 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. |
|
First and foremost, all potential employees need to apply on-line at www.lcbo.com under the careers section. The careers section is divided into 3 parts; full time opportunities, part time opportunities and fixed term opportunities. The part time opportunities are our year round 'casuals' and the fixed term opportunities are either for 'Summer" months (May - September) or "Christmas" (November 15th - December 31st).
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the website frequently to ensure that they won't miss a posting. 'Casual' postings happen sporadically throughout the year based on store operational needs, where as the fixed term opportunities are more geared towards posting April 1st for the 'Summer' and mid-September for the 'Christmas' term. Also, please note that signage will go up in the store windows at certain LCBO stores when a position is available.
Visit the website and create a profile, set a job alert and apply when you see a posting. |
|
|
Registration for Sommelier Program courses in the FALL 2010 semester starts July 20, at 8:30 AM sharp. Ensure that you register early to avoid disappointment. The easiest and surest way to register is by phoning the Registrar's office directly - 613.727-0002 or 1.800.565-4723 having your course name(s) and section number(s), student number and credit card information at hand. If registering for the Compressed Stream, make certain you register for ALL the courses in that semester. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
