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Wine pickup/delivery
You can pickup your wine or have it delivered. Standard shipping is included in most classes and events. Wine cannot be delivered to AL, KT, MI, MS, NH, ND, SD, and VT.
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Somm Essentials (Sommelier Preparation)
WINE, SPIRITS, TASTING, PAIRING, SERVICE, AND BEYOND: An 11-session certification program to help students develop a foundational knowledge in a broad array of fine beverages.
Description
Developed by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, David Glancy, and revered by professionals and enthusiasts alike, this foundational certification 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.
Read Manresa's in-depth program experience in Somm Journal.
An abbreviated 2-Day Theory, Tasting & Service Intensive format is also available for expedited learning about the world of wine.
Why was the Somm Essentials certification program created?
"Based on my experience as a Master Sommelier and helping hundreds of students earn their Certified Sommelier titles," explains Glancy, "there is a clear need to provide a robust overview of the beverage and wine world before delving more deeply into wine regions. There are so many important parallels and common themes across the beverage world. Students should internalize them from the start to serve a client base that is growing more sophisticated by the day. In addition, I have seen too many students in CSW or pursuing sommelier-level education who lacked crucial service and blind tasting skills. From a wine career perspective, they are skills that must be introduced correctly early on."
Sessions & Schedule
2024 Session Dates & Times
Session 1
Sundays 1:00-4:00pm
March 3 to May 19*
*no class Mar 31st
Apply for scholarship by Jan 31
Session 2
Mondays 6:00-9:00pm
June 3 to Aug 19
* No class on Aug 12th
Apply for scholarship by Apr 30
What's Included
$1,795pp* Registration Fee Includes
- 30 hours of live class led by our industry-leading instructors
- Over 70 beverage tastings throughout the program**
- Tasting kit creation for online participants (free delivery is available across the US LEARN MORE)
- In-person tasting & service exam*** fees
- Access to the Society of Wine Educators Online Wine Academy and the Hospitality Beverage Specialist Certificate Program & Theory Exam
- Certificate upon successful completion
- San Francisco Wine School water bottle
*Installment plans available. Group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information
**Please inform us of any dietary allergies or intolerances at the time of registration so we can accommodate your needs.**
***Exam may be taken online for an additional fee
Syllabus
Somm Essentials consists of ten weekly individual classes covering the following areas. Each class within the full program can be taken individually. Click the links to learn more!
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 and is taken online. 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.
The Theory Exam is taken online at a time that is convenient for you. We strongly recommend taking the Service and Tasting Exams in-person, however an Online Exam Upgrade is available for an additional fee. Online Service Exam students must supply their own service equipment. Please email help@sfwineschool.com for additional information.
Format & Location
Hybrid - Room/Zoom
Our Hybrid Room/Zoom experience allows each individual to choose to participate in-person as a "Roomer" with wine in their glass or online as a "Zoomer" with a custom tasting kit. Both Roomers and Zoomers have the same wines and are able to engage with us and each other during these live classes. Recordings are also available within 1 business day after the class. Learn more...
In-Person Location
San Francisco Wine School*
415 Grand Ave #301
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Click for parking and public transportation information
Online Info
You will receive the zoom link and any handouts needed a few days before class via email. Check spam and contact help@sfwineschool.com if you have not received it within 1 business day of your class/event.
If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or delivered across the US. Wine parameter lists are available for those participating in locations where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.
Recommendations & Requirements
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.
All attendees must be 21+ years old.
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