Did you know that you don’t have to be a sommelier to be a wine expert? Many people assume that is what I am, but I am not! To clarify, a sommelier is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and is required to have experience in hospitality.
So, what am I and what can you study if you want to learn about wine for personal or professional advancement?
I am a Certified Educator with Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), an international certification organization based out of London. (Visit my About page to read my full credentials.) Something you may not know, they also have certifications in Spirits, Beer and Sake! I work for the northeast’s premier wine school, Commonwealth Wine School out of Cambridge, MA, but I teach WSET classes throughout New Hampshire and Maine.
WSET qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They 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 and spirits.
WSET is the track for people who want to learn more about wine but are not going to pour in a restaurant, for example. My past students have worked at restaurants as managers or bartenders, but also for distributors and wine shops. Many take the courses purely to enhance their knowledge and experience of wine.
Please watch the introduction video below to learn a little more about WSET classes.
Fall 2024 WSET Classes in New Hampshire and Maine
Level 2 Certification:9/25/24 – 12/4/24 |
Level 3 Certification:9/23/24 – 2/24/25 |
Level 3 Certification:10/22/24 – 3/25/25 |
What You’ll Learn In Each WSET Course LEvel
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINES
The WSET Level 1 course offers a true beginner’s overview of wine, and is geared to anyone with an interest in wine for personal enjoyment or launching a professional career. It’s a particularly good starting point for people just beginning to work in restaurants, hospitality, or retail. Level 1 is a fun way to get up to speed on what wine is and how it differs by style.
Currently I do not have any Level 1 classes scheduled. This tends to be a class that is done in one or two sessions mainly for hospitality workers or people very new to wine.
Most students who enjoy wine start at Level 2.
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
If you know the basic wine grapes—that Chardonnay is a white wine and Cabernet Sauvignon is usually red—then begin at Level 2. This beginner to intermediate wine course offers greater breadth and depth of material, more tasting opportunities and additional classroom hours compared to Level 1. It’s for anyone who:
• Works in wine or who want a career in the industry
• Has a serious interest in deepening their wine knowledge
• Wishes to become a more confident wine taster
This is an 8 session class with a 50 question multiple choice exam.
WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
WSET Level 3 delivers an in-depth education experience that reflects today’s dynamic wine industry and offers immediate value. The Level 3 certificate is one of the most globally recognized achievements in wine and is geared towards professionals or people interested in entering the wine industry, especially those looking for increased leadership and decision-making. Wine enthusiasts with a serious commitment will also enjoy this course, as it is interactive and customized to individual class dynamics and interests.
This is a 15-session class with an exam consisting of 50 multiple choice questions, 4 short essay questions and a blind testing of a white and red wine.
5 Reasons to take my wset classes
- You love wine and want to know more about it!
- You want to enhance your hospitality career and resume.
- You want to learn about how it’s made, styles, varieties but don’t want to read a book – you want hands on experience.
- You’re in a wine style rut and want to try new things but don’t know where to start.
- You know a bit already but want a formal course where you’ll be tested, get a diploma and can say you’re a WSET Wine Expert!
| Bonus: 100% of my recent WSET Level 2 class passed … and had a lot of fun and made new wine-loving friends. |
FAQs about WSET classes
Have any questions about this class before you sign up? I’m here to answer! Email me at Anne@FromTheVineToWine.com.
- Do I need to take Level 1 to take Level 2?
NO.
- Do I need to take Level 2 to take Level 3?
NO (BUT IT IS ADVISED). YOU CAN ALSO HAVE TAKEN A SOMM COURSE OR ANOTHER COURSE PRIOR.
- What if I miss a class?
COMMONWEALTH WINE SCHOOL PROVIDES ACCESS TO RECORDED LECTURES FOR ALL LEVELS AND CLASSES. YOU CAN WATCH ON DEMAND ON YOUR SCHEDULE.
- What about holidays? I can’t take classes during the week of Thanksgiving or Christmas.
I DO NOT OFFER ANY CLASSES AROUND THE HOLIDAYS AS THEY ARE A CHALLENGING TIE FOR MOST PEOPLE.
