Wine Knowledge 101

About This Course

Whether you’re serving wine, recommending pairings, or simply aiming to boost your confidence on the floor, this course gives you the foundation to speak about wine with clarity and professionalism. From vineyard to glass, you’ll explore how wine is made, how to taste it, and how to guide guests toward the right bottle with ease.

In this course, you will learn:

• The history and global journey of wine

• Key styles and types, including still, sparkling, and fortified

• How grapes are grown and wine is produced

• Techniques for tasting and evaluating wines

• Wine label basics and how to read them with confidence

• Common grape varieties and their typical flavours

• Wine service etiquette and ideal storage conditions

• How to pair wine with food for maximum guest enjoyment

Each chapter includes a short quiz, with a final assessment at the end of the course. Successful completion earns a certificate in “Wine Knowledge 101.”

Course Curriculum

7 Chapters

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Wine

Explores the origins and history of wine, global wine regions, and how climate affects grape growing and wine style.

Chapter 2 - How Wine is Made

Covers viticulture (grape growing) and vinification (winemaking), explaining the process from grape to bottle for white, red, and rosé wines.

Chapter 3 - Types and Styles of Wine

Describes still, sparkling, and fortified wines, explaining key characteristics such as colour, sweetness, acidity, and body.

Chapter 4 - Characteristics of Common Varieties

Introduces major grape types including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah/Shiraz and their defining traits.

Chapter 5 - Tasting and Evaluating Wine

Teaches how to assess wine by sight, smell, and taste, covering structure, aroma, and flavour evaluation for professional service.

Chapter 6 - Wine Service Basics

Explains correct serving temperatures, glassware, bottle opening, decanting, and pouring techniques for still and sparkling wines.

Chapter 7 - Food Pairing

Covers wine and food pairing principles, classic pairings, and how to make thoughtful, guest-oriented wine recommendations and upselling suggestions.