IMBA specialises in Grand Crus discovery and fine wine cellar management techniques. More than Fifty thousand Dollars worth of wines will be tasted during the program.
Classes:
During the first in-class training week in Montréal, a time slot will be reserved to review the online course and the writing of the Wine theoretical examination.
End of program Examination:
At the end of the program, 2 examinations will be held:
1-An in house IMBA examination concerning the acquisition of superior wine service skills, tasting first growths and wine cellar management knowledge taught during the course,
2- plus an official examination by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in two parts, theory and tasting, which will lead to the WSET Level three certificate.
NOTA: For candidates already in possession of a WSET Level 3 (or more) accreditation, this exam will be optional. If students are already in possession of the right WSET accreditations, the total fee for the course will be reduced by the WSET going rates at time of the exam (see costs of WSET Level 2 and 3 at ÉIVV link)
A presentation on a professional wine related cellar management topic will be requested from IMBA students.
Required work:
Students will be required to work on an independent wine related cellar management topic that meets the professional aspirations and profiles of each individual. A supervisor assigned to each student will help them in framing and developing their individual projects. Come exam time, the project will be presented and defended by the student in front of a jury. The project will be assigned at the beginning of the course session in Montreal.
Formative work and tests to prepare for the final examination will be conducted throughout the program.
Evaluation:
In addition to academic achievement, general attire, how the student conducts him/herself and presents a professional attitude will be observed throughout the session and will be noted in the final evaluation.
A combined note of 85%+ will gain a candidate the Mention "Pass with Distinction" and the Gold Pin of the IMBA
See Best Sommelier of the World 2010 (the late) Gérard Basset proudly showcasing his Gold Pin
A combined note of 70 to 85%+ will gain a candidate the Mention "Pass with Merit" and the Silver Pin of the IMBA
From 55% to 70% will gain a candidate the Mention "Pass"
It will be possible to candidates to resit the exams to improve and reach a higher level of success and gain Distinction.
Punctuality:
Punctuality is a must.
In order to obtain the IMBA diploma, the student must be present at each course and must show active participation, sustained attention and submit the required work on time.
Etiquette:
- the wearing of the uniform is compulsory at all times.
Cell Phone use:
- students will need to pay close attention in class. No telephone or internet use will be permitted except during designated periods reserved for online work.
Diploma plus certificates = three
A diploma and two certificates will be issued to the student at the end of the program:
1-WSET Level 2 success certificate, 2- WSET Level 3 success certificate (see example)
3- Butler Diploma of the International Montreal Butler Academy (see example).
Graduation:
A formal graduation ceremony will be held at the end of the Montreal session.
IMBA specialises in Grand Crus discovery and fine wine cellar management techniques. More than Fifty thousand Dollars worth of wines will be tasted during the program
Overall cost of the IMBA program:
The overall cost of the IMBA program graduation leading to the Diploma:
Fine Wine Cellar Manager of the International Montreal Butler Academy, including the WSET Level 2 and WSET Level 3 Certificates, is:
Sixteen thousand US dollars (US $ 16,000).
This includes all fees and costs, including registration, as well as:
-a complete butler uniform and a tunic to attend classes and for practical work,
-WSET program costs, educational materials, all wines
- accommodation and full board for the eight weeks in Montreal including planned outings and trips.
The only other expenses incurred by the students will be their transportation costs to come to Montreal.
NOTA: For candidates already in possession of a WSET Level 3 (or more) accreditation, this exam will be optional. If students are already in possession of the right WSET accreditations, the total fee for the course will be reduced by the WSET going rates at time of the exam (see costs of WSET Level 2 and 3 at ÉIVV link
Payment:
Upon acceptance of a student's application, a deposit of US $ 1,000 will be requested and the balance of the program costs (US $ 15,000) must reach us no later than forty-five days before the beginning of the session. The deposit is not refundable for any reason but may be deferred to another course if the student becomes ill or if a personal situation prevents him/her from starting on the date initially agreed.
If you would like more information about tuition fees, please contact us by e-mail and we will be pleased to send you our policy on this matter. Otherwise, we assume that you have read the foregoing and fully understand the terms of this paragraph.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to answer them.
We also invite you to view the videos about the IMBA training offer and topics related to the butler profession on our YouTube channel.
NB: The above conditions are subject to change without notice. IMBA reserves the right to accept or reject applications.
Admissions requirements for the IMBA:
- Candidates are admitted on invitation after evaluation of their dossier. No prerequisites or work experience related to the butler profession will be required for admission to the IMBA. There is no maximum age limit for enrolment; the minimum age to apply is twenty-one years old.
- desired profile: candidates will be selected and accepted on the basis of their motivation, maturity, enthusiasm and willingness to excel in acquiring wine knowledge.
-an in-person interview - or by Skype - will be conducted by IMBA to validate the candidates aspirations and guide them in their career choices.
About the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET): the concentration of studies on wines and spirits is particularly important. At the academy we wish to train the elite of the profession and augment the Diploma we issue by the addition of WSET certificates with the mention: “Pass with Distinction”. WSET certificates are recognized as the quality standard worldwide.
The language of instruction will be English.
The courses will be held in Montreal, Canada in a bilingual context (French-English).
Interested? The First step is to contact us by email: richardsagala@imba-aimm.com
Ecole Invino Veritas
IMBA Introduction video