I took my WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Advanced exam a few weeks ago and am waiting for the results. Feeling confident, I decided to research the next level of my wine education, WSET Diploma of Wine and Spirits. This is a commitment. The level can take up to 3 years and consists of 6 exams, all of which I would have to fly to a location to sit for. For those of you unaware of the WSET, I encourage you to view the information on the website: www.wsetglobal.com.
The first exam is 100 multiple choice questions on viticulture and vinification (growing grapes and making the juice). I already purchased two books that are cited as reference for this exam. All in all, this exam does not seem too bad.
The second assignment is a 2500 -3000 word essay, the subject of which is selected by the WSET. Once this is completed and turned in, you can sit for the closed book essay on a wine industry case study.
Exams 3 through 6 can be attempted in any order and all involve an essay exam and a written blind tasting exam. There is an exam on Spirits, Sparkling Wines, Fortified Wines and ‘Still’ Wines. Apparently the killer exam is the Still Wine sof the World. This has an initial pass rate of just over 50%, depending on the year. There is a tremendous amount of material to learn. My mentor, Joe Raya DWS, showed me his study notes for this exam and it looked like my local (small town) phone book.
So with multiple things running through my head: having to fly for my exams, multi-year commitment, inpact on my family, financial impact, but something I may regret if I do not do, I am struggling with the decision. I just thought I would share with anyone out there that is reading this. I welcome any insight or comments. Thanks for reading and your support.
Masters of Wine
Wine and Spirits Education Trust
Hi,
A few minutes a got my diploma Still Wine results back. I passed the theory and failed the tasting. I have passed all other five units. I am writing this in a bitter state. At this point my experience far out weighs this piece of paper, that will neither make or break my career, or any one’s at that. In fact, while I studied my butt off for the other units, for this unit I hardly studied at all. I postponed the exam by two years. I didn’t open a wine book for about four months leading up to the exam. I got lucky, got soft ball questions and I know what they want to see in terms of how to present an answer. The fact that I passed the theory lowers my esteem towards the WSET. And now if I want completion, I must pay $500 to re-sit the tasting and hope that when I say “medium+ acidity”, so does the guy grading my paper. I say F it.
Eric,
I understand your frustration and I am sorry that things did not turn out the way you planned. I feel you are right about some of the things you said. First, a piece of paper does not give you knowledge. Study and life experiences are what give us knowledge. Those ‘silly’ pieces of paper are what open doors and give us opportunities to show our knowledge. That paper may not make or break your career but it will haunt you and leave a bad taste in your mouth for years to come. That you have come so close and did not finish the race. Weather, you go back and take the tasting part and finish the Diploma is up to you, but you need to realize that the decision must be for you and not anyone else. The fact that you did not study as much for the exam and still passed is not a blemish to the program but rather a testament to you knowledge. You know that in this kind of business there is no real end to study. It is a lifetime commitment to learning. I hope you feel better about things. I truly am sorry for how you feel. If you read my bio on here, you realize that I am crazy. I’m not even in the industry but strive to one day be at the top of this trade. Please feel free to respond. I will put your statement on the main blog for all to see. Thank you for taking the time to write out how you feel.
Dennis
Go for it! You won’t be sorry.
After I finish with my MS I’m planning to take the Diploma and the MW as well 🙂
Alex,
I work full time as a nurse anesthetist and this is my hobby…well, my passion. What made you go the sommelier route? Do you work in the wine industry? Thanks for the response. I will be blogging more so please stop back. Thanks again.
Alex,
I’ve started writing again. I’m inspired and plan on starting the WSET Diploma next year. Look at my latest blog. Thanks.