Classes

 
 
 
 

Wine and Spirit Education Trust

Vinsanity School of Wine is an Approved Programme Provider of the prestigious courses of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). WSET is regarded as the world leader in wine education. I have a degree in Education and have been a WSET instructor since 2010. Vinsanity School of Wine offers Level 1 Award in Wines, Level 2 Award in Wines, and Level 3 Award in Wines. To view Vinsanity School of Wines’ Policies & Procedures click here

A beginner-level introduction to wine, ideal for those starting a career in wine or simply wishing to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the subject. Designed for individuals new to wine study, the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines provides a practical and engaging introduction to the world of wine. Throughout the course, students will explore the main styles and types of wine, learn the fundamental principles of food and wine pairing, and develop the basic tasting skills needed to describe wines accurately using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT).

Registration includes a 30% discount to Wine With Jimmy.

View the full Level 1 Specification here. More information regarding course fees can be found here. Learn more about the course here.

Level 1 Award in Wine

WINNIPEG CLASSES

Date: May 30, 2026, exam on June 6, 2026

  • Registration Deadline: May 13, 2026

  • Location: Winehouse

  • Tuition: $425.00 (inclusive of tax)

SASKATOON CLASSES

Date: Saturday, September 12 (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

REGINA CLASSES

Date: Saturday, September 26 (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

REGISTER

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is a beginner-to-intermediate level qualification designed for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the world of wine. While there are no formal prerequisites, many students find it helpful to complete the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines before enrolling.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of viticulture and winemaking, gaining insight into the factors that influence wine style and quality.

Through guided tastings, candidates will develop the ability to taste and describe wines confidently and accurately using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT).

Registration includes a 30% discount to Wine With Jimmy.

View the full Level 2 Specification here. More information regarding course fees can be found here. Learn more about the course here.

Level 2 Award in Wine

WINNIPEG CLASSES

Date: October 2nd & 3rd 9:30 - 4:30, October 17 9:30 - 12:30 with exam October 31 10:00 - 12:00

  • Registration Deadline: September 18, 2026

  • Location: The Manitoba Club

  • Tuition: $999.99 (inclusive of tax)

SASKATOON CLASSES

Date: Saturday, October 3, 4, 17 & 18 (9:30 AM - 5:30 PM) with exam on October 18 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

REGINA CLASSES

Date: Saturday, October 31, Sunday, November 1, Saturday, November 7 (9:30 AM - 5:30 PM) with exam on November 8 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

REGISTER

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced-level qualification designed for wine professionals and dedicated enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of the world of wine. Successful completion of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is strongly recommended prior to registration. Learn more about the course here.

This rigorous course provides a comprehensive examination of the factors that influence the style, quality, and price of wines from the world’s major wine regions. Students will develop a detailed understanding of viticulture, vineyard management, and winemaking techniques, as well as the impact these decisions have on the finished wine.

Through extensive guided tastings, candidates will refine their analytical tasting abilities and learn to assess wines systematically and accurately using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT). By the end of the course, students will be able to explain wine style and quality with clarity and confidence, drawing upon a strong theoretical foundation.

Registration includes a 30% discount to Wine With Jimmy.

View the full Level 3 Specification here. More information regarding course fees can be found here. More information regarding course fees can be found here.

Level 3 Award in Wine

WINNIPEG CLASSES - TBA

SASKATOON CLASSES:

Dates: Mondays - 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9

Exam: November 16

Registration deadline: August 31, 2026

Location:Saskatoon Co-op Wine, Spirits & Beer and Online

Tuition: $1700.00 (inclusive of tax)

REGINA CLASSES: TBA

REGISTER

Don’t see dates that work for you? Add your name to a waitlist and we will reach out when new course dates are announced.

 
 
 

Wine Scholar Guild

WSG is the only provider to focus solely on the most celebrated wine regions of the world, instilling a deep understanding of wine, winemakers and their culture. Their certification programs are the industry standard and provide the most accurate and in-depth information on the wines of France, Italy and Spain.

Italian Wine Essentials

Date: TBA

Location:

Instructor: Andrea Eby, Italian Programs Director at the Wine Scholar Guild

Tuition: $650 (inclusive of tax)

JOIIN WAITLIST

French Wine Essentials

Date: TBA

Location: The Winehouse

Instructor: Seema Pal, FWS

Tuition: $650 (inclusive of tax)

Register your Interest

  • Alex Allardyce

    INSTRUCTOR

    Alex was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After obtaining an Honors degree in Political Science and History and an Advanced Certificate in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Winnipeg, she fell in love with wine while travelling Europe for a year after graduation. After completing a full harvest in the Languedoc-Roussillon, she returned to Winnipeg and started working for Jones & Company Wine Merchants in 2016. She worked there for three years, during which time she completed her WSET Levels 2 & 3 and the CAPS Diploma Program in May, 2020 to become a certified Sommelier. After briefly working as a sales representative for Elevage Selections in Winnipeg, she recognized that her true passion was working in the service industry. Alex is now employed at the Manitoba Club, one of the Platinum Clubs of the world, working as a Sommelier and Supervisor. Traveling for wine and food remains a big passion of hers and has taken her all over the world. More recently, Alex traveled to Scandinavia where she worked with an importing company, traveling all through Finland. She also completed two harvest stints at Averill Creek on Vancouver Island. Her most recent accomplishment include being awarded the CAPSTONE Canada Scholarship on behalf of CAPS Canada and California Wines Canada, winning the title of 2021 Best Sommelier of Manitoba, and winning the preliminaries for the Master Port of Canada, which allowed her to travel to Portugal to represent Manitoba.

  • Seema Pal

    INSTRUCTOR

  • Marlies Tibbs

    INSTRUCTOR

    Marlies has been involved in the Winnipeg wine community for over 25 years. During this time, she has held many roles including purchaser, manager and educator – presently she is general manager at the winehouse, one of Manitoba’s private wine stores. She is also dedicated to growing the wine culture in Winnipeg and has volunteered time with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers – Manitoba Chapter.

    Marlies believes wine is a life-long learning journey and is constantly seeking education opportunities. Over the last number of years, she has attained certifications from Brock University CCOVI: Certificate in Ontario Wine, Ontario Craft Wineries Certificate of Merit, BC Wine Ambassador Level 1 and has completed study programs through Wines of Germany, Wines of South Africa and California Capstone (Level 1). Marlies completed WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits in 2018 and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in 2019 and the WSET Diploma in 2024.

    In addition to wine Marlies holds certifications in cider, she is a USACM Certified Cider Professional (Level 1) and holds a Foundation Certificate in Cider and Perry Production from the Cider Institute of North America.

  • Jesse Oberman

    Jesse Oberman

    INSTRUCTOR

    Jesse was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he worked in hospitality and restaurants for many years. First cooking in professional kitchens, then serving, pouring wine and organizing pop-up and catering events across the city. In 2015 he founded Elevage Selections and began importing organic and natural wines which he still does today. Over the years Jesse has also lived and worked abroad, including a few years in London, England where he completed his WSET Diploma and worked as a sommelier. He has also lived and worked throughout France. His years spent in Europe provided ample opportunity for travel and allowed Jesse to visit, explore and work in many wine regions. Today Jesse lives in Winnipeg making cider from local apples as Next Friend Cider and is the winemaker at Low Life Barrelhouse.

  • Dawn Wreford

    INSTRUCTOR

  • Kandra Kergen

    INSTRUCTOR