Vendange Institute is the first and only Wine School in Ottawa providing WSET courses leading to internationally recognized qualifications.

Vendange Institute exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and sought-after qualifications in wines and spirits. Course participants will take part in Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses long recognized as the best wine school in the world. The WSET diploma program is the preferred pre-requisite for the Master of Wine designation – wine academia’s Holy Grail.

Vendange Institute will provide a greater awareness and appreciation of wine through a range of courses to suit all levels of knowledge. There is clearly a demand for globally-recognised WSET wine qualification courses, as more and more Canadians are looking to play a part in the global wine industry.

All programs hosted by Vendange Institute are held in facilities architecturally designed to fuse Old World traditions and modern passions with absolute attention to detail and elegance. The surroundings are intended to enhance the senses and foster a unique learning experience.

If you are looking to learn more about wines and spirits, but can’t face the idea of an exam, no need to worry! Vendange Institute also offers consumer-friendly courses for leisure, including food and wine matching seminars.

Vendange Institute Bios

Norman McEvoy, is a results entrepreneur who draws on numerous years of sales and service experience. He is skilled in identifying needs in the local economy and developing a product to service the need. Norman is responsible for the sales and marketing end of the company.

Louise Smith, is the chief administrator and owner of the company, she oversees the operational, financial and personnel activities.

Rob Nellis, has been our WSET Certified Educator and our wine & spirits consultant since we opened in the fall of 2004.  Rob holds the WSET Professional Certificate in Spirits, the WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits, the WSET Certified Educator Programme and is also a graduate of the Algonquin Sommelier Program. Rob has been working for the past 15 years as a Wine Educator, Sommelier and Manager. In his role as Sommelier and Manager he is responsible for purchasing and maintaining extensive wines & spirits selections worth in excess of $250,000.

Martha Blythe, is our new WSET Certified Educator.  Martha holds the WSET Level 3 Advance Certificate in Wines & Spirits and the WSET Certified Educator Programme.  Martha Blythe brings together her passions: wine and teaching, at the Vendange Institute. As a WSET certified educator, Martha continues her studies at the Diploma level. Her experience in sales, marketing, teaching, writing, and in the service industry, enable her to bring relevance to the world of wine and spirits to the students. Fun, enthusiasm, and student-focused learning carry through from book-smarts to getting to the bottom of what’s in the glass! “Serious studies lead to serious enjoyment.”