Course Offerings

Embark on a journey through the world of wine in a five-week course designed for both enthusiastic beginners and aspiring professionals. Essentials of Wine from Wake Tech blends interactive tastings, expert-led lectures and online content to provide a basic foundation in wine styles, grape varieties, regions, production methods and tasting techniques.

Each week, students explore key wine-related topics, including major wine-producing regions. In three class meetings, students attend in-person at campus locations to taste representative samples while building sensory evaluation skills. The other two synchronous instructor-led sessions are held online over Microsoft Teams. Additional asynchronous online modules supplement classroom learning, along with independent reading and other flexible study options.

This course is the first step in preparation for the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), a respected credential in the restaurant, hospitality and wine industries. Students have access to study materials, workbooks and online content from the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) to prepare for the certification exam.

Whether you're pursuing a career in wine or simply want to deepen your understanding, Essentials of Wine is your gateway to building confidence in your wine knowledge! Students must be at least 21 years old to participate in this course.

More from the Society of Wine Educators (SWE):
The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Exam tests a candidate's wine knowledge and mastery of key elements within the worlds of viticulture and wine production. This certification is widely recognized and regarded by the international wine industry.
Students who wish to sit for the CSW Exam are encouraged to continue onto the Advanced Essentials of Wine course.

Course Objectives

Learn the fundamental principles of wine production, grape varieties, global wine regions, tasting techniques and wine evaluation to build a strong foundation in wine knowledge and appreciation

Outline of Instruction

Science of Wine, Wine Tasting, Food and Wine Pairing and Wine Service

History of Wine, Viticulture and Viniculture

Grapes & Regions of France

Grapes & Regions of Italy

Grapes & Regions of Spain

Contact Hours

20

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

Certified Specialist of Wine, Society of Wine Educators

Website

https://societyofwineeducators.org/education-certifications/certified-s…

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Exam tests a candidate's wine knowledge and mastery of key elements within the worlds of viticulture and wine production.

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Must be 21 years of age or older

Learning Supplies Needed

N/A

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is perfect for anyone passionate about wine, from beginners looking to explore wine culture to industry professionals seeking formal certification.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Bartender, beverage manager, bar manager, sales representative, distributor, wine specialist

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
May 2023 Raleigh Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
Food Preparation- and Serving-related Occupations
Total Number of Employees: 15,880 (food service managers, bartenders, wait staff, chefs/head cooks)

NCWorks Food Services and Drinking Places:
Establishments: 2,907 establishments in this industry (Q1 2024)
Job Demand: 1,019 openings available (April 24, 2025)

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Beverage manager

Bartender

Sales representative

Distributor

Wine specialist

Hospitality

Related Courses

BDF-3600B2

BDF-3600C2

HOS-3007A3

SEF-3001A3

CUL-3075D3

Course Contact Information

Clay Fussell
919-866-7212
[email protected]