Wine Appreciation
Are you a long-time wine enthusiast who has always longed to learn more about this great beverage? If so, enroll in this College Certificate program, taught at Algonquin`s specially designed Wine Lab, and join other like-minded individuals in classes delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors.
- Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin`s Sommelier certificate program should they decide to further their education
- Acquire specialized Sommelier skills in our modern sommelier lab
- Enjoy an interactive and fun setting while gaining confidence in selecting wines, learning an appreciation for wine styles and expanding your awareness of vintages
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Through sampling of a wide variety of products, you will examine the essentials of wine tasting, grape varieties, wine regions of the world and vinification. You will also explore the the theoretical and practical aspects of food and wine pairing.
Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin`s Sommelier College Certificate program should they decide to futher their education....(read more)
Overview
Are you a long-time wine enthusiast who has always longed to learn more about this great beverage? If so, enroll in this College Certificate program, taught at Algonquin`s specially designed Wine Lab, and join other like-minded individuals in classes delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors. In an interactive and fun setting, students gain confidence in selecting wines, learn an appreciation for wine styles and expand their awareness of vintages.
Through sampling of a wide variety of products, you will examine the essentials of wine tasting, grape varieties, wine regions of the world and vinification. You will also explore the the theoretical and practical aspects of food and wine pairing.
Graduates have the opportunity to receive credit for six courses towards Algonquin`s Sommelier College Certificate program should they decide to futher their education.
To qualify for the Wine Appreciation Certificate, you must complete the six compulsory courses within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Appreciate wine as a beverage.
- Are passionate about flavours and cultural influences.
- Are intrigued by the history of beverages.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Courses | On campus:  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOS0047 | 36.0 | Grape VarietiesGrape Varieties There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| HOS0058 | 28.0 | Theories of Wine and Food Pairing | |
| HOS0062 | 36.0 | Wine Tasting | |
| HOS0063 | 56.0 | Old World Wines | |
| HOS0064 | 39.0 | New World WinesNew World Wines There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |  |
| HOS0068 | 36.0 | VinificationVinification There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HOS0058 Theories of Wine and Food Pairing
Understanding and suggesting appropriate wine and food pairings is a fundamental part of the sommelier's role. Students unravel the mystery and eliminate the misconceptions surrounding the art and science of successfully pairing wine with food. Hands-on experiences challenge the senses and perceptions, as students experience fine cuisine and well-chosen wines.
HOS0062 Wine Tasting
Evaluating wines, making sound purchasing decisions and providing recommendations are key skills of wine professionals. Students build confidence in their tasting abilities and recognize the complexities associated with the colour, aroma and taste of various wines. By applying professional techniques, students gain proficiency in perceiving various aromas and flavours and communicating those perceptions to others in a verbal and written format. Emphasis is on acquiring the vocabulary to communicate what is tasted in wine.
HOS0063 Old World Wines
The standards for grape growing and wine production now practiced around the world were established in a few select geographical locations. Students explore the geographical, historical and cultural factors that have influenced the old-world wine industries of France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Central and Eastern Europe. By tasting premium old-world wines, students appreciate the impact that old world wine making techniques have had on today's wine market.
Pre-requisites: HOS0047 AND HOS0062 AND HOS0068
HOS0047 - GRAPE VARIETIES
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
HOS0064 - New World Wines
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
PreRequisite(s)
HOS0063 - Old World Wines
Schedule
| WINTER 2025 |
| On Campus - Woodroffe |
| Section | Date(s) | Day(s) | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 521 | Jan 7 - Apr 22 | Tue | 6:30pm - 10pm | $832.80 |  |
Description
PreRequisite(s)
HOS0058 - Theories of Wine and Food Pairing
Schedule
| WINTER 2025 |
| On Campus - Woodroffe |
| Section | Date(s) | Day(s) | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 531 | Jan 29 - Mar 19 | Wed | 6:30pm - 10pm | $796.40 | |
Description
HOS0068 - Vinification
Schedule
All sections for this course are in progress.
Description
HOS0062 - Wine Tasting
Schedule
| WINTER 2025 |
| On Campus - Woodroffe |
| Section | Date(s) | Day(s) | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 541 | Jan 9 - Apr 3 | Thu | 7pm - 10pm | $731.80 | |
Description
Careers & Pathways
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar`s Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application. A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).
Program Eligibility
- Students must be 19 years of age or older.
Application Information
Registration Note:
This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students following the normal pattern of program delivery may complete program requirements within three years and as early as 24 months.
Contact
Marie-France Champagne
Program Coordinator
Marie-France has been teaching in the Algonquin College Sommelier Program since 2014 and became the Program Coordinator in 2018. More recently, she has also taken on the role of Program Coordinator for the Bartending Program.
Marie-France is herself a graduate of the AC Sommelier Program. A life-long learner, Marie-France furthered her studies with the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust Level 3 in Wines and Spirits, WSET Level 1 in Sake and French Wine Scholar program. She is currently completing the WSET Diploma (Level 4).
Marie-France teaches Grape Varieties, New World Wines, WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as the Franch Wine Scholar Certification.
Marie-France was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Algonquin Restaurant International “Wine Dinner” series, now in its third year. This successful series attracts diners from all over the city who enjoy a multi-course meal with wine pairings, while providing valuable food and beverage training/exposure to student servers.
When discussing wine and beverage alcohol service in the greater Ottawa area, Marie-France will often share her vision to elevate the experience across restaurants and bars in the region. “I’d like to see an Algonquin graduate in every establishment in the city”, she says. “The skills and expertise that our graduates bring to the industry help to demystify what for some can be an intimidating exercise. Our goals are to educate, enjoy and make the entire experience more approachable.”
In addition to her roles at the college, Marie-France owns “Champagne & wines”, a company specializing in consulting, food and wine events, and in-home/corporate wine tastings. She is a frequent guest on CTV’s Morning Live and is Vice-President of the National Capital Sommelier Guild.