SA & International Wines Level 2

Course information
This wine course is designed to build upon your existing knowledge and focus on the world of South African wines within a global context. Throughout a series of lectures, you will delve into the intricacies of grape cultivation and how the winemaking process can significantly influence the final product. Starting with South African wines, this course will then take you on a journey to explore key wine regions worldwide, their unique climates, and the grape varieties they’re known for. You’ll have the opportunity to compare South African wines, their regions, and grape varieties to those from other countries through wine tasting exercises. At the conclusion of the course, your understanding and learning will be evaluated through an examination. Join us on this exciting wine exploration adventure! This course covers the competencies necessary to successfully pass the SASA Junior Sommelier theoretical exam.

Course Pre-requisites
Candidates are required to have already passed either the SA Wine Level 1, CWA SA Wine, WSET 1, or an equivalent qualification. If candidates do not have these qualifications, they can take our orientation exam to determine the appropriate level of training or to validate their prior experience.
Please note that our courses are conducted in English, so candidates should have a good grasp of both spoken and written English.

Syllabus
This course is designed to enhance your existing knowledge of winemaking by exploring the techniques available to winemakers for enhancing and modifying the final product. Throughout the course, you will delve into the climatic characteristics of South Africa’s main wine regions, discover the key grape varieties cultivated there. This exploration will include a comparative analysis of South African wines against their international counterparts.
In addition to theoretical learning, candidates will have the opportunity to participate in wine tastings, allowing for a deeper appreciation of how grape variety, climate, and winemaking methods can influence the end result. By the course’s conclusion, you will possess a well-rounded understanding of South African wines, their regional distinctions, and the grape varieties unique to each district. Furthermore, you will gain insight into major wine regions across the globe, encompassing various grape varieties and local winemaking styles. This knowledge will equip you with the competence needed for a successful career in the field of sommelier.

Outcome
Upon completing the course, students will undergo both a written and a tasting exam to evaluate their knowledge and tasting skills. Those who pass these exams will earn their diploma and a metal lapel pin, showcasing their accomplishment in their professional setting. Attaining the South African Wine Level 2 Certificate serves as a stepping stone toward becoming SASA Junior Sommelier. This course aligns with the competencies necessary for SASA sommelier courses.

Price: R6990 incl per candidate for two full days at our Cape Town Campus. This course can be offered on LIVE distant learning, the wine samples and manuals are sent to the candidate by courier, for the same price.

CURRICULUM FOR THE SA & INTERNATIONAL WINES CERTIFICATE L2

History of wine, from the Caucasus to South Africa

From the grape to the glass
Viticulture
Wine making

Regulations and wine laws around the world

Tasting wine methodology

Grape varieties in the World and in South Africa:

• Chenin Blanc of the world
• Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon of the world
• Chardonnay of the world
• Riesling of the world
• White Rhône grape varieties of the world
• Cabernet Sauvignon of the world
• Merlot and other Bordeaux black grapes of the world
• Shiraz and other Rhone Reds of the world
• Pinotage and Pinot Noir of the world
• Italian, Spanish and Portuguese grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Albariño, Verdelho, Grenache Noir, Touriga Nacional

Sweet wines of the world

Fortified wines of the world

Sparkling wines of the world

At least 16 wines will be tasted over the duration of the course.

Spit, don’t drink.

Exam MCQ and one wine to describe in writing.