HOST 276 - Wine Essentials for the Aspiring Sommelier

5 Credits

This is a tasting-based course focused on formal wine service techniques. Additional topics covered include: the role of the Sommelier, stemware, service standards, and decanting. Students will have the opportunity to earn resume-enhancing certifications: MAST card (mandatory alcohol servers permit) and WSET certification (Wine and Spirit Education Trust).

Course Note Alcohol is consumed in this course. Student must meet age requirement to enroll.
FeesHOST Beverage Material Fee

Quarters Typically Offered
Spring Day

Designed to Serve Students interested in wine and sommelier techniques, whether for personal or professional reasons.
Active Date 20260408T15:01:15

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 20
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
ProfTech Course Yes
Restricted Elective Yes
Course Outline

Understand the history of the beverage industry
Comprehend the differences in brewing, fermenting, and creating various beverages (i.e. wines, spirits, beer, coffee, and soda)
Understand the importance of beverage to the restaurant and food industries including profit margins, food cost, marketing, and product development
Be able to serve beverages in alignment with best practices
Be able to taste and discuss flavor wheels in a professional and service-oriented manner

Student Learning Outcomes
Learner will communicate the history and creation of wine in the professional role of a Sommerlier.

Learner will apply best practices in menu development when creating a wine list.

Learners will identify nuances of the flavor wheel based on tastings.

Learner will apply best practices in beverage service in a given food service situation (e.g. stemware for different styles of wine, service techniques for different styles of wine).