Genevieve Loughlin (BComm’98) and Tracey Dobbin (BSc’99). (Photo: Herald, contributed)

Newfoundlander and Dalhousie alumna Tracey Dobbin (BSc’99) recently launched a new wine school in France and she will be bringing her expertise and Wine Spirits and Education Trust (WSET®) certifications to Halifax this September.

The Bordeaux based school is called Autour du Vin and it specializes in certified wine courses and wine tourism. Autour du Vin plans to offer courses in Atlantic Canada several times a year. In addition, Autour du Vin will provide WSET® certifications for corporate groups including restaurants, wineries and hotels. Autour du Vin’s Canadian Head Administrator and Dalhousie alumna Genevieve Loughlin (BComm’98), is based in Halifax and Prince Edward Island.

For the first time, Nova Scotians interested in expanding their wine knowledge will have access to the prestigious and globally recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) certifications. Tracey is excited and proud for her company to be the first WSET® Approved Program Provider to offer regular wine courses in Atlantic Canada.

“I love learning and sharing about wine, and I am thrilled to be the first to offer WSET® courses in Atlantic Canada,” she said. “Interest in wine has really exploded and Nova Scotia is no exception. Professionals who work in the wine and culinary industry want to hone and advance their knowledge to gain a competitive edge, and there are also people who are just curious to learn about wine and are enthusiastic about exploring new regions to complement their dinner parties. My aim is to make classes about wine accessible and without any pretension.”

Two events are planned in Halifax for this September: a two hour Master Class focused on Bordeaux and a WSET® Level 1 Certification. These events are open to anyone – from the wine newbie to connoisseur – and will take place at the Grill at CUT and at Bishop’s Cellar Professional Tasting Room respectively.

NS Event Details

Wines of Bordeaux: An Insider’s Look

September 13, 2014, 3-5 p.m.

The Grill at CUT, Halifax

Hosted by Autour du Vin and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. This master class explores Bordeaux from vine to glass. Through guided tastings, Tracey will highlight the diversity of the wines with fascinating facts about the region. Participants will experience the complex whites from Graves to the icon reds of St. Emilion and Margaux and finish with the sweet wines of Sauternes.

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines

September 14, 2014, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bishop’s Cellar Professional Tasting Room, Halifax

This is a one-day course taught by Tracey and Genevieve where participants have the opportunity to taste ten styles of wines and experiment with food and wine pairings. This qualification provides a direct introduction to wine. It is ideal for first time employees in the wine industry, consumers with basic knowledge, as well as beginners. This course focuses on the art of tasting wine, the characteristics of the principal wine styles and the major grape varieties, and the basics of food and wine pairing. Participants will leave with a solid foundation and the confidence necessary for the service of wine.

Further information, pricing and event registration can be found on Autour du Vin’s website.

Learn more about Tracey and Genevieve in “Wine courses headed Halifax’s way,” on www.thechronicleherald.ca.