At Wine Plus+ we have developed a full schedule of both WSET courses and Tasting Series events. You can check out the dates for classes in both Kelowna & Penticton, BC at www.wineplus.ca. Taking a course from the world’s number one recognized wine body, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), is not just good for business, but fun for consumers and industry employees alike. And it’s tax deductible as education!
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.
Rhys currently has articles in:
Wine Access
Montecristo
Savour
Taste
Staff Training – Taking Bookings Now
With the improving economy, the 2011 season will likely see an increase in visitors to both wineries and restaurants, something great for everyone in the business. The hiring season to bring in staff and get them ready to provide a high level of customer service is already beginning. Wine Plus+ offers a variety of wine training options that can be customized for your business. 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.
Follow us Online
Follow Wine Plus+ and Rhys on-line:
List Your Job on www.wineplus.ca
One of the services Wine Plus+ offers back to the industry is a free job listing service. We have taught hundreds of students over the years and many of these highly educated wine people check back to the Wine Plus+ website to look for opportunities in the industry. See www.wineplus.ca/jobs.html for details of how to list your job.
Consulting to Wineries
The changing styles of wine and the ever fickle consumer mean that wineries must constantly be on top of upcoming trends and making sure that they are not missing the boat. Wine Plus+ offers directional consulting to wineries helping with things like blending, portfolio analysis and recommendations and business planning to keep ahead of the competition. Visit http://www.wineplus.ca/Consulting.html for more information on the consulting services we offer.
Wine Selection of the Month
Seghesio Zinfandel – Sonoma, California, USA. 2008 $32 – 90 pts
A delicious rich, ripe jammy red to help keep you warm this winter. A deep ruby-purple in colour, and a nose with pronounced ripe raspberry jam, candy, floral, blueberry, plum and chocolate notes. Lots of rich, ripe fruit. The palate is dry with a lush full body and immense texture and concentration. The ripe fruit flavours of blueberry, blackberry and dried raspberry follow with some savoury leather, paprika, earth and dusty cocoa. The richness is balanced by quite high acidity and the tannins are high and very dry. Overall long, rich, intense and delcious and will keep 2-3 years. RATING: 90 pts
See more wine reviews at www.rhyspender.com
Wine Plus+ Out & About
January 19 – 23 : Winter Wine Festival (Sun Peaks)
January : Presenting at Master of Wine Seminar (Napa)
February : Judging at Dallas Morning News Wine Competition (Texas)
March 28 – April 3 : Presenting at Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival (Vancouver)
April : Judging at Decanter World Wine Awards (London)
Contact Wine Plus+
Rhys Pender MW
rhys@wineplus.ca
Mobile: 250.317.8796
