Italian Wine Essentials - Wine Scholar Guild

A Wine Scholar Guild Course

Italian Wine Essentials - Wine Scholar Guild

5 weeks

A fun weekday evening to spend learning with friends old and new

6 to 14 students

Classes capped at 14 students to maximise fun and learning

In The Map Room

upstairs at Cardwell Cellars, Abbotsford

$785 per person

Includes class time, course materials, wines for tasting and certificate upon successful completion

Italian Wine Essentials provides wine professionals and inquisitive enthusiasts with a solid foundation on the often-complex wines of Italy; highlighting the 'need to know' regions, grape varieties, and wine styles.

Wine Scholar Guild is an internationally-recognised qualification that focusses solely on the most influential wine regions of Europe, instilling a deep understanding of these wines, winemakers, and their culture.

WSG offers immersive, region-specific wine education, which set the industry standard.

Course Structure

⚬ Week 1

Introduction and Sparkling Wines from Northern Italy

⚬ Week 2

White Wines and Red Wines from Northern Italy

⚬ Week 3

White Wines and Red Wines from Central Italy

⚬ Week 4

White Wines and Red Wines from Southern Italy

⚬ Week 5

1-hour Exam

What’s included

Learn all about and taste your way through the ‘need to know’ wines of Italy including essential varieties, wine styles, appellations, winemaking and viticulture while exploring history, culture, cuisine and notable producers.

What is included in the price?
~ Comprehensive study book
~ Access to online resources for 1 year
~ Expert tuition over 5 weeks
~ More than twenty wines tasted in classes
~ Written multiple choice exam (no tasting exam)
~ Certificate on successfully passing the exam

Who is the course for?
There is no pre-requisite to study for this course. It would suit anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of Italian wines, W.S.E.T. students after any level who are looking for a more in depth and cultural wine course and keen enthusiasts who prefer to learn in a structured manner. On successfully passing the exam students are awarded a certificate and lapel pin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course run?
The course runs for five weeks, with one class held each week.

Where is the course held?
Classes take place in The Map Room, upstairs at Cardwell Cellars in Abbotsford.

When are the classes?
Classes run weekly on Monday evenings, for five consecutive weeks. Starting in March 2026.

How many students are in each class?
Classes run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 students. You're welcome to sign up with a friend, or a group. Alternatively, you can sign up solo and meet like minded wine enthusiasts!

How much does the course cost?
The course is $785 per person.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee includes class time over five weeks, course materials, wines for tasting, and a certificate upon successful completion.

Is this an official Wine Scholar Guild course?
Yes. Italian Wine Essentials is an official Wine Scholar Guild course, as run by our in-house wine experts.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to join?
No. There is no prerequisite to study this course.

What will I learn?
You'll learn about Italy’s essential wine regions, grape varieties, wine styles, appellations, winemaking, viticulture, and cultural context.

What is the course structure?
Week 1 covers an introduction and sparkling wines from Northern Italy.
Week 2 focuses on white and red wines from Northern Italy.
Week 3 explores white and red wines from Central Italy.
Week 4 covers white and red wines from Southern Italy.
Week 5 includes a one hour written exam.

Is there an exam?
Yes. There is a one hour written multiple choice exam. There is no tasting exam.

What if I can't attend after booking?
Students who withdraw within 72 hours of commencement will forfeit 20% of the course fee.

Can the course be cancelled?
Cardwell Cellars may cancel the course up to 72 hours before the first class. In this case, enrolments will be refunded or moved to the next available date.

Fine Print

Students withdrawing from the course within 72 hours of commencement will forfeit 20% of the course fee.

Courses may be cancelled by Cardwell Cellars up to 72 hours before commencement of the first class. In this case, all enrolments will be refunded or moved to the next available class date.