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Who Should Take a WSET Certification in Wine Class?
05/19/2025
Lisa C. Rutt, DipWSET, CSW, WSET Certified Educator
Who should take a WSET Certification in Wine class?
Everyone! I know that may sound like an exaggeration, but WSET classes are for everyone! I teach WSET classes, because I love the curriculum. I love to see people’s eyes get wide with understanding, as I see the information coming together in their minds. WSET classes teach you WHY the wine you are drinking, tastes the way it does.
It took me, with all my missteps along the way, (see my blog post about all my failures, along the way) and COVID cancellations of tests which occurred right in the middle of my Diploma journey, about six years to complete the entire program, Levels 2-4. Many people are content with the knowledge they have learned by taking Levels 1-3. Only the most motivated wine geeks (or crazy) go on to tackle Diploma, which is Level 4!
Is there really that much to learn about wine?
Yes! There is! The most commonly asked question I get is, “How could you spend six years studying wine?” My answer, “WSET certifications are much more than just learning about wine!”
The curriculum covers every step of the wine making process, from the growing of grapes, to the cork going into the bottle. We discuss climate, geology, geography, the differences between white, red and rose’ winemaking, sparkling winemaking and even fortified wine making, such as Port and Sherry.
We also teach you how to read a wine label, so that when you walk into a wine store, you now know what to expect from every bottle of wine in the store. By just reading the label, you will know if the wine will have low or high level of tannins, if it will be more fruity or earthy, if it will be sweet or dry, and what foods it will pair best with.
Who takes WSET classes? Aren’t they just for industry people?
Not at all! These classes are for anyone who has any curiosity of how wine goes from the grape, into your glass. I have had students from every area of business, from accountants to lawyers, scientists and doctors, to industry people such as bar and restaurant managers and owners. I’ve had students who are also working towards their getting their MBA’s and PHD’s…and I’ve also had students who are retirees! WSET classes are literally for anyone, in any profession, or any one looking to start a new career.
A student in a wine class
Aren’t I too old to take a class with tests?
You are never too old, matter of fact, these classes will help keep your brain active and youthful! As we grow older, we have limited opportunities to learn new things! As we age, our brain slows down, if we stop exercising it. I had been out of school for a VERY long time, when I enrolled in my first WSET class. As I worked my way through the program, I noticed a big difference in how quickly I was able to learn. Things that once seemed hard, became very easy for me, as I was studying and learning so many new concepts. Never stop exercising your brain! It is your most important organ! A WSET class in wine, is the perfect place to begin engaging your mind. As soon as you register and pay for the class, I will send you your book, so you can begin studying right away. It is helpful to receive the book at least a month before class starts, so sign up as soon as possible, so you can get a head start on reading the material.
Aren’t WSET classes expensive?
The majority of the cost of these classes, is spent on the wines we taste in class. We taste very high quality wines, and they are costly. I took the classes remotely and had to purchase all of the wines myself. I spent thousands of dollars in wine! In a group class you get to taste a lot of wine at a fraction of what it would cost you to buy the wines yourself. WSET classes may seam expensive, but they are actually a really great value!
In our Level 2 class, we taste 42 different wines, so taking a class is a great way to determine what wines you like and what wines you don’t like. For me…my Level 2 class totally changed me as a wine drinker! I went in to my first class thinking I hated all white wines and only liked California Cabernet Sauvignon. I came out of that class loving Chardonnay and preferring lighter styles of red wines! It’s amazing what an education in wine will do for you!
Aren’t WSET classes time consuming?
Our Level 1 class is only a one day commitment! It’s a great way to try out a class, to see if you would enjoy a longer commitment.
Our Level 2 class is a four week, four hour a week class. On the fifth week you take a 50 questions multiple choice examination. If you pass the test you will receive a digital certificate and a pin!
Our Level 3 class is eight, four hour classes. which is a longer commitment but also a lot more fun! You really get to know the people in your class and build friendships around your shared love of wine. I usually offer a Level 3 class in the wintertime. It’s a great class to take when there’s not much else to do, other than stay indoors and watch TV! Why not get out of the house one evening a week and drink with a new group of friends and learn all about wine! In this class we taste over 60 different wines!
If you have any questions about any of our classes, feel free to email me at Lisa@Premierwineacademy.com.
Cheers!
Lisa
