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
Level 1 Award in Wine
WINNIPEG CLASSES - SOLD OUT
Date: Monday, July 14 10:00 am - 4:00 pm with the exam on July 21 at 7:00 pm
Location: Winehouse
Tuition: $425.00 (inclusive of tax)
SASKATOON CLASSES - SOLD OUT
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. Learn more about the course here.
For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine, learn the basic skills needed in order to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. There are no prerequisites. Upon successful completion of the exam candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 1 Specification here. More information regarding course fees can be found here
Level 2 Award in Wine
WINNIPEG CLASSES
Date: August 11, 16, 18 10:00 am - 5:00 pm with exam on August 25 at 7:00 pm
Location: Winehouse
Tuition: $1050.00 (inclusive of tax)
SASKATOON CLASSES
Date: TBA
Location: Saskatoon Co-op Wine Spirits & Beer
Tuition: $1050.00 (inclusive of tax)
WSET’s Level 2 Award in Wines is a beginner to intermediate-level qualification exploring wines, suitable for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts. While there is no prerequisite many students find it helpful to complete WSET Level 1 prior to registration. Learn more about the course here.
This qualification is intended for anyone wishing to learn more about the world of wine or those seeking to continue their learning after successful completion of WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. Candidates will learn about the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. An introduction to the fields of viticulture and vinification are included. Students will learn to taste and describe wines with confidence. Upon successful completion candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 2 Specification here.
More information regarding course fees can be found here
Level 3 Award in Wine
WINNIPEG CLASSES
Date: September 12 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, September 13, October 4, October 5, and October 25 10:00 am -5:00 pm, with exam on November 30.
Location: Winehouse
Tuition: $1850.00 (inclusive of tax)
SASKATOON CLASSES
Date: Sundays March 23, 30 April 6, 13, 27 - 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Exam Sunday, May 11th 10:00 AM - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Fall dates to be announced soon.
Location: Saskatoon Co-op Wine Spirits & Beer
Tuition: $1850.00 (inclusive of tax)
Study in a classroom setting with the practical tasting of over 70 different wines. This is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for dedicated wine enthusiasts. Successful completion of Level 2 is strongly recommended prior to registration. Learn more about the course here.
This qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Viticultural, vineyard management and winemaking are examined. Upon completion students will be able to assess wines accurately, and use your understanding to explain wine style and quality. Upon successful completion candidates will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. View the full Level 3 Specification here.
More information regarding course fees can be found here
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: May 14, 21, 28 (7:00 - 9:00pm) with exam on June 4
Location: The Winehouse
Instructor: Andrea Eby, Italian Programs Director at the Wine Scholar Guild
Tuition: $650 (inclusive of tax)
French Wine Essentials
-
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
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