FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Course Questions
Q: I know very little about wines, but would like to do a course - where do I begin?
A: You have 2 choices as we offer 2 different beginner courses.
1. The Wine Appreciation Course: This course is designed for beginners and will explain the difference between wines, how they are made and how to taste them. All the main grape varieties are covered and there is also a section on food and wine matching. This course is all about the fun and enjoyment of wine, in addition to learning the basics in a relaxed and social environment. Having completed the course you will be more confident when purchasing wines in a restaurant or off-licence and when selecting wines to have with family and friends. There is no examination.
2. The WSET Intermediate Certificate Course: This course is a little more formal. It is suitable for people employed in the retail and hospitality industries with little previous knowledge of wine and for wine enthusiasts who wish to acquire a more structured understanding of wines and also to obtain an internationally recognized wine qualification. There is an examination on the last night which consists of 50 multiple choice questions.
For more information, timetables and a quiz to help you make your decision, click on the "Wine Courses" link.
Q: I have to drive to the Wine Course - so will I be able to taste the wines?
A: The internationally recognised wine tasting techniques we use in all our courses do not require you to actually drink the wine and we strongly recommend that you do not. It is not necessary to drink wine in order to assess its characteristics and quality. For this reason Spittoons are provided for use by all class members. If you do drive to one of our wine courses do not drink the wines provided during the tasting session, use the Spittoons. Drinking water is also provided. We would ask you to always act responsibly.
Q: Do I have to complete the WSET Foundation Certificate Course (Level 1) before doing the WSET Intermediate Certificate Course (Level 2)?
A: No you don't have to - you can start your study with the Wine Appreciation Course or the WSET Intermediate Certificate Course - Level 2.
Q: The WSET Foundation Course seems to be tailored for those working in the trade but I don't. Can I still do this course?
A: Yes you can. While the WSET Intermediate Course is aimed at those who work in the Retail and Hospitality Trades many of those who attend the course do not. The Foundation course may be a good option for you if you are unable to commit to a 6 or 9 week course.
Q: I know a lot about wines, so do I have to complete the WSET Intermediate Certificate Course (Level 2) before starting the WSET Advanced Certificate Course (Level 3)?
A: No, provided you do have a good knowledge of world wines and are confident with tasting, you can start your formal education with the WSET Advanced Certificate Course. This course is quiet detailed and comprehensive. If you email our office at info@wineboard.ie, we will send you some sample questions which will give you an indication of the level of knowledge required.
Q: I am unable to sit the examination on the scheduled date. What are my options?
A: If you are unable to attend the exam on the scheduled date, you can defer to an alternative date but there is a €60 fee for this. Please contact our office for details of alternative dates.
Q: I have just completed the WSET Intermediate Certificate Course but I have not yet received my results. There is a WSET Advanced Certificate Course starting in a couple of weeks - can I apply? What if I fail my exam - will I have to drop out of the Advanced Course?
A: You can apply for the WSET Advanced Certificate Course whether you have your results or not. The results will take between 3-4 weeks to get back to the office. If you fail, you can repeat if you wish but you will not have to drop out of the Advanced Course. You will get a list of exam dates in the post with your result letter. We have had students who repeat their Intermediate Certificate Exam after they complete the Advanced Certificate Course. If you don't want to sit the Intermediate Exam, you don't have to.
General Questions:
Q: I cannot find a particular wine I like, can you help me?
A: The best thing to do is to go to www.google.ie , enter the name of the wine in the search bar, select the "pages from Ireland" option and search. In many cases the wines distributor in Ireland will be listed in the results and they will be able to advise you on stockists in your area.
Q: I am getting married in a few months and I want to bring in wine from abroad. Am I allowed to do this? Will I have to pay Duty?
A: You are allowed to bring 90 litres (120 standard bottles / 10 standard cases) into Ireland duty free provided you personally accompany the goods and they are for your own personal use (i.e. not for re-sale). You cannot use a shipping company or any third party to bring wine into Ireland Duty Free even if it is for your own personal use. For further information or clarification contact Customs on (01) 877 6223.
Q: I want to open a wine shop / I want to sell wine in my establishment. How do I get a Wine Licence?
A: For Revenue Licence enquiries contact the Excise Division of Revenue in your area as follows: Dublin (01) 647 4353; Cork (021) 432 5000; Waterford (051) 862 174; Limerick (061) 402 176; Galway (091) 536 324 and Cavan (049) 436 8830.
Q: I want to import wine into Ireland for commercial purposed. Who should I contact?
A: For a Revenue document on importing wine for commercial purposed go to www.revenue.ie - Leaflets & Guided - under business Leaflets & Guided click on Customs & Excise and scroll down to reference number PN 1880 "Import of excisable product from EU member states for commercial purposed". For general information on rates of duty contact the New Customs House in Dublin on (01) 877 6223.
Q: I am a wine producer and want to find a company to distribute my wines in Ireland. How should I proceed?
A: The best option is to contact the commercial section of your countries Embassy and they will advise you.