The goal is to expose students to the impact of climate and soil on a grape's expression in the glass, in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Building the framework for a lifetime of wine enjoyment, the Foundation Course is designed to provide an in-depth overview of major grape varieties and their regions, in addition to a focused introduction to tasting and sensory analysis. The 6-week course also covers key concepts of grape-growing and winemaking. Two different curriculums are offered: "Grapes" and "Regions". Each program takes a different approach to the introductory wine study. Students may enroll in one or both. Students range from beginners with an interest in developing their understanding of wine to individuals who wish to refresh their knowledge before enrolling in the the VITI Series.
Wine Foundations Course
$650.00
The goal is to expose students to the impact of climate and soil on a grape's expression in the glass. Building the framework for a lifetime of wine enjoyment, the Foundation Course is designed to provide an in-depth overview of major grape varieties and their regions, in addition to a focused introduction to tasting and sensory analysis. The 6-week course also covers key concepts of grape-growing and wine making. The goal is to expose students to the impact of climate and soil on a grape's expression in the glass, in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Two different curriculums are offered: "Grapes" and "Regions". Each program takes a different approach to the introductory wine study. Students may enroll in one or both. Each 2-hour lecture is paired with eight wines that best illustrate the evening's focus. Students range from Beginners with an interest in developing their understanding of wine to individuals who wish to refresh their knowledge before enrolling in the Viticulture & Vinification Course.
Blind Tasting Intensive Course
$1,750.00
Students are taught how to gather sensory data using visual, aroma, and flavor cues to make supportable deductions about the contents of their glasses. This 16-week course is a detailed analysis of wine using American Sommelier's methodology of interpretation. Blind Tasting is the synthesis of empirical data gathering and the student's theoretical knowledge. The course culminates in a final exam that requires students to profoundly describe, analyze, and name the contents of six glasses within 24 minutes. This course is recommended for individuals who have the American Sommelier Viticulture & Vinification Certificate (or similar qualification). Students who have taken comparable classes elsewhere may gauge their own knowledge using our online questionnaire or contact the office to discuss. Upon successful completion of the Blind Tasting Course, students are awarded the Silver Pin. Graduates of both Viti-Vini and Blind Tasting are awarded the Gold Pin.
VITI 3: (10 weeks)
$1,100.00
VITI 1: Grape Mapping (10 weeks)
$1,100.00
For each style students learn more about the influencing factors of the region. Through lecture, comparative tastings, and assignments, students develop a more profound understanding of the impact of climate, soil, and geography on varietal expression. "Grape Mapping" offers an expanded and more detailed look at the information covered in Foundation. Each of the ten classes focuses on one or more grape varieties, comparing and contrasting benchmark styles from growing regions in both the Old and New Worlds. Basic, weekly quizzes help students plot their progress and strengthen their knowledge. A final theory test, written in the last class, also contributes to each student's overall grade. By 2015 American Sommelier's 24-week Viticulture & Vinification Course will be replaced by the VITI Series: VITI1, VITI2, and VITI3. Each section will cover wine theory and tastings in a graduated progression of complexity. As a whole, the VITI Series will offer a more profound knowledge and understanding of viticulture & vinification, presenting the material in a sequence of manageable 10-week courses. They have carefully designed the VITI Series curriculum to maximize the student's potential for comprehension, retention and overall success. VITI2 is scheduled to be launched late in 2013, with VITI3 following in 2014.