TheShout’s Post

Maybe it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. I can happily report that I passed the final exam of my Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma. I can also report that corks did pop when I received the good news. After 4 years of working my way through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust levels, I've mostly enjoyed learning about viticulture, oenology (wine making), marketing and the thousands of different varieties of grapes and types of wine. Blind tasting exams and hundreds of mock and exam essays were, however, not so fun. So apart from knowing a lot more about wine, I learnt a lot about myself and about being a 'mature' student: 🍾It is much harder. When I was a university student, that was my full-time job. While doing this Diploma, I was working full-time, parenting, trying to stay fit etc etc. 🍾It is much harder. My brain just doesn't retain information like it used to. That meant hours more revision. 🍾Failure isn't as frightening as I thought. In the past I was always a good student, who worked hard for good grades. For the Diploma, I don't work in wine so was on the backfoot and had to work hard to keep up. After I worked out it was the learning I was after, not the grades, I relaxed and enjoyed the course more (and did better). 🍾I appreciated learning and what I was learning so much more than previous qualifications. I was trading off my precious free-time so I was determined to maximise the enjoyment and value. 🍾Study unlocks possibility. The main outcome of my study was a boost in my confidence around all things wine that resulted in me taking up opportunities for wine writing and discovering how much I love doing that. So if you are contemplating upskilling, and maybe talking yourself out of it (I'm too old, don't have enough time, next year will be better) my advice is do not wait for the 'right' time; there may not ever to be one. Follow my wine journey on Instagram: @winesauvy Catch my wine column in Stuff's Your Weekend magazine every second Saturday. [image generated by the free version of Stable Diffusion] #adultlearning #wineeducation #study #leadership #learning

How can wine education be more practical? In my humble opinion the wine education industry is less practical, it’s take so much time to memorise so many details that we forget next week, and doesn’t help us to solve everyday problems in our jobs. In general I believe the whole education industry will change, it has been the same for decades, and these days most people don’t see as much benefit or value as in the old days. Even when you hear from some of the most respected business leaders in the world, who have changed their industries, they value many things more than a degree. One of the biggest problems in the wine education system, is that it doesn’t necessarily increase your chances a getting job, you won’t be more “employable” than someone else just because of the level of your wine education. I would like to see subjects added that are more relevant to today’s world, like: AI, Digital Marketing, How to sell wines, How we can understand customer language, How we can engage with Generations Y & Z, etc.. I can spend my whole morning adding new subjects.. What do you think about the Wine Education? What do you think we need to add or change? #wineeducation #wineindustry #winelife #winespecialist #wineaustralia #wine #winebusiness

always pushing the boundaries with your potentially controversial questions.. LOVE IT! Whether it's "over-hyped" depends on your career goals and personal expectations. Experience, practical skills, and networking can sometimes outweigh formal qualifications such as the WSET. If you're aiming for roles like sommelier, wine educator, or perhaps positions in wine marketing and distribution, the WSET Diploma can be very beneficial. Yet, if your career goals are different, or even if you already have significant experience and a strong network, it might not be as crucial. Lots of factors to consider, no one answer.

Thinking about a career change? Here's one you might not have considered: oyster sommelier. Yes, oysters are a career path now, thanks to Oyster Master Guild's new certification program. In a new story by Andrea Strong for Fast Company, you can learn how bivalve expert Julie Qiu and master oyster shucker Patrick McMurray developed the coursework, and why. You can learn how Crave Fishbar general manager Jeremy Benson came to be one of the program's first graduates (almost), and how the certification can yield benefits for food workers and restaurants alike. You can also learn what small farmers like Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar's Shina Wysocki and conservation organizations like Billion Oyster Project stand to gain from heightened interest in oysters overall. Plus, guess how many oysters McMurray shucked in one hour (winning him a Guinness Book World Record)? The answer is here.

The Emergence and Significance of Wine Education The origins of formal wine education date back to the 1960s, a period when the global wine industry was rapidly expanding. With the introduction of new wine-producing regions and geographic protections, it became clear that professionals needed a deeper understanding of the industry—especially in markets like the UK, where wine import and trade had long held great importance. To address this growing need, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was established in 1969 with support from key trade organizations, including the historic Vintners' Company, the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), and the Wine and Spirit Association of Great Britain. The goal was to provide structured education to professionals and enthusiasts alike, enhancing their knowledge of wine, spirits, and related markets. Following the creation of WSET, the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) was founded in 1977. Its focus was more specific to sommeliers, aiming to elevate the standard of wine service in hospitality through rigorous training and certification. Today, both WSET and CMS play a crucial role in shaping and advancing wine professionals not only in the UK but worldwide. Over the past six decades, these institutions have become essential pillars in the global wine industry. At Humble Grape, we joined the WSET program in 2023, and we are proud to be part of this esteemed family, helping people gain a deeper understanding of wine and the industry. #wset #winetraining

🍇 Wine education extends far beyond a trade skill; it offers a rich and lifelong learning experience that deepens your understanding of the world in unexpected ways. Through the study of wine, you gain insight into geography, as each bottle reflects the unique terroir and climate of the region where it was produced. It also connects you with the history and sociology of wine-growing cultures, offering a lens into the traditions and communities that have shaped winemaking for centuries. 🍷 Moreover, wine education cultivates an appreciation for craftsmanship and quality, empowering you to confidently select the perfect wine to share with friends and loved ones. Whether in professional settings or personal gatherings, the knowledge you gain about wine becomes a source of joy and connection, enriching both your palate and your perspective. 🔥Here’s a video I created for Somm.Site on Austria’s Wachau region. It’s essential to find engaging and dynamic ways to teach complex subjects like wine. For sommeliers, this area is well-known, but for those looking to expand their wine expertise, the Wachau is a must-learn region. And if you enjoy exceptional white wines crafted with meticulous quality, you’re in for a treat! #wine #wineeducation #winewednesday #learning #growth #career #hospitality #leadership #growth #management #innovation

🌟🍷 Refresh & upskill your wine knowledge 🍷🌟 Are you passionate about wine? Looking to break into the wine industry, enhance your hobby, or upskill for your current job in wine? We've got the perfect opportunity for you! Introducing our 15 comprehensive short courses, designed to cater to all levels of interest and expertise (swipe to see the available courses) 📚 Course Delivery: Semester 1: September - January Semester 2: January - May Both Semesters: September - May (See full course information) Whether you're diving into the world of wine for the first time or looking to expand your professional skills, our courses are crafted to provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need. 🍇🌍 From exploring global wine business and marketing strategies to understanding the intricacies of wine science and production, our modules cover it all. 👉 Sign up today and take the first step towards mastering the art and business of wine. 💰 Fees: £1,250 per semester + £110 material fees #WineCourses #WineEducation #SpecialistShortCourses #WineProduction #CPD #WineLovers #WineIndustry #WineScience #UpskillWithWine

10 BENEFITS OF HAVING A DIPLOMA STUDY BUDDY PARTNER 🍷📚 (Not necessarily in priority order) As I have returned back to Italy, I have been thinking about how precious was sharing this first stage of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust WSET School London Diploma with my new friend Francesca Becucci 🫶 I'm excited to share the 10 benefits I found most rewarding: 1. Shared motivation Encourage each other to stay focused and motivated. 2. Complementary skills Combine strengths to tackle different aspects of the material. 3. Increased understanding Discuss concepts to deepen understanding through explanation. 4. Brainstorming Collaborate on problem-solving to generate new perspectives. 5. Social support Offer emotional support during challenging times. 6. Diverse perspectives Gain insights from different backgrounds and approaches. 7. Enhanced memory Reinforce learning through each other strategies. 8. Reduced stress Share the burden of studying, reducing individual stress levels. 9. Boosted confidence Celebrate successes together, boosting self-confidence. 10. Fun and enjoyment Make studying enjoyable through shared experiences and laughter. Thanks Francesca Becucci for your tips and strategies, without your stories and funny jokes in the last 24 hours, I would have never remember to write how 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙨 𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙨 can be beneficial in treating Eutypa Dieback fungal disease! 😝 #wine #entrepeneur #winebusiness —— 🍷 I am Claudia, WSET Lev. 3 certified wine professional. If you are fascinated by Tuscany but you don't know how to scout the most authentic and unique wines of this region🍷 𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚-𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬! 📩

🆙🍷 Looking to elevate your career in the wine industry? The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is an absolute game-changer! This blog post debunks five common misconceptions about the diploma, highlighting its value and the career benefits it offers. From advanced knowledge to enhanced professional credibility, investing in your wine education can open doors to exciting opportunities. 🚀🍇

Empower change: Take action with Wine in Moderation 💼 PART 2 🎓 Empowering wine professionals: Education with Wine in Moderation 🍷💼 Unlock the potential of responsible business practices within the wine sector through the transformative power of education! 🌟📚 At the heart of the Wine in Moderation programme lies a commitment to training wine professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, responsible decisions. 🌱💡 EDUCATION: Education serves as the cornerstone of the Wine in Moderation programme, driving the development of seminars, educational programmes, and internal trainings aimed at enhancing the capabilities of wine professionals. 📝✨ These initiatives are designed not only to expand knowledge but also to cultivate a culture of responsible choices compatible with a balanced lifestyle. Educational programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse professional groups within the wine sector, from managers to oenologists, sommeliers to HORECA professionals. 🍇🍽️ Partnerships with key stakeholders across the wine value chain ensure that responsible consumption training is integrated into the curricula of wine professionals, fostering a holistic approach to industry education. Ready to embark on your journey toward responsible service? Discover our Responsible Service training or connect with your national coordinator to explore educational opportunities available in your country. 🌍🍷 Together, let's empower wine professionals to lead the charge in promoting responsible practices and shaping a healthier future for all. 💪🥂 #WineEducation #ResponsibleBusiness #WineinModeration