How to Become a Sommelier in Brisbane?
Becoming a sommelier in Brisbane has a lot of scope. If you are not familiar with the term, let us explain the same to you first. A sommelier is a trained professional in the wine service field which includes skills like wine tasting, wine pairing, wine storing, wine selection etc. In one word, a sommelier is someone who has every information related to wine.
This is one of the best and unique professions to pursue in Brisbane, Australia as this pays well, and has unlimited scope in the domestic and international markets. But, most people don't know how to become a sommelier in Brisbane. Let's discuss more in this regard.
How to Become a Sommelier in Brisbane?
Becoming a sommelier in Brisbane is not a very tough job to do. Rather you need formal education and some specialization in this background to become one. Let's learn about the entire process of becoming a sommelier including education, eligibility, certification courses, tenure etc.
Eligibility Criteria
Those who want to become a sommelier in Brisbane must be eligible based on the following criteria to pursue this field -
Students pursuing this field must be legally above the drinking age limit.
Students must pass the 12th standard examination or equivalent examination to become wine tasters.
Students must obtain at least 45% marks in their 12th standard examination or equivalent examination.
Candidates who are from hotel management or hospitality industry backgrounds will have some extra parks.
Relevant Education
Now that you are already aware of the eligibility criteria to become a sommelier in Brisbane, it's easy for you to understand that you need a certain formal education to be one of them. Apart from that, you also need some specialization or degree in the relevant field to achieve your goal of becoming a sommelier. Also before you go with the sommelier courses, you can study some hospitality courses to learn basic skills.
There are several accreditation programs available that you may opt for. Some of the courses are as follows -
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
This is one of the best courses for becoming a sommelier in Brisbane. If you are a novice, then you can join this program. The course has four levels which you have to pass.
Tenure of the Course -
It will typically take 18 months to 3 years to complete this diploma program.
i) Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level I
Level I will help you to develop a basic understanding of wine through theoretical and practical experience. You will learn the following things during the course -
Learning of grape varieties and their different characteristics.
The styles of wines.
The types of wines.
Storing process of wine.
Different serving styles of wines.
To learn the principles of pairing wine with food.
WSET systematic approach to test wine.
After completion of the course, you have to perform the test where there will be a multiple choice exam pattern. If you successfully pass the exam, you will get a WSET certificate for Level 1 and a PIN.
ii) Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level II
Now level II introduces a deeper understanding of different wines and more mature concepts. The following concepts are a part of this program -
Major grapes varieties
Different regions of different varieties of grapes (both white and black grapes).
Classifications of wine.
Terminology of different grape varieties of the world (both white and black grapes).
Terminology of different types of wines.
Laws and relevant labelling of wines around the world.
The production process of liquors and spirits.
Food & wine pairing and tasting technique.
About the factors that affect wine price, style and quality.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah, Grenache & Riesling
About sparkling and sweet wine, etc.
Here also the participants will get an acknowledgement certificate and Pin after completion of the course and duly passing the exam.
iii) Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level III
In this course, you will get to know more detailed information about wine production, the growing of grapes, the environmental influence on wine quality and style etc. The course includes learning typical types of different varieties of wines including the following -
Natural influences in the vineyard.
Human effects on the vineyard.
The famous white wines originate from Germany, Austria, Alsace and France.
The famous white wines originate from the Loire Valley, wines of Burgundy and famous wines of South West France.
Red and Rose wines of South West France Bordeaux, and the Loire Valley.
Red wines of Burgundy and the Red and White wines of the Northern Rhone Valley.
Red, white and rose wines of Southern France and the Southern Rhone Valley.
Red wines of Spain part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal
Red Wines of Northern Spain and Red and White Wines of Northern Italy.
Red and White wines of Central and Southern Italy.
Red and White wines of Greece.
The Red Wines of Portugal etc.
Apart from the above specialities, several other specialities like regional varieties, and sparkling and fortified wines are also part of the course. During the exam, candidates will face multiple choice questions, blind tasting and short answers tests which they have to pass.
iv) Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level IV
This level is considered as the fast step towards becoming the Master Sommelier. At this step, you will learn all minor to major details of wine including, varieties, production, after-production, storing, tasting, pairing etc. After you complete this step, you will have a vast knowledge of the wine industry, and all kinds of wine and spirits.
There will be theoretical and practical exams for the participants which they have to pass to become the true specialist of wine. After completion of the exam, you can get an official certificate and Pin to be used for your further studies. Also, this pin and certificate will help you to get your WSET-certified logo.
The Court of Master Sommeliers Education Program
After your graduation i.e. completion of the WSET Level 4 exam, you can opt for this sommelier education program. This is a specialized sommelier program that happens once in two years. Currently, the program happens only in Sydney or in Melbourne, Australia. This course also has 4 levels.
Introductory Sommelier
Certified Sommelier
Advanced Sommelier
Master Sommelier
This course is very challenging it was created nearly 50 years ago and till now only 262 people have passed the exam and become Master Sommeliers.
So, if you are wondering how to become a sommelier in Brisbane, then, you can opt for the following courses. There are a few institutes available in Brisbane where you can opt for the same.
What are the Institutes Available for Sommelier Courses in Brisbane?
The following institutes are there to study sommelier courses in Brisbane. These institutes and their courses are duly approved by WSET.
Bacchus Academy: Wine and Spirit Training
The following courses are available at this institute -
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
French Wine Scholar
Wine tester
Sirromet Wines
The following courses are available at this institute -
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
What are the other Institutions for Becoming a Sommelier in Australia?
As there are a limited number of institutions available in Brisbane, you can also check out the other Institutions in Australia to study further. Following are some of the institutions where they teach how to become a wine explorer in Australia -
Bacchus Academy: Wine and Spirit Training, Canberra
Prince Wine Store X Hotel Realm, Canberra
Pialligo Estate, Canberra
Bacchus Academy: Wine and Spirit Training, Central Coast
Queensland College of Wine Tourism, Hunter Valley
Prince Wine Store x Vera Wine Forum, New Castle
De Ja Vu Sake, Sydney
Joval School of Wine, Sydney
Sydney Restaurant Group, Sydney
The Wine Tip, Sydney
Wine Class Sydney, Sydney
Wine in Tuition, Sydney
Wine Knight Consulting, Sydney
Sydney Wine Academy – Northern Sydney Institute
Sakeshop – Chef’s Armoury, Sydney
Prince Wine Store, Sydney
Smart Seedling, Adelaide
Tank Cellars, Adelaide
Wine Academy, Adelaide
Wine and Spirit School, TAFE SA Light Square Campus, Adelaide
Vintage Tasmania, Launceston & Hobart
Prince Wine Store x Urban Greek, Hobart
Geelong Wine School, Geelong
AWCT, Melbourne
City Wine Shop, Melbourne
Joval School of Wine, Melbourne
Melbourne Wine School, Melbourne
MS Wine Club, Melbourne
Prince Wine Store, Melbourne
Wine House, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne
Prince Wine Store x Moorooduc Estate, Mornington Peninsula
Prince Wine Store x Rob Dolan Wines, Yarra Valley
Margaret River Wine Store, Margaret River
Foni T Pollitt Wine Educator, Perth
Perth School of Wine, Perth
Vinum Vitae Consultancy & Services, Perth
Which is the Best Place to Study Sommelier Courses?
If you want to become a sommelier in Australia then, any of the above-mentioned institutes is great. But, if you want to know which is the best place for the course, here are some options for you -
Union de la Sommellerie, France
Associazione Italiana Sommelier, Italy
Wine & Spirit Education Trust, London
International Sommelier Guild, North America
North American Sommelier Association
National Wine School, California
Apart from that, you can also become a sommelier online. There are plenty of courses available online including short-term and full-term courses which will help you to get a degree.
