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  • 415 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA
  • 3 hours

Start Dates (0) $395/person

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Class Description

Description

WINE, SPIRITS, TASTING, PAIRING, SERVICE, AND BEYOND: AN 11 Session program to help students develop a foundational knowledge in a broad array of fine beverages.   

Developed by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, David Glancy, and revered by professionals and enthusiasts alike, this foundational program provides hands-on training and new insight into the world of fine beverages.  Somm Essentials students will learn the essential professional techniques of blind wine tasting, food and wine pairing, and beverage service and gain insight into the fundamental elements, styles, and production techniques of wine, spirits, beer, and sake, as well as tea, coffee, bottled water.

The official Society of Wine Educators' Hospitality Beverage Specialist Exam and Study Guide is included as a supplement to proprietary lectures and interactive tasting exercises provided by our industry leading instructors during each class.  This program is perfect for those considering or preparing for beginning to intermediate level sommelier exams and those who want to learn inside secrets of the professionals.


Please inform us of any dietary allergies or intolerances at the time of registration so we can accommodate your needs.


GUIDED TASTING EXERCISES: 

Wine is included in this program.  Students will taste over 40 wines and 12 beers/spirits throughout the course of the program to enhance and reinforce the learning objectives, lectures, discussions, and reading.  All wines are selected by Master Sommelier David Glancy and our instructors to represent a broad sampling of the classic regions and varietals.

Roomers will have wine in their glass in the classroom.  Zoomers will have tasting kits they can either pickup or have delivered for an additional fee


SYLLABUS OVERVIEW:

Somm Essentials consists of ten weekly workshops covering the following areas:

  • Tasting, Chemistry & Flaws
  • Wine Service Techniques
  • Viticulture & Enology
  • White Wines of the World
  • Red Wines of the World
  • Food Pairing Lab
  • Coffee, Tea & Bottled Water
  • Beer & Sake
  • Spirits
  • Three-Part Somm Essentials Exam

Each class within the full program can be taken as a single workshop.


ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION & EXAM


There are three parts to the Somm Essentials Exam. Students must pass all three parts to earn their Somm Essentials Certificate.


Theory: The Hospitality Beverage Specialist Credential exam from the Society of Wine Educators represents the theory portion of the Sommelier Essentials exam. Students who pass this portion will earn the Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Credential.


Service: Students will be tested on service and wine pairing though a hands-on practical examination.


Tasting: Students will blind taste 2 wines and provide a written analysis.


Who should take Somm Essentials?

Somm Essentials provides broad knowledge across multiple beverage categories for students starting out in the food & beverage industry or those looking to polish their skills or broaden their skill base. It is ideal for waiters, bartenders, foodservice managers, tasting room staff, and food writers, as well as those pursuing sommelier and other wine credentials. The class is also great for enthusiasts who want to know more about the beverages they enjoy.


ENROLLMENT INCLUDES

  • Exam Fees & Registration
  • Official Society of Wine Educators' Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Study Guide
  • Access to the Society of Wine Educators Online Wine Academy
  • San Francisco Wine School Water Bottle
  • Certificate upon successful completion

Please note: All attendees must be 21+ years

Refund Policy

Cancellations and reschedules for full programs are accepted up to 11 business days prior to the start of the course with an option to transfer full credit to a future class OR receive a full refund less a 5% cancellation fee.

Recordings are available to students who are unable to attend live classes. Full program students who give at least 8 business days notice of their absence in an individual workshop may request to have a tasting kit created for no additional charge. No further make ups will be allowed.

If you need to cancel registration in any other program after the notice period, you will be refunded $70 for each class that you do not attend with a minimum notice of 11 business days. Study guides and any other course material must be returned in unused condition or the cost of the materials will be deducted from the total refund.

If you need transfer to a future program within the 11 business days notice period, a $150 transfer fee will be collected at that time. Transfers will be effective 1 week after notice has been provided and fees must be paid at that time. Recordings will be available for workshops prior to the transfer effective date. Your registration is fully transferable to another person for the same program and session with no fees.

There are no refunds available for individual workshops or special events. Recordings are available to students who are unable to attend live classes. Full program students who give at least 8 business days notice of their absence in an individual workshop may request to have a tasting kit created for no additional charge. Reschedules for the next available date are also accepted for individual workshops up to 8 business days prior to the originally scheduled date. Reschedules are not available for special events.

If you are unable to attend a program, workshop or event and are not eligible for a reschedule or refund, and want to attend the session live, consider offering your seat to a friend or colleague. They will love you!

Notice for all cancellations, reschedules, format changes and transfers must be given by emailing [email protected]

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San Francisco Wine School

San Francisco Wine School is the largest wine school in the U.S., offering a comprehensive approach to wine study. With a state-of-the-art facility and industry-leading instructors, they provide educational programs and workshops for serious students and wine enthusiasts to advance their careers or pursue their passions.

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