International Sommelier Guild Courses at Pacific Shores Back By Popular Demand

March 29, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nanoose Bay, BC – Back by popular demand, Pacific Shores Resort & Spa Academy is once again pleased to offer the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1, a four-week introductory course beginning in April 2010.

Novice wine enthusiasts who want to navigate the world of wine in a confident and knowledgeable manner and those looking to enhance their knowledge of the hospitality industry through a greater understanding of wine are encouraged to register for this limited opportunity.

Students can explore the wines of the world and begin a journey towards becoming a connoisseur of major international grape varieties and wine through an extensive tasting of representative varietal wines from around the world.

Students will also develop an understanding of the unique characteristics of grapes used for making wine, discover how grapes are grown and how wine is made and why different approaches to growing grapes and making wine affect its taste. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to taste and learn approximately 40 different wines.

The ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 is also one of two prerequisite courses designed to prepare students for ISG's Sommelier Diploma Program.

Says Atilla Cimsit, Director of Food and Beverage at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa, “The ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 is a practical course which doesn't require students to be wine experts to attend. Explore the world of wine in a fun social setting and get involved with the International Sommelier Guild. We are happy to be able to establish the Pacific Shores Resort & Spa Academy and bring industry professionals and wine enthusiasts to our resort.”

For four weeks beginning on Tuesday April 6, 2010, the ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa Academy in Nanoose Bay, BC.

The deadline to apply is March 29, 2010. Discounted accommodation is available at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa for course registrants and can be booked by calling 1.866.468.7121. For more information, please contact Atilla Cimsit, Director of Food & Beverage at The Landing West Coast Grill at 250.468.2400 extension 310.

Learn about basic wine terminology, service and storage techniques, how to read labels and the fundamentals of food and wine pairing. To register, please visit www.internationalsommelier.com/students/signup.

Classes will be held at The Landing West Coast Grill, Pacific Shores Resort & Spa's award-winning restaurant boasting a private wine cellar. The Landing West Coast Grill hosts regular sold out Wine Maker's Dinners, Brew Master's Dinners and a highly anticipated food and wine seminar, Wine Maker's dinner and Opening Gala Swirl during the Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival each year.

Established in 1984, the International Sommelier Guild has certified Sommeliers and Guild members across 12 countries. The ISG is recognized as the premier wine knowledge resource centre. The organization represents a community of vested industry leaders in the growth and development of the Sommelier profession.

Media Contact:

Crystal Auffray
Communications Specialist
250.361.1999 (ext.8159)
crystal.auffray@aviawest.com