Sommelier Study Program

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

This accredited, comprehensive 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 11 week program is Euros 13,900 including books and supplies. The Program commences in September 2011 with graduation November 2011.

For the wine lovers in the World who would love to learn more but are not concerned with certification, Epicurean Institute welcomes you to join our World-renowned instructors and full-time students for the Level I, Level II or Level III sessions:

Level I:	9/7 - 9/21
Level II:	9/26 - 10/21
Level III:	10/24 - 11/11

A perfect opportunity to pick your passion and get a World-class education on it.

Each session is €3,000. (prices reflect classes only)

Mr. Divij Lamba, a recent graduate of the Sommelier program and Cornell University state, “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 318 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, 11 week program

Level I
Students enter the world of wine and are exposed to various tasting techniques and the role of the Sommelier. Students 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
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 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.

The program includes 318 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 class excursions: trips to vineyards, wine cellars, meeting with master wine makers and help with the local Vendemmia Festival (wine harvest). Also, included is a trip to the Perugina Chocolate Factory where students will have the opportunity to experience truffle hunting, olive harvest and visit local food purveyors and farms.

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

What is included in your full program (AIS) tuition:

• Course Study for 11 weeks: Lectures, Tasting, Wines
• 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
• Metro Card
• Breakfast: Monday - Friday
• Ground Transportation

Class Schedule September 4 - 5 September 6 September 7 September 21 September 26 October 21 October 24 November 11 November 14 - 17 November 18 November 21 November 22 November 23		Students travel to Italy and arrive at the Epicurean Institute Orientation Level I begins Level I completed Level II begins Level II completed Level III begins Level III completed Chef Demonstrations Final Oral Exam Final Written Exam Graduation and Ceremony Students Depart
Total of 11 weeks = 53 days

"Combine your Italian Vacation with a Culinary Education" 888.983.3948