Demand bubbling up for courses
U.K.-based education institute looks to increase presence in Ontario
A recent report from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust revealed demand for wine education is higher than ever both in Canada and globally.
The largest provider of qualifications in the field of wines and spirits in the world, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) reports a record number of candidates enrolled in its educational programs last, with 85,487 students signing up at approved program providers around the globe.
Not surprisingly, demand is greatest in the United Kingdom, which is home to the educational institute that offers nine qualifications, from one-day beginner courses through to a specialist level diploma. Mainland China and the United States follow behind in the No. 2 and 3 positions, with Canada remaining in fourth place — seeing four per cent growth in candidate numbers compared to the 2015-16 academic year.
Wine and spirits courses are offered in 19 languages and more than 70 countries, and are open both to industry professionals and interested enthusiasts. Since 1969, more than half a million individuals have completed a WSET qualification.
In Canada, a total of 37 approved program providers now offer WSET courses. Earlier this year, WSET hosted an information booth and conducted seminars during the Vancouver International Wine Festival.
The group will look to increase its presence in the Ontario market by hosting classes during the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo in Toronto this November.
Its wine and spirit curriculum features both theory and tasting components for its lectures, which help ensure students have a comprehensive view of the subject at hand. Suggested samples include a mix of benchmark styles from traditional and emerging regions. This week’s featured wines are two of the suggested samples that WSET asks students to taste as part of its Level 2 and Level 3 instruction.
To learn more about WSET qualifications and the locations of approved program provider, visit WSETglobal.com. Christopher Waters is the co-founder and editor of Vines, a national consumer wine magazine.