 Wine knowledge has become an important tool in every aspect of the hospitality industry. The demand for properly trained wine professionals has risen exponentially. In response, Algonquin College offers the region’s premier Sommelier Certificate Program. Seven compulsory courses reward the successful student with the much sought-after Sommelier Certificate and Sommelier pin, an award recognized by the industry and the general public as a premiere achievement.
Courses are taught in the College’s prestigious C.A. Paradis Wine Lab and feature tasting of a wide variety of wines from the LCBO’s general list and from current Vintages’ releases. Wine tasting is the first component to be developed in this program. Major grape varieties are studied along with every major growing area of the world and the viticulture and viniculture practiced in each. Food and wine matching is an important focus of the program and both theory and practical aspects are presented. Cellaring tips, marketing techniques, wine list development and the proper service of wine are all topics covered in this program. The emphasis of this program is to develop well rounded and knowledgeable Sommeliers.
To earn the Sommelier certificate, students must successfully complete all courses. Many graduates have found employment in a wide variety of positions in the hospitality industry, as well as the wine and spirit industry. Graduates are presented with a distinctive Sommelier pin to recognize the standard of excellence attained. |
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The spring/summer 2010 course schedule for the Sommelier Program has been posted to sommelier.ca. Registration for the winter semester starts March 16th at 8:30 AM. |
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The wildly popular California Wine Fair will be at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa for the 30th straight year the evening of April 20, 2010 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. It’s always a complete sell-out and you must purchase tickets in advance, there are no tickets sold at the door. Each year dozens of wineries are present, many with winemakers and winery principals attending, and a wide selection of wines are available for tasting.
The price of a ticket $60.00 gains you entry and access to all wines plus a selection of light appetizers.
To avoid disappointment, call the California Wine Fair hotline at 1-800-558-2675, check their website calwine.ca beginning January 4, 2010 or email
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Ottawa wine writer Natalie MacLean has just launched a new mobile application for iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Droid and other smartphones. Developed by Cerado, this app builds on the success of her Drinks Matcher and includes all the pairings in the original app, plus thousands of wine reviews, recipes, articles, blog posts, glossary definitions, cellar journal and winery directory. You can access the new app at www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp. |
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When you finish the Sommelier Certificate Program you don't only get a piece of paper. Here's a wonderful preview of what else is in store for you by taking a look at our most recent Gala dinner as written by the Valedictorian for the class and newly-minted Sommelier Graduate, Bethany Harpur. |
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The Restaurant International, adjacent to the C. A. Paradis Wine Lab, offers a two course ‘Express Dinner” to Sommelier and Wine Appreciation students! For only $15 pp (plus tax and gratuity) choose any two courses from the daily table d’hôte menu. Make a reservation 24 hours in advance at 613-727-7691, arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, and you’ll make the class by 7:00 pm. |
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