A wine course is the best way to arm yourself with enough knowledge to buy wine with confidence, whether it's in an independent wine shop or restaurant. While many wine shops will run their own courses, I'm highlighting four independent wine educators who cater for both consumers and trade.


Premier Wine Training


Where? Dublin & Leinster


While this is a new operation, the brains behind it, Maureen O'Hara, has significant experience working in the wine industry. While you can enrol on a WSET course, you can also avail of tailored private and corporate wine tastings, both increasingly popular activities as a friends' night in or a work night out. First up is the eight-week WSET intermediate course, starting this Wednesday in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.


Further details: Call Maureen on 086 2401 916; email maureen@premier­winetraining.com; see also Premierwine- training.com.


Dermot Nolan


Where? Dublin


Dermot Nolan is one of only three Masters of Wine (MW) based in Ireland (there are less than 300 worldwide) and has been involved in wine education at every level from novice consumers up to diploma and masters courses in wine. While he runs the successful WSET diploma course, which is filling up fast, he also offers one-day wine appreciation courses. The first of these starts on Saturday, 6 November in Dublin's Stillorgan Park Hotel.


Further details: Call Dermot on 086 224 0571; email diploma@dermotnolan.ie; see also Dermotnolan.ie


Kevin Ecock's School of Wine


Where? Leixlip, Co. Kildare


Kevin opened one of the first wine shops in Ireland and since then has contributed to many wine columns in various publications. Nowadays, his focus is firmly on education, for both trade and consumers. Based in Leixlip, Co Kildare, his courses combine learning, wine tasting and, most importantly, fun. His next wine appreciation course starts on 20 October in the Courtyard Hotel for six consecutive Wednesday nights.


Further details: Call Kevin on 087 691 9191; email kevin@kevinecock.ie; see also Kevinecock.ie


Winecourse.ie


Where? Dublin, Galway and Cork


Tom Quinn's approach to learning about wine is fun, friendly and relaxed. Similar to many wine schools, he also offers private corporate wine tastings for a more civilised work night out. One-day courses are coming up in Dublin on 23 and 24 of October.


Further details: Call Tom on 086 212 1328; email info@winecourse.ie; see also Winecourse.ie