Calgary Co-op holds all kinds of events and classes. From the casual learning of a tasting night to becoming fully certified by WSET, we're excited for you to try new things and learn more.
Join us for in-store tasting events hosted by our sommeliers.
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View all tasting eventsWine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for a range of interests: those just starting out in their careers, established professionals and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.
Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is an Approved Program Provider for WSET Levels 1, 2 & 3 Award in Wines and WSET Levels 1 & 2 Award in Spirits. You can register for courses held at specified tasting centres. Examination re-sits are also available.
View WSET Approved Program Provider policies [pdf]
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine professional, the WSET Award in Wines is a fantastic course to increase your knowledge. This one-day course provides the foundation of wine knowledge as well as insight into food and wine pairing. Successful candidates will receive the WSET Level 1 Certificate. The one-day course runs from 9:15 am to 5:15 pm with a 30-question multiple-choice exam commencing at 4:30 pm, there are 45 minutes allowed to complete the examination.
A full 3 day course course designed for the wine enthusiast who wants to increase their knowledge and an industry standard for professionals. This course covers all the major grape varieties, where they are grown and how to taste wine using the Systematic Approach to Tasting. Successful participants will receive the WSET Level 2 Certificate.
Textbooks and workbook package will be provided ahead of time for advance study. Classes run from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The examination is a 50 question multiple choice exam. Registration closes 10 business days before the course.
An advanced course, designed to provide a detailed analysis of the principal wines of the world. In this 9 day course (or 16 evenings) over 10 weeks students will gain in-depth knowledge of wine production, global wine regions, as well as fortified and sparkling wine. Students will also benefit from the in-depth tastings where they will learn to identify product style and quality using the Systematic Approach to Tasting. Successful participants will receive the WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate
All glassware, text and workbooks provided well in advance for study preparation. Examination is on the last day: consisting of a blind tasting component, multiple choice section and detailed written answers. Additional 2-3 hour classes are included with your tuition fees for fine-tuning blind tasting techniques and written exam question answer practice.
View all wine eventsA beginner-level course – An introduction to Spirits, for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits. For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. You’ll explore the main styles of spirits through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas.
Successful candidates will receive the WSET Level 1 Certificate and lapel pin. Registration closes 10 business days prior to course commencement.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale. This two-day course is also appropriate for students who are not employed in the alcohol beverage industry and wish to broaden their knowledge of spirits in a structured way. The aim of the course is to give comprehensive training and cover the history, production and styles of principal spirits and liqueurs. Successful candidates will receive the WSET Level 2 Certificate.
Textbooks and workbook package will be provided ahead of time for advance study – the examination is a 50 question multiple choice exam. Classes run from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
View all spirits eventsA missed or failed exam can be re-sat by students. The re-sit examination fees which include administration costs are:
Please contact Andrew Paulsen or Kevin Schorath at WSET@coopwinespiritsbeer.com to request examination re-sits.
This introductory course in beer education is designed for participants interested in furthering their knowledge and interest in beer.
The focus will be on brewing ingredients and processes, tasting concepts, pouring and serving concepts. It also includes an introduction to draught systems and food and beer pairings.
Upcoming dates to be confirmed.