Whether you work in the hospitality industry, wish to learn about the role of an Australian sommelier or are simply a wine enthusiast, this course is ideal for you.
Sommelier Essentials: Wine, Spirits, and Beverages is an online professional development program that will provide you with specialist training in the field of sommelier.
This online wine, spirits and beverages course will cover knowledge of both Australian and imported wine and skills in the sales and service of wine. You will discover the types and styles of wines, as well as wine regions and terminology and food and beverage pairing.
In addition, this sommelier course will give you important skills and knowledge in the service and sale of beers, spirits and liquors.
On completion of this course you will feel confident in the service and sale of wine, beer, spirits and liquors in the retail space or hospitality industry.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Provide advice on Australian wines
- Characteristics of Australian wines
- Major and emerging wine regions
- Wine serving temperature
- Types of wine glasses and correct use
- Wine aromas and appearance
- Wine defects
- Off colours and turbidity
- Presenting wine to potential customers
- Corporate customers
- Knowing the wine product
- Winery tours
- Imported wines
- Temperature control
- Humidity, light and Vibration
- Smoke affected wines
- Cloudiness and oxidation
- Alcohol and fruit flavour
- Production methods
- Reading wine labels
- Wine characteristics
- Assisting customers
- Wine and food matching
- Trade shows and wine events
- Wine tastings
- Networking and publications
- Customer profiling
- Introducing new wine styles
- Events and festivals
- Customer advice
- Selecting suppliers
Unit 2 – Provide advice on imported wines
- Evaluate imported wines
- Characteristics of imported wines
- Sensory evaluation
- Mouth feel
- Viticulture
- Wine production methods
- Fermentation
- Bottling, corking
- Vintage
- Appellations
- Storing wine
- Cellaring conditions
- Record keeping
- Communication
- Business considerations
- Research information
- Customer trends
Unit 3- Provide table service of food and beverage
- Day-to-day activities
- Mise en place procedures
- Lighting and floor plans
- Table setting
- Bar mise en place
- Table service / plans
- Greeting and seating
- Presenting menus
- Taking orders
- Customer preferences and needs
- Flow of service
- Pickup points
- Food and beverage quality
- Clearing plates
- Beverage service
- Tray service
- Staff communication
- The hospitality experience
- End of shift duties
- Handover
- Waste disposal
Unit 4 - Provide advice on food and beverage matching
- Evaluate foods and beverages
- Australian and imported wines
- Australian wine styles
- Wine and food matching
- Beers, spirits and liqueurs
- Malt, Hops, Yeast, Spirits
- How cooking affects pairing
- How food features affect interactions
- Basic pairing
- Alcohol in cooking
- Provide advice on compatibility
- Acidity balance
- Fruit flavours
- Price preferences
- Menus and wine lists
- Maintaining stock levels
- Business considerations
- Ethical aspects
- Extend own knowledge
- Networking opportunities
- Publications
- Association memberships
- Identify customer trends
- Customer profiling
- Customer feedback
Unit 5 - Provide advice on beers, spirits and liqueurs
- Evaluate beers, spirits and Liquors
- Beer characteristics
- Spirits
- Fermented beverages
- Distilled beverages
- Liqueurs
- Sensory evaluation
- Handling and storage
- Safety
- Monitor product quality
- Advise customers
- Malts
- Hops
- Yeast
- Main beer styles
- Cocktails
- Types of liqueur
- Matching food and drink
- Supplier arrangements
Study Hours
Estimated duration 75 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Very satisfying. Thank you
G. Tobin, Albion Park, NSW | Certificate of Sommelier Service
Fantastic!
N. Brill, Wangaratta, VIC | Certificate of Sommelier Service
I thoroughly enjoyed the Certificate in Sommelier Service very much. It covered in-depth all fields of the food and beverage industry and I feel I´m ready to face the world of the Sommelier with confidence!
K. Webster, Heathcote, VIC | Certificate of Sommelier Service
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Sommelier
- Restaurant Sommelier
- Bartender