General Wine Courses

Our wine courses cater to individuals with diverse levels of experience and interest in the world of wine. They are available at both the Certificate and Associate Degree levels and have been thoughtfully categorized to suit your specific needs.

Please note that detailed descriptions of course topics are available upon specific request from genuinely interested individuals.Our courses are designed by experienced wine professionals who know which specific topics are required for that course.

Introduction to Wine
(10 Lectures) (No Prior Wine Knowledge Required)

This engaging e-learning introductory course provides a solid foundation for beginners. It covers essential aspects of wine appreciation and evaluation. While assignments are integral to this course, we highly recommend participating in wine tasting exercises to enhance your learning experience.

The lectures cover every relevant topic from the essentials of wine, viticulture and wine making.

 

Essentials of Wine
(20 Lectures) (No Prior Wine Knowledge Required)

This comprehensive e-learning program unfolds over 20 weeks, offering an in-depth exploration of wine essentials.

The lectures cover every relevant topic from the essentials of wine, wine tasting and evaluation. viticulture and wine making.

 

The Foundations of Wine Certificate (Blended Course)
(Costs Determined by Student Numbers)

Our blended learning course combines traditional face-to-face instruction with our e-learning platform, offering a flexible and cost-effective approach. This unique format allows students to access and process course materials independently, with more direct interaction with instructors during the face-to-face segment. Specific details are available upon request.

 

International Certificate in Wine & Spirits
(40 Lectures) (No Prior Wine Knowledge Required)

Our popular International Certificate course consists of 40 comprehensive e-learning lectures, each accompanied by mandatory assignments. This program is ideal for those new to the world of wine, offering a robust and thorough wine education. The course is divided into the following modules:

Module I: Wine basics – tasting, styles, laws, sommeliership, and spirits distillation.

Module II: Viticulture – climate, cultivation, vines, and terroir.

Module III: Wine production – vinification, fermentation, blending, and analysis.

Module IV: Wine marketing – pricing, sales, consumer behavior, and branding.

Additionally, students must complete a compulsory essay, engage in wine tasting sessions involving 60 wines, and choose between modular online exams or a final comprehensive examination.

Optional components include tutored workshops and wine tastings, which offer opportunities for discussions on industry trends and techniques while tasting at least six wines. Field trips, providing hands-on exposure to grapes, viticulture, winemaking, and related practical experiences, are also available.

Upon successful completion of the course, including online examinations, wine tastings, and the essay, students will receive the esteemed “International Certificate in Wine & Spirits” from EWA.

 

Associate Degree in International Wines & Spirits
(120 Lectures) (No Prior Wine Knowledge Required)

 

Our detailed e-learning program, recently expanded from 80 to 120 lectures, offers an even deeper dive into the world of wine. Aimed at individuals with little or no previous wine experience, this program provides an extensive and comprehensive wine education, ideal for those pursuing careers in the wine industry.

The course comprises five modules:

Module I: Fundamental wine topics – definition, sensory evaluation, styles, labels, laws, sommeliership, cellar management, pairing, varietals, sparkling wines, fortified wines, and spirits.

Module II: Viticulture – climate, terroir, vineyard management, organic/biodynamic practices, harvest planning, and business considerations.

Module III: Wine production – grape maturity, equipment, fermentation, stabilization, blending, aging, packaging, and labeling.

Module IV: Global wine regions – Old World and New World, including emerging areas.

Module V: Wine business – pricing, marketing, sales, consumer behavior, brand positioning, media, PR, advertising, wine tourism, cellar sales, and e-marketing.

Compulsory requirements include an essay, wine tasting sessions involving 80 wines, and an online multiple-choice final examination.

Optional components comprise tutored workshops and wine tastings, as well as field trips providing practical exposure to various aspects of the wine industry.

Upon successfully completing the course, students will be awarded the prestigious “Associate Degree in International Wines & Spirits” from EWA.

 

Certificate in Wine Producing Regions
(40 Lectures) (No Prior Wine Knowledge Required)

This detailed e-learning program provides insights into the world’s major wine-producing regions, with a focus on both Old World and New World wine regions. The course is divided into two modules:

 

Module I: Covers major European wine regions and lesser-known ones like Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Russia & Georgia, Bulgaria, Czech and Slovakia, Romania, Moldavia & Slovenia, Switzerland, England, and the Benelux.

Module II: Explores New World wine regions, including Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, South America, Japan, China, India, Thailand, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, and North Africa.

Topics covered include history, climate, geography, soils, varietals, viticultural practices, vinification practices, trade organization, wine laws, and classifications.

Compulsory components include 40 lectures with assignments, wine tasting exercises involving 60 wines, an essay, and a final online multiple-choice examination.

Optional elements include tutored workshops and wine tastings, as well as field trips for practical exposure to the wine industry.

Successful completion of the course earns students the “Certificate in Wine Producing Regions” from EWA.

 

Diploma in Wine Consultancy
(60 E-Learning Lectures – No Prior Wine Knowledge or Experience Required)

The role of a wine consultant is a multifaceted and dynamic profession. Wine consultants are professionals who play a pivotal role in helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions about wine selection and inventory management. They are sought after by a diverse array of organizations, including liquor companies, hotels, restaurants, vineyards, and liquor stores, to name a few. These experts are tasked with responsibilities that span from evaluating sales targets and strategies to enhancing the quality and diversity of wine stock.

Regardless of their personal niche, wine consultants generally provide professional advice or service to various players in the wine industry. While the role of a wine consultant is largely shaped by the individual, broadly speaking it usually falls in one (or more) of the following categories within the industry:

  • restaurants,
  • private collectors,
  • vineyards and
  • wineries or estates
  • larger liquor businesses like exporters/importers, or the large multi-nationals

Originally a Wine Consultant worked in retail stores or restaurants, selling wine. Over time an increasing sophistication of the wine industry has widened the role of the Wine Consultant so that they nowadays can also be employed by a large liquor corporation to advise and consult on ways and means to increase sales using their expertise on wines, trends, and the wine industry. This new, expanded role has meant that the modern Wine Consultant also needs to have knowledge of wine marketing. No matter where you work, your job as a Wine Consultant is ultimately to increase wine sales. Newly opened restaurants could, for instance, call to enlist your help in selecting their wine list. And more established places turn to you when their wine sales start dropping or if they wish to import wines or spirits.

As Consultants they offer guidance based on their extensive knowledge of wine and spirits, including taste, age, quality, and experience with exceptional products. As of 2023, the average annual income for a Wine Consultant ranges from $48,000 to $58,000 USD.

We have designed a comprehensive course that covers all of the possible specific roles a wine consultant may have (as outlined above), enabling you to embark on your journey towards becoming a Wine Consultant (though practical experience remains essential). The course encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from detailed lectures on professional wine tasting and evaluation to subjects in viticulture, wine production and wine marketing crucial for a holistic understanding of the industry. Recognizing that Wine Consultants often work with liquor corporations, we have included several courses on wine marketing, and we have made the course flexible, allowing for potential expansion to include additional lectures on wine regions, wine business or marketing as per your preferences.

We anticipate this course becoming one of our most popular offerings, given that it equips you not only for Wine Consultancy but also for roles as an assistant winemaker in a winery or within the hospitality sector. Each lecture within this course has been carefully selected to provide versatile skills and knowledge that can be applied in various ways.

Our meticulously crafted “Diploma in Wine Consultancy” program is designed to equip you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required to excel in this profession. While prior experience remains valuable, our course is structured to accommodate individuals with little to no prior wine knowledge or experience. The curriculum covers a vast spectrum of topics, enabling you to embark on your journey towards becoming a Wine Consultant. Whether your aspirations involve consulting for a liquor corporation, contributing to a winery’s winemaking team, or thriving within the hospitality industry, this course offers the versatility to meet your goals.

This detailed E-Learning program comprises 60 in-depth lectures, each thoughtfully tailored to provide a holistic wine education. The course is structured as follows:

Module 1: Understanding Wine

  • Explore wine’s essence and sensory aspects.
  • Master professional tasting and evaluation.
  • Discover wine styles and global industry.
  • Uncover labels, regulations, and appellations.
  • Develop sommelier skills and wine service.
  • Learn cellar management.
  • Unlock food and wine pairing.
  • Explore spirits like Whisky and brandies.

Module 2: Viticulture and Terroir

  • Dive into viticulture’s role in winemaking.
  • Assess climate change in grape cultivation.
  • Learn organic and biodynamic practices.
  • Understand grapevine cycles and management.
  • Explore canopy, pruning, and soil types.
  • Discover the influence of terroir.

Module 3: Wine Production Essentials

  • Master vinification and winery equipment.
  • Uncover wine chemistry.
  • Navigate wine microbiology and fermentation.
  • Explore juice production and must adjustments.
  • Understand wine stabilization and blending.

Module 4: Wine Marketing and Business

  • Excel in wine marketing and pricing.
  • Study consumer behavior and demographics.
  • Build premium wine brands.
  • Master wine media and advertising.
  • Learn cellar sales and e-marketing strategies.
  • Assessment and Optional Components:
    To successfully complete the course, students are required to:
  • Submit a compulsory essay showcasing their knowledge and analytical skills.
  • Participate in mandatory wine tasting sessions featuring a diverse selection of 60 wines.
  • Choose between modular online exams or a comprehensive final examination at the course’s conclusion.

Optional Components Include:

  • Tutored workshops and wine tastings: These optional sessions offer a platform to discuss potential challenges, explore emerging industry trends and techniques, all while experiencing a curated selection of at least six wines. While optional, these sessions provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Please note that logistical considerations may limit the availability of these sessions, especially for students located in various parts of the world.
  • Field Trips: Designed to provide practical exposure to the world of grapes, viticulture, winemaking, and related aspects, these optional trips typically span at least four days. Participation in Field Trips depends on the level of interest among students and logistical feasibility.

Please note that while these optional components enhance the course experience, they are not included in the course fees. Additionally, certain activities may require a minimum number of participants for logistical viability.

Upon successfully passing the online multiple-choice module examination(s) at the course’s conclusion, along with completing all required components, students will be awarded the prestigious “Diploma in Wine Consultancy.”

Important: In the individual descriptions of our courses, we do not give full details of the various topics or subject matter covered in our lectures. More details are available upon specific request from genuinely interested persons.