Out of the Classroom and into the Vineyard

With the principle of “active learning” the International Wine Education Guild uncorks the best of wine, spirits and saké education. For 40 years wine organizations from Italy to California to New Zealand to South Africa, and every major wine region in between, have sponsored IWEG to promote their master classes. Drinking wine is a relationship that evokes dialogue, and so each course provides access to great instructors, and focuses on experiential learning including in the vineyards and in the distilleries.

Who said learning can’t be fun? For added incentives, study trips are awarded to the top student to wine regions of the sponsor, such as Germany or Italy. It’s completely student-centric, and all the instructors are not only certified educators but they’re also currently working within the industry.

Who takes these courses? Professionals in retail and hospitality; waiters, bartenders and restaurateurs who seek knowledge and networking; and wine enthusiasts from the casual hobbyist to those aiming to impress; all swirling, sipping and learning. Every wine buff should explore this opportunity, located in the heart of Toronto.

Tastings are interspersed with exercises, group projects, videos and quizzes. Courses range from one day and three days, to two years, depending on your goals. Food and wine matching; weekend trips to Niagara; in-depth programs on the wines of France or Italy; an exploration into the world of saké; and basic skills to internationally recognized professional certifications—we raise our glasses to this drinks academy.