Wine Appreciation (Formerly Sommelier Fundamentals)
Are you a long-time wine enthusiast who has always longed to learn more about this great beverage? If so, enroll in this College Certificate program, taught at Algonquin's specially designed Wine Lab, and join other like-minded individuals in classes delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors.
- Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin`s Sommelier certificate program should they decide to further their education
- Acquire specialized Sommelier skills in our modern sommelier lab
- Enjoy an interactive and fun setting while gaining confidence in selecting wines, learning an appreciation for wine styles and expanding your awareness of vintages
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Through sampling of a wide variety of products, you will examine the essentials of wine tasting, grape varieties, wine regions of the world and vinification. You will also explore the the theoretical and practical aspects of food and wine pairing.
Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin's Sommelier College Certificate program should they decide to futher their education....(read more)
Overview
Are you a long-time wine enthusiast who has always longed to learn more about this great beverage? If so, enroll in this College Certificate program, taught at Algonquin's specially designed Wine Lab, and join other like-minded individuals in classes delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors. In an interactive and fun setting, students gain confidence in selecting wines, learn an appreciation for wine styles and expand their awareness of vintages.
Through sampling of a wide variety of products, you will examine the essentials of wine tasting, grape varieties, wine regions of the world and vinification. You will also explore the the theoretical and practical aspects of food and wine pairing.
Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin's Sommelier College Certificate program should they decide to futher their education.
To qualify for the Wine Appreciation Certificate, you must complete the six compulsory courses within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Appreciate wine as a beverage.
- Are passionate about flavours and cultural influences.
- Are intrigued by the history of beverages.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Courses | On campus:  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOS0047 | 36.0 | Grape Varieties | |
| HOS0058 | 28.0 | Theories of Wine and Food PairingHOS0058 Theories of Wine and Food PairingUnderstanding and suggesting appropriate wine and food pairings is a fundamental part of the sommelier's role. Students unravel the mystery and eliminate the misconceptions surrounding the art and science of successfully pairing wine with food. Hands-on experiences challenge the senses and perceptions, as students experience fine cuisine and well-chosen wines. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |  |
| HOS0062 | 36.0 | Wine Tasting | |
| HOS0063 | 56.0 | Old World WinesOld World Wines There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| HOS0064 | 39.0 | New World WinesHOS0064 New World WinesAn understanding of how old-world wine regions have influenced new world regions and have, in turn, been influenced by them, is essential to the sommelier role. Students explore the geographical, historical and cultural factors impacting new world wine production in Canada, the United States, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Students taste premium new world wines and examine the production techniques and styles introduced by these young regions to expand their knowledge of new world wines. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| HOS0068 | 36.0 | VinificationHOS0068 VinificationToday's wine makers research and use a variety of techniques to create their finished products. Students study the science of viticulture and oenology through a detailed examination of the grape growing and winemaking process. Through tasting activities, students explore a variety of wines produced using different vinification techniques. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HOS0047 Grape Varieties
Sommeliers need the ability to identify the aromas and flavours of different grape varietals. Students delve beyond the common varietals and discover lesser-known grapes. Emphasis is on identifying the characteristics, history, origin and preferred viticultural conditions of the world's most popular grape varietals. Through tasting, students distinguish classic grapes, develop an appreciation for each variety's characteristics and subtleties and examine how wine makers harness these subtleties to create a wine style identity exclusive to their region.
HOS0058 Theories of Wine and Food Pairing
Understanding and suggesting appropriate wine and food pairings is a fundamental part of the sommelier's role. Students unravel the mystery and eliminate the misconceptions surrounding the art and science of successfully pairing wine with food. Hands-on experiences challenge the senses and perceptions, as students experience fine cuisine and well-chosen wines.
HOS0062 Wine Tasting
Evaluating wines, making sound purchasing decisions and providing recommendations are key skills of wine professionals. Students build confidence in their tasting abilities and recognize the complexities associated with the colour, aroma and taste of various wines. By applying professional techniques, students gain proficiency in perceiving various aromas and flavours and communicating those perceptions to others in a verbal and written format. Emphasis is on acquiring the vocabulary to communicate what is tasted in wine.
HOS0064 New World Wines
An understanding of how old-world wine regions have influenced new world regions and have, in turn, been influenced by them, is essential to the sommelier role. Students explore the geographical, historical and cultural factors impacting new world wine production in Canada, the United States, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Students taste premium new world wines and examine the production techniques and styles introduced by these young regions to expand their knowledge of new world wines.
HOS0068 Vinification
Today's wine makers research and use a variety of techniques to create their finished products. Students study the science of viticulture and oenology through a detailed examination of the grape growing and winemaking process. Through tasting activities, students explore a variety of wines produced using different vinification techniques.
HOS0047 - Grape Varieties
Schedule
| SUMMER 2024 |
| On Campus - Woodroffe |
| Section | Date(s) | Day(s) | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 521 | May 7 - Jul 23 | Tue | 7pm - 10pm | $706.80 |  |
Description
HOS0064 - New World Wines
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
HOS0058 - Theories of Wine and Food Pairing
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
HOS0068 - Vinification
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
HOS0062 - Wine Tasting
Schedule
| SUMMER 2024 |
| On Campus - Woodroffe |
| Section | Date(s) | Day(s) | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 541 | May 16 - Aug 1 | Thu | 7pm - 10pm | $706.80 | |
Description
Careers & Pathways
Pathways
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Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application. A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).
Program Eligibility
- Students must be 19 years of age or older.
Application Information
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students following the normal pattern of program delivery may complete program requirements within three years and as early as 24 months.