Wine Education
BIVB - Burgundy Course
Background of École des Vins de Bourgogne:
Created in 1974 by the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB), the École des Vins de Bourgogne was a pioneering institution in France. Over the years, the school acquired in-depth expertise in terms of wine-themed training and the organization of wine-related trips. From Mâcon to Chablis, candidate can explore the entire Bourgogne winegrowing region from appellations Régionales to mythical Grands Crus.
The map of the Bourgogne winegrowing region includes 44 villages and total 84 appellations will be discussed. With it, candidate can explore the whole range of Bourgogne appellations; reds, whites or rosés, and of course, Crémant de Bourgogne.
The Bourgogne Beginner Wine Course, an immersive and educational journey designed for enthusiasts eager to explore the rich heritage and distinctive characteristics of Bourgogne (Burgundy) wines. This introductory course offers a comprehensive overview of one of France’s most renowned wine regions, renowned for its unique terroirs and world-class wines.
Course Programme:
Burgundy is a region defined by its history, its obsessive focus on the nuances of place (terroir-driven), with the expression of its two noble grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its fragmented vineyard ownership and appellation hierarchy create immense diversity and complexity. Positioned at the pinnacle of the global fine wine market due to its unique philosophy, limited supply, and unmatched quality at the top, Burgundy offers wines of profound character and aging potential, alongside more accessible delights, captivating wine lovers worldwide.
This course allows us to learn the fundamental and structure of Bourgogne wine, as a region, understanding how wine laws plays it role in shaping up the region, its captivating history, and varying wine styles and presentation, all from a single wine region, and its sub-regions. At this level, it is all about exposure and seeing its huge diversity and what it brings to the table.
At the end of the course, there will be a 30 questions short assessment for certification purposes.
For course contents, we would cover but not limited to:-
- History & Culture: The Soul of Bourgogne
Ancient Roots: Viticulture dates back to Roman times (1st-2nd century AD), significantly developed by Cistercian and Cluniac monks in the Middle Ages (5th-15th Century). They meticulously observed, documented, and delineated vineyard differences – laying the foundation for the “climat” system.
Ducal Influence: The Valois Dukes of Burgundy (14th-15th Century) promoted quality and established the region’s prestige. Post-French Revolution, church and noble lands were seized and sold, fragmenting ownership.
Napoleonic Inheritance Law: The *Code Napoléon* mandated equal inheritance, leading to extreme parcellation of vineyards. A single plot of land might be owned by dozens of producers.
Culture: Focuses on purity, transparency, and expressing the unique voice of each “terroir”. Minimal intervention is prized, though interpretations vary. Deep respect for tradition combined with modern precision viticulture.
Role of Key Players: Domaines (estate growers who make wine from their own grapes) and Négociants (merchants who buy grapes, must, or wine to blend, age, and market). Many top producers do both (Négociant-Éleveur). Co-operatives exist but are less dominant than in some regions.
- Geography & Appellations: The Layered Map (Quality pyramid)
North-South Stretch and key sub-regions:
Chablis & Grand Auxerrois: Land of the whites
Côte d’Or: Greatest reputation!
Côte Chalonnaise: The underrated!
Mâconnais: Chardonnay heartland with excellent value!
- Grapes, Wine Styles & Winemaking: Pinot & Chardonnay’s Kingdom
Style: Diversity and style, winemaking involved, and what are the exceptions in the industry?
What are the other grapes “allowed” in this region? How do we identify them?
Labelling reading and identification.
- Bourgogne in the Global Wine Market**
Premium Positioning & Scarcity: What drives Bourgogne to what it is today? is premiumization at work? Or general wine economics? What’s the uniqueness factor?
Global Demand: Strong historical markets (EU, UK, US) vs rapidly growing demand in Asia (especially China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan). Auction market dynamism.
Competition: Faces competition from “New World” Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (Oregon, NZ, California, Australia) offering different styles and often better value. Are the Bourgogne standing up to the tests?
Value Proposition: Value for money
* This course is suitable for someone wanting to understand the fundamental knowledge of Bourgogne wines, students undergoing WSET 1-3 training, CMS preparation, and potential wine collectors, etc. *
Registration Form
BIVB - Bourgogne Intermediate Wine Course
Course Programme:
Burgundy is a region defined by its history, its obsessive focus on the nuances of place (terroir-driven), with the expression of its two noble grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its fragmented vineyard ownership and appellation hierarchy create immense diversity and complexity. Positioned at the pinnacle of the global fine wine market due to its unique philosophy, limited supply, and unmatched quality at the top, Burgundy offers wines of profound character and aging potential, alongside more accessible delights, captivating wine lovers worldwide.
The Bourgogne Intermediate Wine Course designed for wine professionals, collectors, and serious enthusiasts, building on foundational knowledge from the basic course to now starting to explore nuance, terroir interpretation, producer influence, market dynamics, and aging potential.
At the end of the course, there will be a 30 MCQ questions and 5 written short answer assessment for certification purposes.
Structure & Content:
Target Audience: Wine professionals (sommeliers, buyers, distributors), collectors, advanced consumers.
Prerequisite: Foundational knowledge of Burgundy’s geography, quality pyramid, appellations, dominant grapes used, and basic winemaking.
Duration: 6 modules (2 hours each) with guided tastings.
For course contents, we would cover but not limited to:-
- Module 1: Advanced Terroir & Climat Decoding
- Soil Science: Kimmeridgian vs. Portlandian limestone; marl, clay, iron-rich soils.
- Micro-Terroir Deep Dive: Contrast climats within a single village (e.g., Chambolle-Musigny “Les Amoureuses” vs. “Les Fuées”). Some exceptional rules and labelling.
Concept of Climats and Lieu-dits - Mapping Exercises: Geological cross-sections of Grand Cru vineyards.
- Module 2: Producer Styles & Philosophy
- Domaines vs. Négociants: Quality hierarchies, sourcing ethics, vineyard management control.
- What is understood from the term Traditionalists vs Modernists and what are the differences between that philosophy?
- “Grower Négociants” (e.g., Maison Leroy, DRC: obsessive fruit selection).
- Organic/Biodynamic Focus: Impact on terroir transparency
- Wine Law in Bourgogne: “Napoléon code”
- Role of Key Players: Domaines (estate growers who make wine from their own grapes) and Négociants (merchants who buy grapes, must, or wine to blend, age, and market). Many top producers do both (Négociant-Éleveur). Co-operatives exist but are less dominant than in some regions.
- Module 3: Winemaking Nuances & Trends
- Fermentation: Whole-cluster/ cold soak/ ambient yeast, etc
- Oak Regimes: Forest origins, toast levels, foudre vs. barrique, etc
- Elevage: Intervention techniques and timings, etc
- Climate Change Adaptation: What are the techniques used to adapt, experimentations, etc
- Module 4: Crus, Villages & Value Hunting
- Underrated Villages: Pernand-Vergelesses (whites), Marsannay (reds), Saint-Aubin (value Puligny-adjacent).
- Premier Cru Hierarchies: “Tête de Cuvée” plots
- Value Terroirs: Hautes-Côtes, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais crus (e.g., Viré-Clessé, Pouilly-Fuissé “Le Clos”).
- Module 5: Vintages, Aging & Investment
- Vintage Typicity: indepth discussion and tastings on various vintages.
- Aging Curves: The expectations on ageing potential
- Collectibility Factors: Scarcity (e.g., Musigny), critic scores, producer reputation.
- Auction Market Insights: Tracking DRC, Leroy, Rousseau price trends.
- Module 6: Global Market & Future Challenges
- Asia’s Influence: Discussions on the impact of Asia auctions, collector trends, counterfeit risks.
- New World Competition: Aspiring producers from around the notable regions, like California’s “Burgundian” producers, Oregon’s Pinot credibility, NZ Central Otago’s innovative approach, etc.
- Sustainability Pressures: Hail nets, water stress, generational handover.
- Burgundy’s Evolution: New AOCs and rising stars.
Barossa Wine School Level 1
by BAROSSA GRAPE & WINE ASSOCIATION
Barossa Enthusiast is a 3 hours course (optional exam, 0.5 hr) with 7 quality wines from Barossa. It will give you an overview about Barossa and it will tell you what makes Barossa different and its wine styles.
Successful completion of Barossa Wine School Level 1, the three hour introductory course, awards students the title of Barossa Enthusiast and entitles them to continue to further levels of the program.
Highlight: Tasting of 6 wines including the oldest Grenache in the world and an over 100 years old Semillon.
Qualification: Level 1 Certificate
Next Intake: 14 Sep 2024
Course Fee: $500/nett/pp
Package: TBA
Registration Form
Barossa Wine School Registration Form (PDF)
Barossa Wine School Level 2
by BAROSSA GRAPE & WINE ASSOCIATION
Barossa Specialist is an 8 hours course (optional exam, 1 hr) with an optional exam. You will be able to taste 24 wines in this course showing different styles of wines from different grape varieties and event from the Rare & Distinguished category. Detailed information about this region will be covered.
Qualification: Level 2 Certificate
Next Intake: 4 Oct 2024
Course Fee: $750/nett/pp
Package: TBA
Registration Form
Barossa Wine School Registration Form (PDF)
Barossa Wine School Level 3
by BAROSSA GRAPE & WINE ASSOCIATION
Barossa Master is the peak of the program, is a once in a life time six-day immersive program held in Barossa, visiting vineyards, wineries and restaurants, hosted by the Barossa wine community. 100+ wines are tasted through a mixture of informal tastings, masterclasses and during meals.
Qualification: All participants must complete Level 2 qualification before embarking on Level 3 studies on site in Barossa, Australia.
Please contact us at +65 65478179 for further enquiries.
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)
The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) is an internationally recognized credential conferred by the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), which has branches in countries around the globe. Obtaining the CSW demonstrates your mastery of wines of the entire world and can help you launch or further your career in wine.The program covers wine tasting, terminology, composition, chemistry, flaws, viticulture, enology, labels, laws and wine regions of the world.
Next Intake: Please check Course Schedule
Course Fee: $2,600.00/nett/pp
Registration Form
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Course Fee: $480/nett ppDuration: 7 hrs + 45 mins exam
Description: For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
Contents:
- The main types and styles of wine
- Common wine grapes and their characteristics
- How to store and serve wine
- The principles of food and wine pairing
- How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Exam:
Closed book, 30 MCQ to be completed in 45 mins, 70% to pass (a WSET certificate & lapel pin will be awarded upon successful completion of course)
Registration Form
Additional Information
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Course Fee: $1,200/nett ppDuration: 20 hours + 60 mins exam
Remarks: Tasting up to 50 bottles
Description: This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of wines or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.
Contents:
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
- How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
- The style and quality of wines:
- made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
- produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
- How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
- Sparkling wines
- Fortified wines
- Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
- Principles of food and wine pairing
Exam:
Closed book, 50 MCQ to be completed in 60 mins, 55% to pass (a WSET certificate & lapel pin will be awarded upon successful completion of course)
Enrollment:
Students who are under the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in the country where the examination is being held will not be allowed to sample any alcoholic beverage as part of their course, but this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification. Similarly, students who choose not to taste alcohol for health, religious or other reasons will not find this a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.
Registration Form
Additional Information
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Course Fee: $2,150.00/nett pp (Study Materials, Tasting Wines, Revision Papers & One-Time Exam)Duration: 32 hours of classroom learning
Description: The WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate is intended to provide in-depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors. It is designed to give a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. The qualification will assist those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines with regards to their style, quality and price. The Advanced Certificate is a unitized course, covering wines of the world in considerable depth, and the candidates are required to prove competency in theory and tasting.
This course is open to candidates who hold the WSET Level 2 Certification or can demonstrate knowledge at Intermediate level through completion of equivalent courses or sufficient experience in the wine & spirit industry. It is also suitable for the wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained at Level 2.
The examination for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine certificate is spread over two Units and candidates must pass both Units to receive the certification. Unit 1 comprises of a theory examination of 50 multiple-choice questions and four short-answer questions and Unit 2, a tasting examination consisting of a blind tasting of two wines.
Course Programme:
Unit 1
- The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking
- How these key factors influence the key characteristics of the principal
- still wines of the world
- sparkling wines of the world
- fortified wines of the world
- How to apply your understanding to explain wine style and quality
Unit 2
How to taste wines, describe their characteristics and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
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Additional Information