Sommelier Study Program

Licensed through the (AIS) of Umbria, Associazone of Italiana Sommelier.

This accredited, comprehensive residential program is one of the cornerstones of the Epicurean experience.

The program is a collaboration of the Epicurean Institute and master Sommeliers, led by Gabriele Ricci Alumni, President of AIS Umbria. With over 23 years of experience as a Sommelier, Mr. Alunni has fully immersed himself in the wine and food culture of the region

Intense training through a rigorous curriculum along with weekly excursions and local interactions, students will have a career advantage by experiencing first hand our immersion program into one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producing countries in the world: Italy.

The courses are taught in English and the cost of the 13 week program is Euros 13,900 including lodging, books and supplies. The Program commences in the late summer of 2010 with graduation in December 2010.

According to Mr. Divij Lamba, a recent graduate of the Sommelier program, who is also a graduate of Cornell University, “The sommelier program gives a great comprehensive perspective into the world of wine. Right from exhaustive wine tasting sessions in intimate settings with highly knowledgeable instructors to multiple visits to breathtaking vineyards all over the region, the course paints the entire gamut of the wine world in interactive and greatly enjoyable brush strokes. I would greatly recommend this program to anyone with a professional or hobby interest in wine.”

The program includes 300 interactive lecture hours on international wine, wine tasting, food pairing, chocolate, spirits, beer and front of the house skills. Additionally, students participate in classes on Italian culture and language, salesmanship, accounting, business practices and ethics, speech marketing, menu preparation and creating an effective wine cellar.

Students will attend a three level, 13 week program

Level I
In the first level, students enter the world of wine and are exposed to various tasting techniques and the role of the Sommelier. Students will learn the importance of service and style, the proper use of the glass, and the significance of respecting the bottle and its content.

Level II
In this level, students will examine the viticulture and oenology of both National and International wines involving a total immersion into sensorial analysis and wine terminology.

Level III
The final level instills the fundaments of food and wine pairing. From the theory of the scorecard to sampling during the tasting, students will have the opportunity to match regional dishes prepared by local certified chefs with particular wines.

Students that complete all three levels and exams will be awarded with an AIS Sommelier Certificate and will participate in the National Graduation.

The program includes 300 interactive lecture hours on international wine, wine tasting, food pairing, chocolate, spirits, beer and front of the house skills. Additionally, students will participate in classes on Italian culture and language, salesmanship, accounting, business practices and ethics, speech marketing, menu preparation and creating an effective wine cellar.

Everyone is to participate in our class excursions – trips to vineyards, wine cellars, meeting with master wine makers and help with the local Vendemmia Festival (wine harvest). Also included, a trip to the Perugina Chocolate Factory and students will have the opportunity to experience truffle hunting, the olive harvest and visit local food purveyors and farms.

At the end of the program students will take a written and oral exam. Graduates will receive an International Certificate from AIS Umbria with worldwide recognition, followed by our National Graduation Ceremony and Dinner.

What is included in your tuition:

• Course Study for 13 weeks: Lectures, Tasting, Wines
• Class Excursions and Chef Demonstrations
• AIS Carrying Case for 5 Glasses
• Association Lapel Pin and Badge
• Sommelier TasteVin, Corkscrew and Apron
• Graduation Ceremony Dinner and AIS Certificate
• All Student Text Books
• Two Sets of Jackets and Pants for the Classroom
• Study Aid Materials

The Epicurean Institute also offers Foundation and Intermediate level courses in the New York City area. Each course is conducted over a 13-week period and is offered once a week. Upon completion of the Intermediate Level course, you can complete and acquire your Sommelier certification at the Epicurean Institute in Umbria, Italy.

Foundation Course

Mondays 1PM – 4PM -OR- 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Dates: 9/13, 20, 27; 10/4, 11, 18, 25; 11/1, 8, 15
The cost is $1,995.00:

This entry-level Sommelier course is for those individuals with little or no knowledge of wine or for anyone who wants to learn in a structured format. The class concludes with a Multiple–Choice/ True–False Exam.

In the Foundation Course, students enter the fascinating world of wines and learn the basics of wine, beginning with Grape-Growing and Winemaking; Sensory Evaluation ("How To Taste"); Pairing Wine & Food, Wines from both the New and Old World, and finally, the Business and Economics of Being a Sommelier.

Each of the 10 sessions will discuss sensory evaluation; food & wine pairing; and tasting of various wines..

1. Introduction to Grape-Growing and Winemaking/ World's major red and white grape varieties
2. Sensory Evaluation of Wine; Food, Cheese & Wine Pairing Techniques
3. Wines of California, New York, and Pacific Northwest
4. Wines of Italy and France
5. Wines of Spain and Portugal
6. Wines of Germany, Austria, Switzerland
7. Wines of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
8. Wines of South America—Argentina, Brazil, and Chile
9. Wines of Hungary, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and others
10. Business and Economics of Being a Sommelier
    1. ATTTB Wine & Spirit Regulations (Standards Of Identity)
    2. How To Read and Understanding a Wine/ Spirits/ Beer Label
    3. Wine By-The-Glass Programs
    4. Selling and Upselling to Generate More Revenue

Intermediate Course

This course will be offered in the Spring of 2011 The price is $2,495.00

This intermediate Sommelier course is for those individuals with a serious interest in wine and is a follow-up to the Foundation Course. The class concludes with a Multiple–Choice/ True–False Exam.

In the Intermediate Course, students examine in-depth wines from the major wine-producing countries, including newly enacted "European Union" (EU) Laws and Regulations. Intensive study of the wines of France, Italy, Champagne, Fortified, and Dessert Wines. The Intermediate Course provides intensive study in Sensory Evaluation and Pairing Food, Cheese, & Wine, and also…The Business and Economics of Being a Sommelier.

Pairing Food & Wine sessions will allow the student to taste various food, cheese, and wine combinations. Each of the 10 sessions will discuss sensory evaluation; food & wine pairing; and tasting of various wines.

1. Sensory Evaluation/ Food, Cheese & Wine Pairing
2. France—Bordeaux, France—Burgundy
3. France—Alsace, Loire, Rhône
4. Italy—Northern Italy
5. Italy—Central Italy
6. Italy—Southern Italy
7. Sparkling Wines and Champagne
8. Fortified and Aromatized Wines of the World
9. Dessert Wines of the World
10. Business and Economics of Being a Sommelier
    1. Developing and Writing Wine/Cocktail Lists That Really Sell
    2. Beverage Cost Controls and Pricing Structures
    3. Merchandising and Promoting Wine/ Spirits/ Beer

Beer and Spirits

Tuesdays 1PM – 4PM
Dates: 9/14, 21, 28; 10/5, 12, 19, 26; 11/2, 9, 16
The cost is $1,995.00:

This Sommelier course is for those individuals with little or no knowledge of distilled spirits, beer & saké, or for anyone who wants to learn in a structured format. The class concludes with a Multiple–Choice/ True–False Exam.

In the Distilled Spirits, Beer & Saké Course, students learn the basics beginning with History, Brewing, Distillation; Sensory Evaluation (“How To Taste”); and finally Spirits, Beer & Saké from both the New and Old World.

Each of the 10 sessions will discuss sensory evaluation, pairing food & cheese with spirits, beer & sake, and a tasting of the various beverages.

1. History, Standards of Identify, Classifications, Brewing, Distillation/Sensory Evaluation of Spirits, Beer & Sake
2. White Spirits-Vodka, Gin, Genever, Aquavit, Schnapps
3. White Spirits-Rum, Cachaca, Tequila, Mezcal, and others
4. Brown Spirits (Whiskey)-Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee, Corn, Canadian, Blended American
5. Brown Spirits (Whiskey)-Scotch, Irish
6. Brandy-Armagnac, Cognac, Brandy de Jerez, and others
7. Brandy-Fruit Brandy, Flavored Brandy, Pisco, and Grappa
8. Liqueurs/Cordials, Cream Liqueurs
9. Speciality Spirits & Sake-Anise-based, Bitters, Raki, Shochu, and others
10. Beer; Lager & Ale-Pilsner, Bock, Malt-Liquor, Kulmbacher, Oktoberfest, Pale Ale, Stout, Porter, Wheat Beer, Cream Ale, Lambic, and others

Chef Study Program

Our Chef Program is a 24-day food and wine pairing experience offered to culinary professionals seeking to add their repertoire of food and wine knowledge.

This program is ideal for culinary graduates and/or experienced culinary professionals who wish to add a specialized international and food+wine based dimension to their portfolio of skills, knowledge and experience.

The Chef Study Program is expected to be launched in late 2010 or early 2011.

Other Programs

Epicurean Institute plans to offer future courses in the following areas:

• Traditional Italian Cuisine
• Fusion Cooking
• Specialty Chef and Wine courses

Class Schedule

September 8-9 | Students travel to Italy and arrive at the Epicurean Institute
September 10-13 | Orientation
September 14 | Level I begins
September 30 | Level I completed, students go on break until October 4
October 5 | Level II begins
October 30 | Level II completed, students go on break until November 2
November 5 | Level III begins
November 16 | Level III completed
November 17-20 | Chef Demonstrations
November 25 | Final Written Exam
December 2 | Final Oral Exam
December 4 | Graduation and Ceremony
December 5 | Students Depart

Total of 13 weeks = 91 days

“Combine your Italian Vacation with a Culinary Education” 888.983.3948