So here we are crossing the threshold into Autumn in Vancouver, even though I still cant shake the feeling that were waiting for summer to officially kick in. Having the season thrust upon us so suddenly this year recalls the sobering shock I felt as a kid when back-to-school commercials began airing the first week of August, with their jovial yet mocking energy and tone.
Back to school in the wine world aint such a bad thing for many reasons, not least of which because you get to have a tipple as you take your notes. Yup, fall in the city brings a host of options for those looking to amp up their wine knowledge for whatever reason, whether youre a server looking to step up, a casual drinker looking for help navigating wine store shelves or a professional looking to impress clients at important business dinners, there are plenty of options from East Van to West Van and all points in between.There are two major, official educational routes:
Well-known throughout North America, but not so much beyond our shores, ISG courses are cohesive and thorough with particular attention given to tasting and service of wine. Geared toward industry professionals, their Wine Fundamentals Level 1 Certificate course gives well-rounded info on grape varieties and wine styles to global wine regions and food pairing. Weekly courses totalling 24 hours of class time start at $600. Doing all ISG levels over time to become a certified Sommelier will take you a couple years and come in just under $5,000. Courses begin in October at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Community College. More information at
Globally recognized with slightly less emphasis on tasting and service than ISG courses, the WSET levels take a slightly more academic approach to things, thoroughly covering the history, geography, math and science of it all. Not to worry, youll still be sampling and having a blast each week. The weekly Foundation in Wine & Wine Service course runs for five weeks starting in early October at $685. There are plenty of course levels to continue on with, leading to the extremely exclusive Master of Wine title, held by less than 300 people around the world. The best WSET instructors in town are at the Art Institute of Vancouver. More information at
If you want to just pick up a little casual education here and there without devoting too much time or cash, hit up Tyler Dawsons numerous courses at Liberty Wine Merchants Wine School. From four-day Basic Training to Wine Fault Workshops and more focused seminars on sake, Port or Champagne, the big, burly industry veteran has a fun, casual style and contagious enthusiasm youll dig ().
If you simply dont have the time or resources to take on a course at the moment and are looking to just pick up a good book that will cover the basics without boring the hell out of you, do NOT pick up one of those giant, studious 1,000-page tomes as your introduction to the wine world. I guarantee youll flip through it briefly and itll forever gather dust on your shelf. Wine For Dummies by Ed McCarthy & Mary Ewing-Mulligan is a colourful read that covers all the important wine stuff without being too highbrow or lowbrow, perfectly straddling that middle ground while being laid out for quick and easy reference.
Finally, the best way to learn about wine this fall is through experience. Get out there and taste different wines as much as you can. Ask for recommendations from wine shop staff plus keep an eye on and the websites of Vancouvers many private wine stores for the dozens of tastings, many free, which occur on a monthly basis.
Itll be the best homework youve ever had.
Kurtis Kolt does many wine-related things around Vancouver, and loves that hes always learning something new! Catch him at
