Intensive Sommelier Training

Prepare to delve deep into the fascinating realm of wines with the Intensive Sommelier Training curriculum, meticulously crafted by Master Sommelier Scott Carney, ICE New York's esteemed Dean of Wine Studies. This comprehensive sommelier continuing education course offers a holistic understanding of all aspects of wine, covering an array of topics, from the art of tasting to the intricacies of wine list pricing and much more.

TOPIC 1: WINE FOUNDATION (36 hours)

• Lay the groundwork for future classes on wine regions worldwide.
• Explore the basics of grape growing, winemaking, and the physiology of taste.
• Master blind tasting and wine evaluation using the Court of Master Sommeliers Deductive Tasting Method.
• Understand the effects of aging wines and the importance of proper cellar conditions.
• Learn food and wine pairing techniques and experience classic food and wine combinations.
• Gain practical knowledge of professional wine service, including sparkling wines and decantation.
• Culminate with an international overview of essential wine regions, later covered in-depth during the sommelier course. End with a final exam, comprising a theory paper and blind tasting. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 2: WINES OF FRANCE (44 hours)

• Explore the quality levels of French wines, emphasizing the AOC system.
• Journey through major French wine regions, discovering their history, climates, terroir, styles, cuisine, and customs.
• Experience a virtual and tasting tour, covering grape varieties, AOCs, wine styles, and labeling.
• Regions covered include Alsace, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Rhône, Provence, Bordeaux, and more. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 3: NEW WORLD WINE REGIONS (28 hours)

• Dive into the history and wine laws of the United States, focusing on California, Oregon, Washington State, and New York.
• Explore emerging markets like Canada and Mexico before venturing into South America and studying the wines of Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.
• Cover important New World wine countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 4: WINES OF ITALY (20 hours)

• Gain an overview of the quality levels of Italian wine.
• Explore major Italian wine regions, their history, climates, terroir, styles, and cuisine.
• Embark on a virtual and tasting tour, learning about grape varieties, appellations, regulations, and labeling.
• Regions covered include Piedmont, Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the islands. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 5: WINES OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA (24 hours)

• Understand the quality levels of Spanish wines and delve into major Spanish wine regions, their history, climates, terroir, styles, and cuisine.
• Take a virtual and tasting tour, exploring grape varieties, appellation laws, styles of wine, and labeling.
• Regions covered include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Navarra, Priorat, Rueda, Rías Baixas, as well as Cava production methods.
• Study the still wine regions of Portugal, including Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Setubal, Vinho Verde, and more. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 6: WINES OF GERMANY, EASTERN EUROPE, AND THE LEVANT (20 hours)

• Begin with an overview of the geography of these diverse regions.
• Explore major German wine regions, their history, climates, terroir, quality levels, and cuisine.
• Take a virtual and tasting tour, emphasizing the wines of Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz, Rheinhessen, and Nahe.
• Study Austria, Hungary, and Greece, with a touch on the ancient wine regions of Israel and Lebanon. Average wine tastings of six to eight wines per day.

TOPIC 7: BEER, SAKE, AND SPIRITS (16 hours)

• Learn about beer production, terms, and styles.
• Cover sake production, regions, and terminology.
• Discuss distillation and study whiskies from around the world.
• Explore brandies, liqueurs, and other spirits, along with classic and modern cocktails.
• Conclude with a theory paper and sparkling wine service exam, adhering to the Court of Master Sommeliers' service standards.

TOPIC 8: WINE MANAGEMENT (12 hours)

• Focus on creating a successful wine list, including menu concept, pricing, selection variety, and marketing.
• Understand beverage cost control, vendor relations, cellar management, and beverage law.
• Conclude with a theory paper and decanting wine service exam, adhering to the Court of Master Sommeliers' service standards.

Please note that the Intensive Sommelier Training course at ICE is not an accredited program. Get ready to elevate your understanding of wines and master the art of sommelier excellence!