taste some fantastic wines and learn about a specific topic that interests you.
 

The courses take place on a Saturday, and include an expert presentation on a specific topic, accompanied by a 1st class tasting. Some of the courses include an extended multi-course catered lunch (e.g. Italy, France, Food and Wine Pairing), so you have various small plates to pair with the wines.
 

At the end of each Fine Vintage course you will receive a Certificate of completion. This Certificate represents specialist knowledge in a specific topic. There are no exams in these courses. For more information please visit:
www.FineVintageLtd.com/Wine-Courses

The Business of Wine $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, March 5, 2011 1:00pm-5:30pm

Food and Wine Pairing $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, March 19, 2011 10:30am-4:00pm
 

Wines of France $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, April 2, 2011 10:00am-4:30pm

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) 2010-2011 Courses

1 Day FOUNDATION $399 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Nov 6, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Nov 27, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
CALGARY 1 Sat, Nov 27, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
PENTICTON 1 Sat, Feb 26. 2011 9:30am-5:30pm
4 Week FOUNDATION $499 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 4 Wed, Feb 2-23, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
CALGARY 4 Tues, Feb 8-Mar 1, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
KELOWNA 4 Tues, Mar 1-22, 2011 6:00-9:00pm

3 Day INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

PENTICTON Sat/Sat/Sun, Oct 16, 23& 24, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER Sat/Sun/Sun, Nov 13, 14 & 21, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER Sun/Sat/Sun, Dec 12, 18 & 19, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
CALGARY Sat/Sun/Sun, May 28, 29 & June 4, 2011 9:30am-5:30pm

9 Week INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

CALGARY 9 Tues, Oct 19-Dec 14, 2010 6:00-9:00pm

VANCOUVER 9 Mon, Oct 18-Dec 13, 2010 6:00-9:00pm FULL
VANCOUVER 9 Tues, Oct 19-Dec 14, 2010 6:00-9:00pm FULL
VANCOUVER 9 Tues, Jan 25-Mar 22, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
KELOWNA 9 Tues, Mar 29-May 24, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
 

6 Day ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

PENTICTON 3 X Sat/Sun, Nov 6,7, 20, 21, Dec 4,5, 2010 9:30am-5:00pm
VANCOUVER 2 X Sat/Sun/Mon, May 28-30& June 11-13, 2011 9:30am-5:00pm
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each day of the advanced course – until 5:30pm

15 Week ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 15 Wed, March 23- June 29, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
CALGARY 15 Wed, March 2- June 10, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
KELOWNA 15 Wed, March 2 – June 10 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each night of the advanced course – until 9pm

Also – Now available in Vancouver!
Fine Vintage Certificate Courses

Fine Vintage has developed its own series of 1 day courses on the following topics:
Wines of France, Wines of Italy, Food and Wine Pairing, Become a Sommelier, and The Business of Wine.
 

The Fine Vintage Certification courses were created as fun and affordable courses (mostly at $299 for the day), where you could taste some fantastic wines and learn about a specific topic that interests you.
 

The courses take place on a Saturday, and include an expert presentation on a specific topic, accompanied by a 1st class tasting. Some of the courses include an extended multi-course catered lunch (e.g. Italy, France, Food and Wine Pairing), so you have various small plates to pair with the wines.
 

At the end of each Fine Vintage course you will receive a Certificate of completion. This Certificate represents specialist knowledge in a specific topic. There are no exams in these courses.

 For more information please visit: www.FineVintageLtd.com/Wine-Courses

Wines of Italy $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 4, 2010 10:00am-4:30pm

Food and Wine Pairing $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 11, 2010 10:30am-4:00pm

The Business of Wine $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 18, 2010 1:00pm-5:30pm

Become a Sommelier $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER TBA Feb 2011 10:00am-4:30pm

Wines of France $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER TBA Feb 2011 10:00am-4:30pm

The Fine Vintage Certification courses were created as fun and affordable courses (mostly at $299 for the day), where you could taste some fantastic wines and learn about a specific topic that interests you.
 
The courses take place on a Saturday, and include an expert presentation on a specific topic, accompanied by a 1st class tasting. Some of the courses include an extended multi-course catered lunch (e.g. Italy, France, Food and Wine Pairing), so you have various small plates to pair with the wines.
 
At the end of each Fine Vintage course you will receive a Certificate of completion. This Certificate represents specialist knowledge in a specific topic. There are no exams in these courses.

For more information please visit:

 www.FineVintageLtd.com/wine-courses/Fine-Vintage-Certification-Course/

Wines of Italy $299 (includes all instruction and wine) 

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 4, 2010 10:00am-4:30pm

Food and Wine Pairing $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 11, 2010 10:30am-4:00pm

The Business of Wine $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Dec 18, 2010 1:00pm-5:30pm

Become a Sommelier $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER TBA Feb 2011 10:00am-4:30pm

Wines of France $299 (includes all instruction and wine)

VANCOUVER TBA Feb 2011 10:00am-4:30pm

We also offer the internationally recognized WSET Courses:

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) 2010-11 Courses

1 Day FOUNDATION $399 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Oct 9, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
VANCOUVER 1 Sat, Nov 6, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm

PENTICTON 1 Sat, Sept 25. 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
VICTORIA 1 Sat, Oct 23. 2010 9:30am-5:30pm

CALGARY 1 Sat, Nov 27, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm

4 Week FOUNDATION $499 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 4 Tues, Sept 21-Oct 12, 2010 6:00-9:00pm
VANCOUVER 4 Wed, Sept 22-Oct 13, 2010 6:00-9:00pm
KELOWNA 4 Tues, Sept 21-Oct 12, 2010 6:00-9:00pm

CALGARY 4 Tues, Sept 21-Oct 12, 2010 6:00-9:00pm

3 Day INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER Sat/Sun/Sun, Nov 13, 14 & 21, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm
PENTICTON Sat/Sat/Sun, Oct 16, 23& 24, 2010 9:30am-5:30pm

9 Week INTERMEDIATE $950 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

CALGARY 9 Tues, Oct 19-Dec 14, 2010 6:00-9:00pm

 KELOWNA 9 Tues, Oct 19-Dec 14, 2010 6:00-9:00pm

VANCOUVER 9 Mon, Oct 18-Dec 13, 2010 6:00-9:00pm
VANCOUVER 9 Tues, Oct 19-Dec 14, 2010 6:00-9:00pm
 

6 Day ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 2 X Sat/Sun/Mon, Oct2-4, 16-18, 2010 9:30am-5:00pm
PENTICTON 3 X Sat/Sun, Nov 6,7, 20, 21, Dec 4,5, 2010 9:30am-5:00pm
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each day of the advanced course – until 5:30pm

15 Week ADVANCED $1525 (includes WSET exam, instruction, wine & study guide)

VANCOUVER 15 Wed, March 23- June 29, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
CALGARY 15 Wed, March 2- June 10, 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
KELOWNA 15 Wed, March 2 – June 10 2011 6:00-8:30 pm*
*also optional ½ hour of exam prep & question time each night of the advanced course – until 9pm

Wine Plus+ Links with UBC Okanagan

WSET Fall Schedule – Penticton & Kelowna

There is a full range of courses offered at the mentioned discounted prices for this Fall. All WSET classes are taught by Master of Wine Rhys Pender. The Fall schedule is shown below. Register now as courses are filling up fast. Register at www.wineplus.ca

PENTICTON:

- Found. (2 x evenings) – SPECIAL PRICE $200 $300 (Incl. Exam) Wed, Aug 25 & Sep 8, 2010 (6:00 – 9:30 pm)
- Inter. (3 day) – SPECIAL PRICE $700 $800 (incl. Exam), Sundays, Nov 28, Dec 12 & 19, 2010 (9am - 5pm)
- Adv. (6-day) – SPECIAL PRICE $1100 $1400 (incl. Exam) Mon’s, Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 29 & Dec 6 (9am-5pm)

KELOWNA:

- Found. (2 x evening) – SPECIAL PRICE $200 $300 (incl. Exam), Tues, Sep 14 & 28, 2010 (6 – 9:30pm)

- Inter. (6 x eve) - SPECIAL PRICE $700 $800 (incl. Exam), Tues, Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 9, 30, Dec 6 (6 – 9:30pm)

Training, Education & Corporate Events

Wine Plus+ specializes in offering a variety of wine training and education events. We will happily develop a cost-effective program for employee training or fun and educational corporate tasting events. Contact us at rhys@wineplus.ca for more details. Rhys Pender MW will personally conduct all staff training sessions.

Tasting Series

The Tasting Series begins again on September 20th in Penticton with a tasting of White Burgundy. There are still a few spots left for the first tasting and for those who want to purchase all four upcoming tastings this Fall for a discounted price. Each tasting regularly just $40 (+tax). Click on the PayPal links at http://www.wineplus.ca/Register.html to sign up.

Wine Selection of the Month

Domaine de Beaurenard – Cotes du Rhone, France. 2007 (13.5%) $24 – 90 pts

Medium-ruby in colour. The nose is quite intense with ripe red cherry, floral, spice, candy floss and clove – all typical of the Grenache grape. There is also a warming softness to the nose that is very inviting. The palate is dry and quite full, again with that warming, cuddly feeling. Acid and tannins are both soft and blueberry and cherry fruit finish with leather, graphite and a touch of garrigue. Good length. A very nice & great value wine. RATING: 90 pts

See more wine reviews at www.rhyspender.com

Contact Wine Plus+

Rhys Pender MW

rhys@wineplus.ca

Mobile: 250.317.8796

www.wineplus.ca

www.rhyspender.com