Five Reasons to take a Virtual WSET Course
Virtual WSET courses from the comfort of your home
If you’re reading this article, we’re guessing you’re a wine lover who’s ready to take your knowledge to the next level with a pro-level course!
Maybe you already work in the wine and spirits trade and are committed to fine-tuning your knowledge. Perhaps you’re a seasoned wine lover who wants to enhance your enjoyment of your next glass. Maybe you’re new to wine but have an appetite to learn more because of a great bottle you’ve recently enjoyed.
Now it’s possible to enrol in virtual wine training via video communications technology like Zoom. Training offers the same standard of education as an in-person class – not to mention a heap of extra benefits that Virtual WSET Courses in Canada offer. Read on for the top 5 reasons to start your wine adventure with WSET Wine Courses.
First things first. What is WSET?
WSET stands for Wine and Spirit Education Trust. This esteemed organization is among the leading providers of wine classes in Canada and around the globe. Launched in London, UK in 1969, WSET is a non-profit body that provides qualifications in wine, spirits, and sake. Students can take part in WSET training in 70 countries and 15 languages through 800 Approved Programme Providers (APPS).
The WSET syllabus offers peerless education on everything from the ideal soil in the vineyard to the correct service temperature in the glass. It also has an impeccable tasting system that’s indispensable for assessing wines.
There are four tiers for virtual wine WSET courses in Canada: Level 1, 2, 3, and a Level 4 diploma. For those who like a good whisky or brandy, there are also WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits, WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, and a level 3 for more in-depth study.
There were no virtual WSET courses in Canada before the pandemic. This unprecedented situation has offered a unique opportunity for a new style of wine distance learning. You can even do WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, and WSET spirits exams online. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines involves a tasting exam so the big day is an in-person affair organized by your school. In the case of Adventure in Wine, it is held in Toronto.
Oh – and in case we didn’t mention it, Wine and Spirit Education Trust training is also really fun! It’s about wine and spirits after all…
Time-Saving
Commuting getting you down?
Think about the advantages of taking a wine course at a Virtual WSET school. No need to spend time finding a sitter for the kids or calling around to locate someone to take the dog out. No need to bundle yourself up to head out into the Canadian winter or the moody spring. No clocking up commute time after a busy day at work or in your home.
It’s just you in a quiet place with a computer and Internet connection that links you to expert wine educators in Canada, your classmates, and fascinating wine knowledge. When you’re done, you close your device and carry on with personal or family tasks without sacrificing time.
Plus, at Adventure in Wine, we record all our live Zoom sessions for you to review later if you need to revisit where Pinot Noir grows best or how Champagne gets its bubbles!
Flexible Learning Programme
As a virtual WSET training APP, Adventure in Wine has scheduled live classroom sessions delivered via Zoom. At these sessions, you have the opportunity to interact with a certified educator and exchange notes with fellow students about your course content. However, WSET courses require self-study outside the classroom sessions too – and in the case of the higher levels, a fair bit!
The beauty of a virtual WSET school is you can choose the hours of self-study. Morning, noon, or night, at home, in the coffee shop, or on the subway to work - the choice is yours!
What’s more, students always enjoy access to support from an educator via email.
For further convenience, training centres such as Adventure in Wine offer several programming options. We hold courses over several weeks if you want to take it slow. Fast-track condensed classes cover one to three days.
Dynamic Virtual Community at Your Fingertips
If you value the social aspect of learning, the virtual environment is surprisingly vibrant and has quickly developed its version of ‘mingling’.
Everyone in the WSET virtual classroom is visible via video and can interact with the educator and fellow wine enthusiasts at any time. Trainers field questions and comments plus encourage interaction among students. In short, interacting via a screen doesn’t reduce the vital sense of connection. On the contrary, the feeling of being connected to people from all over the city, province, and country is very unique!
On the other hand, if you prefer to keep to yourself, a virtual WSET school is also ideal. There’s the flexibility to participate or keep in the background as you wish.
What’s more, you have access to a student portal where you can take advantage of supplementary study materials developed by Adventure in Wine to enhance your WSET Wine Courses.
Materials Shipped to Your Doorstep
Last but not least, you don’t have to search for WSET school textbooks when you enrol in virtual Wine Classes in Canada. All resources are included in your course fee and your school ships material to your doorstep.
If you’re an Ontario resident studying with Adventure in Wine, you also receive the wine samples for your WSET tasting component. No worries if you live elsewhere; we provide a list of wines you can source locally. One of the advantages of this is you get to enjoy a bottle over several days and try pairing a glass or two with food to enhance your studies!
There are numerous reasons to opt for Wine Education in Canada delivered virtually, and we hope our top five give you food for thought! We look forward to raising a glass with you at Adventure in Wine soon. Cheers!