Sommeliership

- Meaning: a course or programme that relates to an occupation or career such as Wine Steward or Sommelier.

This e-course is delivered 'one-on-one', or with an emphasis on the close relationship between tutor and delegate.

The course fee does not include any possible expenses for the seminar (such as travel costs) nor the wines to be sampled.

This course is designed for anyone who wishes to acquire a professional wine career in the hospitality industry, for instance as a Sommelier, Restaurant Manager or as a Wine Steward. It is a modular course which allows persons with no wine knowledge or those with such wine knowledge, to become qualified and certified wine professionals.

Besides a fair knowledge of English and some basic computer skills, there are no other entrance requirements.

We recommend that prospective students take the readiness test to see if e-learning is for them. A trial class is also available as indicated on the school's website, which also features snapshots of the virtual classroom to show how it all works.

To register online simply click the button 'Book Now' at the bottom of this page. You can settle the fee online by credit card or later via a bank transfer. Once you have registered you will receive a full welcome packet via email. For questions or more information, please contact us using the contact form.

Refund Policies

A lot of careful thought and planning went into the design and content of all the Cru Courses. We drew on the combined experience of all types of professionals in the wine trade; some hailing from the UK (David Bird MW), Italy (World's Best Sommelier Giuseppe Vaccarini), Canada (wine writer and historian Prof. Rod Phillips), Australia (champion oenologist Brian Fletcher) and California (Prof. Bruce W. Zoecklein). The course, the Knowledge, is taught by WINE CAMPUS and expert guest lecturers.

* STERLING ACCREDITATION

“Accreditation is setting the standard for wine service and service providers; it is a guarantee for discerning customers.”

If you put in the effort, you will not only enjoy the lectures but obtain your sommelier credentials as certified by WINE CAMPUS.

For this course, The Knowledge, the certification process is an integral part of the programme, it is a natural follow-up of the lectures.

The registration fee for 'The Knowledge' is inclusive of the certification fee.

So, in addition to the lectures and online resources and assignments, the student is required to pass 24 hours training which WINE CAMPUS will arrange in the vicinity of the student.

Furthermore, the board has decided that this course also requires students to follow a 12 hours seminar at centres which will be arranged at convenient places. This practicum will be held at the end of the course and the final examination will also be done at the same time. It will be held at a restaurant where in situ training can take place. It may also include a visit to a winery or similar facility.

The certification will be according to the standards set by WINE CAMPUS yet by proxy (i.e. by an individual or institute who is designated by WINE CAMPUS to represent the school in the geographical area of the student).

A wine steward(ess) or sommelier, who has not taken 'The Knowledge' may also volunteer on his own initiative to enter the certification process provided he or she has obtained credits through another recognised institute. The certification fee only is € 200 or USD 310. To apply contact the registrar on registrar@winecampus.org.

Module 1: provides an introduction to all the fundamental basics of wine, viticulture, vinification, the sensory evaluations and tasting techniques that are frequently overlooked when drinking wine. You will study the different components of wine appearance, aroma, and flavour. This module offers a basic understanding of the major grapes used for making wine and their discerning characteristics as well as an introduction to fortified, sparkling wines and liqueurs.

In Module 2: We deal with specific practical issues which you will come across as a hospitality wine professional, ranging from topics like: (some examples) Interacting with Customers, Design & Lay-out of a Wine Bar, Leading and Managing People, Working with Colleagues and Customers, Taking Bookings & Communicating on the Telephone to Arranging & Managing Functions, Laying-out a Restaurant and Tables, Menu Design, Cellar Management, Managing a Restaurant, Financial Aspects & Basic Book-Keeping.

A. Yes, provided a period of 3 months has lapsed. During this extended period the student still has full access to all lectures and can prepare for the re-sit.

Q. Upon passing the examination and practical assessments, what does the graduate receive?

A. First and foremost, the candidate will receive the frame-quality Certificate of Sommeliership endorsed by WINE CAMPUS. This acknowledges the graduate's status as a Certified Wine Professional. We also gift a lapel pin.

A. All examination fees are included in the tuition fee for all candidates that have enrolled in the programme. There is a postage fee for sending the Certificate and lapel pin.

A. Yes. You will be assigned a candidate number. The examination will be identified by this number, not your name. The results will be emailed to you first, then your employer and only if you have been sponsored.

A. Not really, but there is a compulsory mid-term examination in the form of an online quiz which will prepare you for your final examination.

A. You will need to have taken all lectures and completed all assignments, tasting tasks and handed in your essay. Usually students take between 10 months to 2 years to complete the course. There is no fixed schedule but the course is not completely self-paced either.

Q. How will I benefit from getting this certificate?
A. Making the personal investment in a certificate shows your (future) employer you are committed to your career. Achieving a certificate can give you a competitive edge in hiring and promoting situations. And, over the course of a certificate program, many students have opportunities to interact closely with instructors and fellow students, providing a valuable professional worldwide network for the future.

Q. How available will my instructor be?
A. Our instructors make every effort to respond quickly to students. In general, you can expect to get a response from an instructor within 48 hours on Monday-Friday. Each instructor will let you know his or her general availability when you enroll in the course. Also, remember that we are here to help you. If you have questions or are experiencing any difficulties, be sure to let us know immediately.

Q. What makes the certificate valuable apart from the reputation of the tutors and course contributors?

A. We adhere to the EU’s Principles on E-learning and our assessment is compliant with the Quality Standards in Open and Distance Learning as laid down by MECA-ODL (as carried out with the support of the European Community in the framework of the SOCRATES programme, in the MINERVA ODL action. The project reference number is: 87901-CP-1-2000-1-ES-MINERVA-ODL.)