Wine courses are not uncommon, so what makes the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) ones so special, or in the words of Jancis Robinson ‘the big daddy of all them all’?
WSET is a suite of wine qualifications that is globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. These qualifications are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines, spirits and sake.
Enjoy Discovering Wine is a WSET Approved Programme Provider and our founder Erica Dent won Riedel WSET Wine Educator of the Year in 2013 and was also a finalist in both 2012 and 2017.
The scheme is administered by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in London, with training and examinations conducted by approved programme providers (APPs). The WSET was founded in 1969 and is now the largest global provider of high quality education and training in the field of wines and spirits. WSET courses range from basic wine knowledge through to specialist awards.
Courses range from introductory Level 1, through Levels 2 and Level 3 then onto the WSET Level 4 Diploma, which is often considered a pre-cursor to the Masters of Wine (MW) programme.
In the words of Richard Hemming MW, a well respected figure in the wine world as well as a very entertaining writer, on how to get a job in the wine industry:
“Many people are attracted to the wine industry because they already love wine, but learning about it to a professional standard requires serious commitment. Taking WSET courses is virtually a prerequisite, but you should also be reading books, magazines and websites as well as tasting as much as possible. If that sounds like a hardship, the wine industry probably isn’t for you!”
Richard Hemming MW
