Ontario's Brave New Wines is a beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring Ontario for those working in the industry, looking to join the industry or wine enthusiasts.

Prerequisite: None. Expect to spend 6 hours of preparation and review over the duration of the course, outside of the classroom.

Ontario's Brave New Wines course in 2019 is now into its fifth successful year and IWEG continues to develop and broaden the learning experience for students and connoisseurs of Ontario wines.

In response to student demand this is now a certified program in collaboration with Ontario Craft Wineries and candidates successful in passing the final exam will hold a recognized certificate as an Ontario Wine Specialist.

For the 2019 program, we are excited and proud to introduce wine educator Dave Larocque. Dave has lived his love for wine for over 30 years, initially as a product consultant with the LCBO, then subsequently working at many Ontario wineries, and as a wine educator and trainer for Canadian winery staff, Niagara College, Ontario Craft Wineries, and staff of numerous restaurants. He recently authored a book titled ‘The Wine Appellations of Ontario’. His newest venture, Wine Culture, brings the enjoyment of wine to groups across Canada through presentations and tastings in an educational and entertaining approach.

Students will attend four full days of study with each morning focusing on the wine appellations of Ontario and basic wine education, while the afternoons will present insightful tasting opportunities with a number of local winemakers, each addressing unique aspects of their winemaking style that builds on the morning studies. The final day will bring the classroom work to life with a field trip to three leading Niagara wineries.

In collaboration with Ontario Craft Wineries, these 4 sessions of learning and tasting celebrate local wines, growers and producers and give insight into the bold venture that is winemaking in Ontario.

Come and meet some of Ontario’s leading edge wine makers, enjoy their award-winning wines and learn more about how the trail-blazing Ontario wine industry is preparing for the future.

Course Fee

$850.00 CAD all inclusive. Please note that IWEG is HST exempt by the CRA. Income tax receipts are issued to all students for the applicable tax year.

"I loved the focus on Ontario's wine sector. In the WSET training I've taken, there's barely been a passing reference to Canada, let alone Ontario. The sessions were well thought out and organized. Pacing was good with a nice split between instructor led discussion, table work and winemaker presentations. I learned quite a bit and really valued hearing directly from some of Ontario's best winemakers." - D.B.

"IWEG’s course on Ontario’s Brave New Wines provides an in-depth exploration on hot topics such as sustainability, organics, biodynamics and as someone who has only dabbled in the wine industry this course has helped me better understand the challenges and opportunities Ontario viticulturists and wineries face on a day to day basis. I definitely have a deeper appreciation for Ontario wines and perhaps,