I have some exciting news to share, yesterday I was accepted into the Certified Sommelier program at George Brown in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers CAPS!
So what is a Sommelier anyways?
A Sommelier in it's simplest form is a wine specialist who usually works at a higher end restaurant and helps guide the customer through the extensive wine list to find the perfect wine for the customer and for the meal. A Sommeliers job is usually much more than that though, from designing the wine list, pairing wine with the ever changing menu, inventory, training other servers on wine to managing the restaurant. Sommeliers may also get into wine importing, wine sales, wine consulting, event planning...the options can be endless with a "sommelier certification". Some people may argue that unless you are working as a Sommelier in a restaurant you aren't a Sommelier but I am smart enough to not get dragged into that debate :P
So why do I want to be a "Sommelier"?
That is a great question. I'm an Airline Pilot first and foremost but many pilots have small side businesses and for a few years I have wondered what I could do. Realestate, personal finance and a few other ideas popped into my head but my heart usually didn't follow. I kept asking myself "what do I love more than anything" usually while sipping a glass of wine. I then thought, why not wine? Eureka! I love wine and would pursue it even if there was no money...thats how I knew it was love. My dream is to start a wine business afterwards but for now my path is undetermined. I'll have a lot of studying ahead so just passing is my top priority! They say instead of chasing money, chase what you love and find a way to bring money to that. I plan too!
Somm Documentary For the record, I have zero intention of ever even attempting "Master Sommelier"....these guys are rockstars!
The Certified Sommelier program is one year in length, runs one full day per week, starts this September and has a group of usually 20-30 people. The different courses that are covered during the year are
1. Methods of Wine Production
2. Sensory Development and Wine Styles
3. Wine Regions of the World - Old World
4. Wine Regions of the World - New World
5. Spirits and Other Beverages
6. Sommelier Management
I'll have the privilege of tasting over 1,000 wines from every nook and cranny of the globe. I will have to not only be able to taste the difference between say a Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia VS California but distinguishe the difference between Margaret River (Western Australia) VS Barossa Valley (South Australia - Adelaide). This is not your "Sure I like wine, I'll do the course too" type of wine course. Check it out if you want more information Certified Sommelier Certificate
I want to learn about wine but I have a life believe it or not, any options for me?
Yes, tons in Toronto! If you are new to wine but want a structured learning environment check out "Wine for Beginners" at George Brown. You'll learn about wine making, tasting techniques and grape varietals as you taste an assortment of different wine. Wine for beginners
If you feel you already know the difference between a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir and a Syrah then consider "Wines 1" followed by "Wines 2" at George Brown. I took both Wines 1 and 2 and loved it. I tasted several hundred dollars worth of wine each class, tasted around the world and can confidently tell you the difference between a California Pinot Noir and a Oregon one...seriously. These courses are usually 1 hour presentation/discussion followed by 2 hours tasting each evening they run. You will learn a lot and be quite the aficionado after these classes. Check it out Wines 1
If you like wine but less power pointy and more friends for a one night out, check out the iYellow Wine Club. This is as social and least "Wine Nerd" you'll fine. Learn a little, sip a little, laugh and enjoy a lot! http://iyellowwineclub.com
Have a laugh below!
Watch a Sommelier grade Boxed Wine
Follow my journey and subscribe to my blog because I promise to pass on my knowledge as best I can as well as affordable wine recommendations as they are found.
Happy Sipping
Ryan
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