Pialligo Estates is one of 700 approved organisations qualified to run WSET courses, and the only one in Canberra. Photos: Supplied by Pialligo Estate.
Whether you’re new and nervous about the world of wine, confident about your knowledge but keen to learn more, or are working your way up to be a pro, the upcoming Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses at Pialligo Estate will fit the bill.
Pialligo Estate is the only provider of WSET in Canberra and offer Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses in the beautiful Garden Pavilion overlooking the vineyard with views to Parliament House—a perfect location to swirl, sip and learn.
Frederique (Freddie) Raimbaud, Pialligo’s globe-trotting French sommelier, will facilitate the course. One of the Master trainers at Pialligo’s Academy, Freddie says the WSET qualification was set up in London and now runs in 70 countries in 15 languages.
Pialligo is one of 700 approved organisations qualified to run the course worldwide and has been running the program here in the capital for 18 months, with more than 100 people graduating so far.
While the courses are taught according to strict criteria, they are relaxed, non-intimidating and attract a wide mix of students from many backgrounds.
“The success of the courses here at Pialligo is a big tribute to Freddie,” says Diana Ryan, the Head of Pialligo Estate’s Academy. “She’s so passionate about wine and highly knowledgable but, most importantly, a fabulous trainer who enlightens all students and builds confidence in all things wine.”
The WSET qualification was set up in London and now runs in 70 countries in 15 languages.
WSET Level 1, a hands-on introductory course for beginners, runs over one day. Anyone can sign up – no previous wine knowledge required. The course covers the main types and styles of wine, common wine grapes and their characteristics, how to store and serve wine, and the principles of food and wine pairing. Registrations close 1 July.
“For some beginners, wine can be scary, but it needn’t be,” says Freddie. “This is a fun way to gain new knowledge and skills, share stories behind labels and, most importantly, enjoy tasting new wines. Students ask all sorts of amazing questions.”
Level 2 is more in-depth and runs over six weeks. It’s designed for those seeking a core understanding of wines. Among the 76 wines to be tasted is the 2007 Chateau Quinault L’Enclos, St Emilion, France, and the 2013 Cote Rotie, Guigal, France. Registrations close 1 July.
“We’ll explore the major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they’re grown,” says Freddie. “We’ll also explore the styles of wines produced from these grapes, key classifications and labelling terminology. And last, but not least, students will get a great overview of the key categories of spirits and liqueurs.”
WSET Level 3 is for those seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines. After completing the course, students can assess wines accurately and use their knowledge to confidently explain wine styles and quality. Registrations close 7 June.
“This is an exciting course,” says Freddie, “since we look at the key characteristics of the principal still wines, sparkling wines and fortified wines of the world.”
WSET courses are relaxed, non-intimidating and attract a wide mix of students.
Pialligo’s Academy delivers an array of unique and innovative lifestyle, educational and vocational training programs to enhance personal development, engage social groups, build teams and inspire quality hospitality practices.
The Academy will celebrate WSET’s 50th anniversary during Global Wine Week (starting 9 September). A total of 400 educational classes will be held around the world. Pialligo will host four topics over four hours—finding the perfect match, deciphering wine labels, mastering maturation and vine to glass.
What you need to know
Pialligo Estate’s WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Course will be held on 15 July, 9 am to 3 pm ($340 per person). Registrations close 1 July.
Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits Course will be held every Monday for six weeks from 22 July, 5 pm to 8 pm. ($1,150 per person). Registrations close 1 July.
Level 3 Award in Wines is an intensive, seven-day program delivered over 2 weeks, starting 8 July (check website for all dates) ($2400 per person). Registrations close 7 June.
For more information on the WSET courses, visit Wine & Spirit Education Trust Global. Pialligo Estate’s website has more information on their upcoming WSET events. Online registrations for Level 3 close 10 June.
Queries: contact Diana Ryan at [email protected]
Original Article published by Wendy Johnson on The RiotACT.
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