FAQs
- Do I need to take the Foundation before the Intermediate?
- Do I need to take the Intermediate before the Advanced?
- What is the difference between the ISG courses and the WSET courses?
- How many people in a class?
- What do I need to bring to class each week?
- How many wines will I taste?
- How old do I have to be?
- When will I receive my WSET study guide?
- Some WSET course providers offer shorter and longer length courses. What is the reasoning behind the timeframes offered by Fine Vintage?
1. Do I need to take the Foundation before the Intermediate?
No, the Foundation is not a pre-requisite so if you already have a good base of knowledge you can skip the Foundation. However, we do recommend most people start with the Foundation so there are no gaps in your knowledge.
2. Do I need to take the Intermediate before the Advanced?
No, the Intermediate is not a pre-requisite but we do need to speak to you about jumping straight into the Advanced as this is generally not recommended.
3. What is the difference between the ISG courses and the WSET courses?
The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) courses were created by a private individual in Ontario who developed a series of courses and exams, and then certified students as "sommeliers". The ISG courses are primarily offered just in North America, and are not well known internationally. The ISG is not recognized by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
The WSET is an independent accredited educational institute based in London that has offered the WSET courses for 40 years in 39 countries. The courses are recognized by The Institute of Masters of Wine who oversee the syllabus. The WSET courses are well known throughout the world and are considered the gold standard in wine education.
4. How many people in a class?
Typically there are 24 people in a class. Occasionally there are 32 people. This allows for plenty of interaction and there is lots of open discussion.
5. What do I need to bring to class each week?
Just bring a pen and a notebook. And if you have been given tasting glasses already then bring those to each class as well, along with your tasting notebook. If you are taking the Foundation course, then bring that study guide along as well.
6. How many wines will I taste?
At each evening course you will taste at least 8 wines per night, and in the daytime courses you will taste 18-20 throughout the day. At Fine Vintage we are well known for the outstanding wines we pour.
7. How old do I have to be?
19 in Canada and 21 in the US. We need proof of age if there could be any doubt!
8. When will I receive my WSET study guide?
The study guides are handed out on the 1st evening of the course along with any starter kits purchased. If you will be attending any of the condensed all day courses, your study guide will be mailed to you at least 2 weeks in advance of the course start date.
9. Some WSET course providers offer shorter and longer length courses. What is the reasoning behind the timeframes offered by Fine Vintage?
Our courses follow the precise format offered by the WSET in the UK, except we run for 30 minutes longer each night so you get additional instructional hours.