Syllabus

Instructor: Stephen Reiss, Ph.D., Certified Wine Educator

TEXTS (required for those taking the exam - will be supplied):

Amerine & Ough "Methods for Analysis of Musts and Wines"
Anderson, Burton "Wine Atlas of Italy, The"
Ford, Gene "Benefits of Moderate Drinking, The"
Johnson, Hugh "World Atlas of Wine, The "
Lichine, Alexis "Encyclopedia of Wine"
Margalit, Yair "Winery Technology & Operations"
Peynaud, Emile "Knowing and Making Wine"
Peynaud, Emile "Taste of Wine, The "
Robinson, Jancis "Vine, Grapes and Wines"
Schoonmaker, Frank "Wines of Germany, The"
Smart & Robinson "Sunlight into Wine"
Winkler et. al. "General Viticulture"

DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to give a strong working knowledge of wine appreciation and the wine industry. Emphasis is placed on techniques for continued education.

GOALS:

  1. To acquire the ability to recognize quality in wine from tasting.
  2. To obtain a working knowledge of the World's wine regions.
  3. Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to the purchase and distribution of wine, for enjoyment.

REQUIREMENTS:

Working base of knowledge and appreciation for wine.
Rudimentary wine tasting experience.

FORMAT:
Course will consist of a series of tastings and lectures, as outlined in Course Schedule. Classes will start at than 12pm. Additional lectures for those taking the exam will start earlier. Average class length is 6 hours. Informal sessions after hours will be encouraged.

EVALUATION: - Optional
Wine Adept Certification will be presented upon the successful completion of the 3 part exam.

Part I - Consist of 15 multiple choice questions. Conducted closed book. Maximum time allowed is 30 minutes. Passing is 80% or better. A passing score on this portion entitles student to Certificate of Completion.

Part II - Consist of 15 mini essay questions. Conducted open book. Maximum time allowed is 120 minutes. Passing is 90% or better - answers may be awarded partial credit.

Part III - Consist of a blind tasting of 6 wines. Student will be required to offer as much as possible about each wine, in writing. Maximum time allowed is 30 minutes. Passing is 90% or better - answers may be awarded partial credit.

Any portion of exam that is not passed may be retaken separately, at AWP's discretion for scheduling. Additional fees may be incurred for retaking the Part III tasting.