American Sommelier’s “Viti-Vini” Course is the second of our three-tier educational program; it delves into viticulture, vinification, and wine regions on an in-depth and academic level. A partial list of topics covered includes: grape varieties, regulation and legislation, climate, geography, soil, industry statistics, specific grape growing and wine making techniques, the economy of wine, and food pairing. The course also introduces beer, spirits, cigars, and blind tasting techniques.
Our unique lecture style is designed to help students easily understand, assimilate, and enjoy the material covered. Students leave the course with a wealth of information and a lasting enthusiasm to continue learning.
About the Viti-Vini Immersion
We have condensed six months of education into five full-time days of lecture—a sixth morning is reserved for the final exam. Students will receive a reading list and sample quiz upon registration, with guidelines on where to focus their studies and how best to prepare before classes begin.
Lecture segments are broken down by region, paired with carefully selected wines that illustrate key educational points. The last half hour of each day is reserved for group questions and review of important topics. Students begin the mornings of day 2 through day 5 with a 30-minute quiz based on the readings and previous day’s lectures, which are graded and returned the same day. The final exam is cumulative and tests the students’ ability to synthesize their newly acquired knowledge.
The course is recommended for professionals in the wine and hospitality industry, as well as anyone looking for a rigorous approach to wine education. All students receive a certificate of completion and silver pin.
UPCOMING IMMERSIONS
Los Angeles (March 26-31, 2012 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel)
PAST IMMERSIONS
Napa Valley (July 25-30, 2011 at The Harvest Inn in Saint Helena)
The Bahamas (November 1-5, 2010 at The Graycliff Hotel in Nassau)