Whether building on an existing career in hospitality or enhancing your enjoyment of wines, the ISG IWC curriculum builds an extensive foundation in wine, food, service, and management.

What You Learn

• A broad foundational course designed for those interested in beginning a serious hospitality career or simply exploring the subject.
• An understanding of the most prevalent grape varietals used in the wine industry through a varietal approach.
• A study of the correct and methodical approach to wine evaluation.
• Acquisition of knowledge and experience in professional sensory evaluation.
• A focus on both Fortified and sparkling wines.
• Learning proper wine terminology, interpreting label information, grasping appellation concepts, and mastering service techniques along with food and wine pairing theories.
• Gaining an appreciation for all types of wines to feel confident when selecting and buying.

Materials and Structure

Our structured and clear learning materials are designed and built by our board of education. The ISG is the only Sommelier educational body with its own learning materials, published books, and standardized sommelier courses.

Course Structure and Requirements

The course consists of 7 sessions totaling 24 clock hours. (A minimum of three additional 1‑hour study sessions per session is recommended.) Each session comprises a Lecture, Tasting, Review, and Quiz for material reinforcement.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience 47 wines throughout the course.

Syllabus: (View Syllabus)

Additional Information

Note: You will receive ALL LEARNING MATERIALS, standardized and structured, as the ISG is the only Sommelier educational body with its own learning materials, published books, and standardized curriculum. AWC examinations may be challenging; please review our policies for further details.

Examination Breakdown: (View Topics)