In January, our Private Client and Corporate Sales team member, Andrew Ray, started his (WSET) Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma in London at their HQ on Bermondsey Street. The Diploma is the fourth and final level of study, and is recognised globally in the industry as a highly credited qualification in wine training. Read on to find out more about the wine journey Andrew has just embarked upon…
Why have you decided to study the Diploma?
I completed my Level 3 (Advanced) a few years ago and always had the intention of continuing my studies to Diploma level. I feel now is the right time, especially with the knowledge I have gained from my time so far at Bon Coeur, to seriously push on with my learning.
What can you expect from the course?
I think it’s fair to say that the Diploma is not for the faint hearted and you have to be fully committed. The course is intense and to complete it roughly 600 study hours are recommended. On average, it takes two years to finish and is the equivalent to studying for a degree in wine whilst working full time. Although there is no denying it will be challenging, ultimately the personal and professional benefits will justify all the effort and sacrifice over the next two years.
What are the benefits of studying the course?
Without doubt the main benefit of the course is gaining detailed and indepth knowledge of the wine industry and the whole winemaking process including keys areas such as viticulture, wine production through to the global as well as UK markets. This also reinforces personal confidence in my own knowledge and being able to pass this on to you, our customers, to help make an informed decision dependent on your needs and requirements. At the heart of everything we do, is your experience as a customer and we always go that extra mile, offering great advice, care and attention to detail through every step of your wine journey, which can only be improved by the extra knowledge I will gain from the WSET Diploma.
How are you assessed?
The course is split into two semesters (years), and there are five modules to study. I’m part of the first group to undertake the new course, which solely concentrates on wines (and not spirits). The topics covered are categorised into the global business of alcoholic beverages, wine production as well as light, sparkling and fortified wines. The depth and breadth of knowledge you need to know is immense, and you are be tested in many formats from multiple choice questions, short form and open theory questions, a case study and course work assignments as well as blind tasting (… which is of course, the most fun to practice).
How have you found the course so far?
It’s early days as I’ve only just finished my block session, however, it has been very interesting. There is a lot of information to take in such a short space of time, so it has been very intense yet highly enjoyable. I’m currently studying for my first exam, which is a 100 multiple choice question paper on viticulture, viniculture and vineyard management. I’m already fully immersed in the course... eating, sleeping and dreaming about wine!
