I just started WSET level 1 about 2 weeks ago and yesterday I wrote my first systematic tasting notes, it really is a different feeling when you know someone will review your notes, rather than just doing it for yourself or with friends, lol. I agree that for someone with some experience it can be a good idea to skip level 1, even just as a passionate wine drinker and someone who regularly watches TH-cam wine content I can say that level 1 is not very hard. I still don't regret it, just giving myself an easy start and getting used to the exam setting.
Three big advantages of WSET over Guild Somm certification: 1) WSET is a recognized education organization, not a "guild" 2) WSET is run by educators, not sexual predators and certified insane people, and 3) as a student, you don't have to be certifiably insane to pass WSET tests, unlike Guild Somm...
Very satisfied with all that you share including knowledge to buy great wines, to discover new gems, and to enjoy drinking and sharing quality from my cellar. I like to be ready to discuss more than price and Ratings. Must say that you are outstanding at educating us, and introducing us to different nations, regions, techniques, and the qualities of good wines. I wish more would discover your videos. If you’re ever in New England and want to lead a wine experience, I will gather interested wine lovers. You could even consider future TH-cam videos on New England wineries and Great Lakes wineries.
I am so sorry to not respond earlier. 😞 First of all, thank You for a such a lovely comment and compliments. It really helps me going. ☺️🍾🥂 Thank You, I have never been to New England, but I occasionally visit New York, so maybe some day? 🤷♀️ all the best and cheers! ✨🍾🥂
Very nice info !! Wset 1 is really a good start for wine enthusiasts and a way to know how to organize ideas. Wset 2 is the basic for the people who want to get serious ! Cheers !
Studying in Austria I remember with the fondest memories. Not at all like studying, more like sharing Your passion with like-minded people. 😃 Yes, I keep buying wine books even though I have so many of them online. I guess I like the feeling when You are reading it on paper. When are You coming back with Your videos? 🙃
Years ago, I wanted to learn about wine. At that time, I was big in Rioja and thought about doing the Spain Wine Scholar. I keep that as after thought until the pandemic hit and I decided to start with level 1 WSET which led me to to level 3 where I will be stopping atz I’ve realized after studying wine, I much prefer focusing on Italian wine. I had to take my resit in August for level 3 so I’m waiting for my results.
I did WSET III YEARS ago and was appalled at the conduct of the examiner. Essentially he wanted as many people as possible to pass, so it was very slack. I passed without any “ assistance “ and yes it was fun but really the only wine certification worth a damn is the Masters of Wine degree. I left the wine industry and gained a degree as a Bachelor of Land Economics. The very best of luck with the Masters of Wine degree Agnese.
I guess it depends where You study. I have WSET Diploma and I cannot say it was easy, and while lectures certainly want You to pass, they do not give points for nothing. 🍷
@@NoSediment I was working for one of the two largest wine retailers in Australia so the pressure was on the lecturer. The very best of luck with your MW degree. You definitely can do it.
I´m doing the Diploma at the moment, the online version, and can fully follow your experiences. I have only passed 1 of the 4 exams, for the first semester, so I have 3 (at least) resits, first one coming up on the 25th.
I’ve never worked in the wine industry at any level, but I have a group of friends, some who do, and we’ve been having weekly blind tastings for over 10 years. Now that I’m considering retiring, I’m thinking of pursuing formal wine education. Whether it’ll just be for fun or whether I might decide to try out working in wine education or some other aspect of the wine industry as a second career, it’s something I want to do. I plan to not follow this advice though. I started off by trying every practice quiz and test that I could find, just to see where I was already, and on almost every level 2 exam I tried I scored a pass with distinction. On the few I didn’t I only missed it by a single question. On the level 3 exams I usually, but not always, get a passing score. And when I don’t I’m again very close. So I feel pretty confident that I’m already very solidly at level 2 and ready for level 3. And that’s with no intentional study at all, just what I’ve absorbed over the years. I have copies of the last edition of both books and plan to study those thoroughly, as well as books from other wine education sources, like the Society of Wine Educators. Once I feel comfortable with the materials I have, I plan to go ahead and take the level 3 course. Whether I go beyond that…?
Thank You for Your comment. I also did start at the level 3 of WSET, and to be honest don’t regret. I started young, I had limited budget and it made sense. And if You can start at the level 3 and wish to do so, go ahead. However, I would like to add this - it is not all about wine trivia, it is also meeting people (other students and educators) and they give You other perspective on wine and sometimes on life. I would want to say that next to the wine education I am getting, at the same importance are the people I meet. And I learn way more from them than I have ever learned from books. 🙏🏻 Cheers to You and Your future journey! 🍷
I did L2 back in 2013 as I was working as part time as an unpaid intern in a wine import company ,in addition to having a full time job. I tried to switch careers & move into the wine industry. However, life had a different plan for me and I have continued in language education & training. But doing L2 was a good experience as it gave me both a stronger foundation & a better structure to learn more about the technical side and as you mentioned fill in some gaps in my wine knowledge. It was a great experience with my instructors & fellow student, most of the wines were alright and I made some new acquaintances. I sort of consider myself as WSET 2.7/8 🙂, as I am a Decenter subscriber and read a lot of different print and online news & info about wine and spirits. At some point in my life I would like to do Level 3, as I think it would be educational, challenging and fun. But I don't think I will go to the Diploma Level, as I don't work in the wine industry or F&B. Once again a great video, very clear and informational. I think compared to the CMS, WSET is a much better route to wine knowledge and professionalism, as it is a more inclusive community, more fair and doesn't have the issues and problems that the CMS currently is dealing with. Keep up the good work Agnes, it must have been awesome meeting Steven Spurrier. BTW, have you ever considering doing an video/episode on Greek wine? I think that could be awesome. P.S. Where are you from? Hope you don't mind me asking.
Judging by Your knowledge, I would say L3 would be very easy for You. Especially if You have done L2 and know how the “system” works. And I agree 100% WSET is more inclusive environment and I have always felt safe there. Similarly as I feel now in IMW. I am from Riga, Latvia. We don’t have many Greek wines here (the only one I have seen is Gaia Wild Ferment). So nothing much to work with locally. But I would like to visit Greece and make a video there. Also my study partner is from Greece, more specifically Samos. Hopefully soon. 🤞 Thank You for Your lovely comment and cheers! 🍾✨🥂
Many years ago I used to organise wine tastings via various merchants who provided the wine and asked one of their younger members of staff to tutor the sessions. They were often going through their WSET exams. I asked one if I could borrow a few of his past papers for him to mark. In those days the hierarchy was: Certificate; Advanced Certificate; Diploma. I passed the first two with ease but the Diploma was a different challenge altogether. I realised then that I knew a lot less than I thought I knew - it was a humbling experience. Are you planning to go for MW? BTW, Jancis Robinson MW first turned me on to wine (I did not come from a wine-drinking family) about 47 years ago with her very first book, called, simply, 'Wine.' My flatmates and I would buy a mixed case and carry out blind tastings and try to match different foods with the wines. Some of these people are still my friends to this day. Our very first case comprised three bottles each of: Cotes de Roussillon; Faugeres; Corbieres; and Minervois. The late, great Clive Coates was head of British Transport Hotels wine division in those days and, as I worked in the railway industry, I was entitled to discounts. Happy days!
Thank You for Your comment! 🙏🏻✨ I had similar humbling experience, when first participated in the Sommelier Championship. My knowledge was not up to standards in any way. Because of that I actually decided to pay more attention and started to study wine more seriously. Yes, I have finished WSET Diploma, and now I have applied for the MW. ✨🍾 Thank You and cheers! 🥂
maybe useful, but to me no need to read about wines, just spend some good bucks and drink to learn the different varietals and regions. yeah read the front and back labels. that’s it!! my opnion. Really enjoy this channel 👌
Even though I believe that the best way to learn about wine is by investing in cork screw! Books are essential part in wine appreciation and understanding. Majority knows that Burgundy is where Chardonnay reigns, but if You don’t read the books, than You wouldn’t know that Bouzeron and St.Bris is Aligote and Sauvignon Blanc respectively. And in Burgundy they rarely ever write that on the back label. 😉 this is just one of many examples. ✨
I just did L2 exam a week ago. I wanted to do it 20 years ago but my boss at the time said I cannot get the needed afternoons off :) I'm wondering if I could take the L3 during the spring. Interesting to see where this leads.
That actually saddens me a lot. I think management should be interested in their colleagues to gain as much education as possible. And it doesn’t take as much time (at least not years) that it cannot be done. But I am happy that You were able to get the certification after all’ ✨ Cheers! 🥂
@@NoSediment Thanks! I find that old episode a bit funny though - and the context is not coming through in my short comment. However, It was also around the same time I joined Munskänkarna, the local wine commune and got the learning through other route. Anyways, this always bugged me a bit so now it's time to recalibrate palate to SAT tasting model etc. It's great to be 'back in the school' 😀 🍷
Hi, I will try to prepare something, but I am not an educator and I am not that familiar with latest syllabus. If You write me an email for what specifically You are looking for, I might prepare a list. Cheers and thank You for the comment! 🍷🍇
@@NoSediment Thanks for the prompt reply.. Actually I have passed L2. & now want to prepare myself for L3 but could not able to find some good study material where I can gain theoretical knowledge . An advancement needed for preparation of L3. Searched online too but got confused & landed up with more confusions.
Thanks for a good challange and good luck on your mw-journey. I took my Lvl 2 exam 3 days ago and I am going to do the level 3 exam in May 2024. Do you have any book recomendations? I have already bought "the world atlas of wine" and "Oxford Companion to Wine" If you have any other tips regarding my wset lvl-3 studies feel free to share them as well. //Daniel
I am sorry for such a late reply. Everything You need to know to pass LVL3 exam is in the wset book “Understanding style and quality.” However, for me great help has always been “Understanding wine technology.” By David Bird. And really helpful is also “Essential winetasing” by Michael Schuster. 🙏🏻 Cheers
I just started WSET level 1 about 2 weeks ago and yesterday I wrote my first systematic tasting notes, it really is a different feeling when you know someone will review your notes, rather than just doing it for yourself or with friends, lol.
I agree that for someone with some experience it can be a good idea to skip level 1, even just as a passionate wine drinker and someone who regularly watches TH-cam wine content I can say that level 1 is not very hard. I still don't regret it, just giving myself an easy start and getting used to the exam setting.
Have fun.
Completely agree with You! And if You start with lvl 1 it gives You more time to spend with some amazing people. 🍾✨🥂
Wine and horror are two of my favorite things in life! So when I saw the Jason mask in the background I instantly subbed! Great video!!
Hahah, for me as well. I am crazy horror movie fan. 🍾 Cheers! 🥂
Wine and horror? First thing I thought of was bourbon barrel aging. Now THATS a horror.
@@genestone4951 🤣 Definitely gives Jason Voorhees a run for his money!
Three big advantages of WSET over Guild Somm certification:
1) WSET is a recognized education organization, not a "guild"
2) WSET is run by educators, not sexual predators and certified insane people, and
3) as a student, you don't have to be certifiably insane to pass WSET tests, unlike Guild Somm...
mind sharing more about the sexual predators? :\....
Very satisfied with all that you share including knowledge to buy great wines, to discover new gems, and to enjoy drinking and sharing quality from my cellar. I like to be ready to discuss more than price and Ratings. Must say that you are outstanding at educating us, and introducing us to different nations, regions, techniques, and the qualities of good wines.
I wish more would discover your videos. If you’re ever in New England and want to lead a wine experience, I will gather interested wine lovers. You could even consider future TH-cam videos on New England wineries and Great Lakes wineries.
I am so sorry to not respond earlier. 😞 First of all, thank You for a such a lovely comment and compliments. It really helps me going. ☺️🍾🥂 Thank You, I have never been to New England, but I occasionally visit New York, so maybe some day? 🤷♀️ all the best and cheers! ✨🍾🥂
Very nice info !! Wset 1 is really a good start for wine enthusiasts and a way to know how to organize ideas. Wset 2 is the basic for the people who want to get serious ! Cheers !
Thank You for adding that! Yes, I completely agree! 🙌
Thanks for this Agnes. I will definitely look into this, but mostly from a hobby/personal knowledge. Also, 1:08 was so cute and funny!
Thank You! 🥂🥂✨
Your experience in Austria sounds amazing! I completed level 2 and would like to do level 3 someday. I'm also really jealous of your wine bookshelf.
Studying in Austria I remember with the fondest memories. Not at all like studying, more like sharing Your passion with like-minded people. 😃 Yes, I keep buying wine books even though I have so many of them online. I guess I like the feeling when You are reading it on paper. When are You coming back with Your videos? 🙃
@@NoSediment I've been taking some time off as I get settled in Malta. I hope to start again soon :)
Years ago, I wanted to learn about wine. At that time, I was big in Rioja and thought about doing the Spain Wine Scholar. I keep that as after thought until the pandemic hit and I decided to start with level 1 WSET which led me to to level 3 where I will be stopping atz I’ve realized after studying wine, I much prefer focusing on Italian wine. I had to take my resit in August for level 3 so I’m waiting for my results.
So, how was the results? I hope You got some great news and was able to celebrate with Champagne! 🍾✨🥂
I did WSET III YEARS ago and was appalled at the conduct of the examiner.
Essentially he wanted as many people as possible to pass, so it was very slack. I passed without any “ assistance “ and yes it was fun but really the only wine certification worth a damn is the Masters of Wine degree.
I left the wine industry and gained a degree as a Bachelor of Land Economics.
The very best of luck with the Masters of Wine degree Agnese.
I guess it depends where You study. I have WSET Diploma and I cannot say it was easy, and while lectures certainly want You to pass, they do not give points for nothing. 🍷
@@NoSediment
I was working for one of the two largest wine retailers in Australia so the pressure was on the lecturer.
The very best of luck with your MW degree. You definitely can do it.
Thank You for Your support, I just needed this at the moment. 💪🥹
I´m doing the Diploma at the moment, the online version, and can fully follow your experiences. I have only passed 1 of the 4 exams, for the first semester, so I have 3 (at least) resits, first one coming up on the 25th.
I will keep my fingers crossed for You. 🤞 May You have the ‘right’ wines and questions. 🍾🥂
@@NoSediment thank you very much. ☺
I’ve never worked in the wine industry at any level, but I have a group of friends, some who do, and we’ve been having weekly blind tastings for over 10 years. Now that I’m considering retiring, I’m thinking of pursuing formal wine education. Whether it’ll just be for fun or whether I might decide to try out working in wine education or some other aspect of the wine industry as a second career, it’s something I want to do. I plan to not follow this advice though. I started off by trying every practice quiz and test that I could find, just to see where I was already, and on almost every level 2 exam I tried I scored a pass with distinction. On the few I didn’t I only missed it by a single question. On the level 3 exams I usually, but not always, get a passing score. And when I don’t I’m again very close. So I feel pretty confident that I’m already very solidly at level 2 and ready for level 3. And that’s with no intentional study at all, just what I’ve absorbed over the years. I have copies of the last edition of both books and plan to study those thoroughly, as well as books from other wine education sources, like the Society of Wine Educators. Once I feel comfortable with the materials I have, I plan to go ahead and take the level 3 course. Whether I go beyond that…?
Thank You for Your comment. I also did start at the level 3 of WSET, and to be honest don’t regret. I started young, I had limited budget and it made sense. And if You can start at the level 3 and wish to do so, go ahead. However, I would like to add this - it is not all about wine trivia, it is also meeting people (other students and educators) and they give You other perspective on wine and sometimes on life. I would want to say that next to the wine education I am getting, at the same importance are the people I meet. And I learn way more from them than I have ever learned from books. 🙏🏻 Cheers to You and Your future journey! 🍷
I did L2 back in 2013 as I was working as part time as an unpaid intern in a wine import company ,in addition to having a full time job. I tried to switch careers & move into the wine industry. However, life had a different plan for me and I have continued in language education & training.
But doing L2 was a good experience as it gave me both a stronger foundation & a better structure to learn more about the technical side and as you mentioned fill in some gaps in my wine knowledge.
It was a great experience with my instructors & fellow student, most of the wines were alright and I made some new acquaintances. I sort of consider myself as WSET 2.7/8 🙂, as I am a Decenter subscriber and read a lot of different print and online news & info about wine and spirits. At some point in my life I would like to do Level 3, as I think it would be educational, challenging and fun. But I don't think I will go to the Diploma Level, as I don't work in the wine industry or F&B.
Once again a great video, very clear and informational. I think compared to the CMS, WSET is a much better route to wine knowledge and professionalism, as it is a more inclusive community, more fair and doesn't have the issues and problems that the CMS currently is dealing with.
Keep up the good work Agnes, it must have been awesome meeting Steven Spurrier. BTW, have you ever considering doing an video/episode on Greek wine? I think that could be awesome. P.S. Where are you from? Hope you don't mind me asking.
Judging by Your knowledge, I would say L3 would be very easy for You. Especially if You have done L2 and know how the “system” works. And I agree 100% WSET is more inclusive environment and I have always felt safe there. Similarly as I feel now in IMW.
I am from Riga, Latvia. We don’t have many Greek wines here (the only one I have seen is Gaia Wild Ferment). So nothing much to work with locally. But I would like to visit Greece and make a video there. Also my study partner is from Greece, more specifically Samos. Hopefully soon. 🤞
Thank You for Your lovely comment and cheers! 🍾✨🥂
Many years ago I used to organise wine tastings via various merchants who provided the wine and asked one of their younger members of staff to tutor the sessions. They were often going through their WSET exams. I asked one if I could borrow a few of his past papers for him to mark. In those days the hierarchy was: Certificate; Advanced Certificate; Diploma. I passed the first two with ease but the Diploma was a different challenge altogether. I realised then that I knew a lot less than I thought I knew - it was a humbling experience.
Are you planning to go for MW?
BTW, Jancis Robinson MW first turned me on to wine (I did not come from a wine-drinking family) about 47 years ago with her very first book, called, simply, 'Wine.' My flatmates and I would buy a mixed case and carry out blind tastings and try to match different foods with the wines. Some of these people are still my friends to this day. Our very first case comprised three bottles each of: Cotes de Roussillon; Faugeres; Corbieres; and Minervois. The late, great Clive Coates was head of British Transport Hotels wine division in those days and, as I worked in the railway industry, I was entitled to discounts. Happy days!
Thank You for Your comment! 🙏🏻✨ I had similar humbling experience, when first participated in the Sommelier Championship. My knowledge was not up to standards in any way. Because of that I actually decided to pay more attention and started to study wine more seriously. Yes, I have finished WSET Diploma, and now I have applied for the MW. ✨🍾
Thank You and cheers! 🥂
I am feel the same about the online program(diploma) as you did, doing it alone online is tough
Yes, I agree. And that is why I especially enjoyed my time in Rust, Austria. 💪
maybe useful, but to me no need to read about wines, just spend some good bucks and drink to learn the different varietals and regions. yeah read the front and back labels. that’s it!! my opnion. Really enjoy this channel 👌
Even though I believe that the best way to learn about wine is by investing in cork screw! Books are essential part in wine appreciation and understanding. Majority knows that Burgundy is where Chardonnay reigns, but if You don’t read the books, than You wouldn’t know that Bouzeron and St.Bris is Aligote and Sauvignon Blanc respectively. And in Burgundy they rarely ever write that on the back label. 😉 this is just one of many examples. ✨
I just did L2 exam a week ago. I wanted to do it 20 years ago but my boss at the time said I cannot get the needed afternoons off :) I'm wondering if I could take the L3 during the spring. Interesting to see where this leads.
That actually saddens me a lot. I think management should be interested in their colleagues to gain as much education as possible. And it doesn’t take as much time (at least not years) that it cannot be done. But I am happy that You were able to get the certification after all’ ✨ Cheers! 🥂
@@NoSediment Thanks! I find that old episode a bit funny though - and the context is not coming through in my short comment. However, It was also around the same time I joined Munskänkarna, the local wine commune and got the learning through other route. Anyways, this always bugged me a bit so now it's time to recalibrate palate to SAT tasting model etc. It's great to be 'back in the school' 😀 🍷
I just booked a trip to Riga - to visit Barents
Hi..
Thanks & valuable info..
Could you please guide some study material for preparation of wset 3 wines?
Thanks
Hi, I will try to prepare something, but I am not an educator and I am not that familiar with latest syllabus. If You write me an email for what specifically You are looking for, I might prepare a list. Cheers and thank You for the comment! 🍷🍇
@@NoSediment
Thanks for the prompt reply..
Actually I have passed L2. & now want to prepare myself for L3 but could not able to find some good study material where I can gain theoretical knowledge . An advancement needed for preparation of L3. Searched online too but got confused & landed up with more confusions.
Wine with Jimmy is a good exposure to the topics
Thanks for a good challange and good luck on your mw-journey.
I took my Lvl 2 exam 3 days ago and I am going to do the level 3 exam in May 2024.
Do you have any book recomendations?
I have already bought "the world atlas of wine" and "Oxford Companion to Wine"
If you have any other tips regarding my wset lvl-3 studies feel free to share them as well.
//Daniel
I am sorry for such a late reply. Everything You need to know to pass LVL3 exam is in the wset book “Understanding style and quality.” However, for me great help has always been “Understanding wine technology.” By David Bird. And really helpful is also “Essential winetasing” by Michael Schuster. 🙏🏻 Cheers
Mam how could i contact u???
I think there should be my email somewhere in the description - if not, then feel free contact me on instagram. @blancdenoir
super helpful video :)
Thank You, nice to know! 🙌
I am about to take the Spanish Wine Scholar Exam in about 1 hour. Next will be WSET 3
How was the Spanish Wine Scholar?
Are You already in WSET? How is it going?
Very in depth but glad i took it
Passed the Spanish test and I am currently studying for the Level 3.
The Most Important Experience in Wine is drink what you like. This certification is for missing how much they miss in the world, very one sided.
I think You can study and discover new wines, and no-one forbids You to continue to enjoy wines You like. Education is always a good option. 🙏🏻
@NoSediment we tasted 150+ wines in my course (run by a really great MW). highly recommend doing it IF you want to be on this path.
WCIC
You looks beautiful in this hairstyle not in trim hair mam
Will do my best, can’t promise though
aint gotr shit