Cape Wine Academy (CWA)

The CWA was established in 1979 and runs courses for Hospitality and Tourism, corporate functions, tertiary institutions and the general public.

Our comprehensive wine courses are structured to address the needs of a variety of learners, be they wine lovers or simply understanding more about a favourite hobby, or trade professionals who require in-depth knowledge to enhance their career performance.

Shareholders are a consortium of industry players ranging from wine producers, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs, Cape Wine Masters, and a BEE and CWA management component.

Lecturers include wine industry experts, winemakers and Cape Wine Masters who conduct advanced courses, seminars and modules in ‘edutainment format’ for a broader public. Lectures are held in major centres, and in smaller centres on demand.

Below is a layout of our courses to be presented at Simonsvlei Wine Estate in 2008:

LEVEL 1: Introduction to South African wine - Duration: 3 lectures

Introduction to the wonders of wine – for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject!  Wine knowledge is an asset whether you are pursuing a hobby or enhancing your knowledge for a career.

COURSE OUTLINE:

LECTURE 1                 

Geography of wine, brief history of Cape wines from first colonization

Cause & Effect Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 2                 

South African wine growing districts, varietals/cultivars – red and white

Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 3                 

Outline of the ‘General Principles of Wine Making’  

Wine Tasting and discussion

EXAM

Theory Examination (60 minutes)

2008 DATES:

o         05 March: 1-Day Course

o         16 August: 1-Day Course

LEVEL 2: Certificate Wine Course - Duration: 7 lectures

The course consists of 7 X 2 ½ hour lectures (1hr lecture & 1½ hr tutored tasting).

Successful completion of the Introductory Wine Course or Front of House Course is pre-requisite to register for this course.

COURSE CONTENT:

LECTURE 1 

Tutored Wine Tasting

LECTURE 2 

Viticulture. Seasons of the vine: how to establish a vineyard. Pests and diseases

Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 3 

Viticulture. Grape Varieties and Wine Regions.

Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 4 

Winemaking: from arrival at cellar till final product. Art of blending, wood treatments, innovations in winemaking. Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 5 

Brandy distilling. Process of production. Different styles.

Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 6 

Fortified Wines – Sherry, Port, Fortified Wines

Wine Tasting and discussion

LECTURE 7 

Sparkling Wines – methods of production, different styles   

Special & Noble Late Harvest wines – definition & different styles

Wine Tasting and discussion

EXAMINATIONS 

1 x Two and a half hour theory examination &

1 x One hour tasting examination (local natural wines and single varietals only)

2008 DATES:

o         30 October – 01 November: 3-Day Course

A SUMMARY OF ALL OUR COURSES

LEVEL 1

Introduction to South African wine

Duration: 3 lectures

Front of House Management Course

Duration: Workshop format

LEVEL 2

Certificate Wine Course

Duration: 7 lectures

Wines of the World

Duration: 6 lectures, includes comparative tasting of South African and international wine

LEVEL 3

Diploma Course

International advanced course. Duration: 2 years, 4 modules, each comprising 7 x 3 hour lectures

LEVEL 4

CAPE WINE MASTER (CWM)

SPECIALITY COURSES

Retailers’ Course

Introductory and Advanced

Wine Service Manual

Now available to the industry for waiter training

Brandy Course

Introductory

Tutored Wine Tasting Evenings; Cocktails; Seminars

Wine and Food Events.

Duration: Three hours

Contact Hecki for more information at 021 863 3040 or send an email to hercules@simonsvlei.co.za