Wine and Spirits Education Trust classes return to in-person format
Program offers courses and certifications for wine beginners, connoisseurs, service professionals
Program offers courses and certifications for wine beginners, connoisseurs, service professionals– The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) program in Paso Robles, which has already helped hundreds of Paso Robles wine industry professionals achieve their certifications, is returning with in-person classes this spring at Broken Earth winery, including the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines course, one of the industry’s most rigorous and respected wine certifications.
The internationally recognized program is the only fully-approved resident WSET program in Paso Robles. A satellite of The Wine House, the program offers courses and certifications for wine beginners, connoisseurs, service professionals, and advanced wine students. The program is considered to be among the most prestigious wine industry qualifications in the world.
Course levels 1, 2 and 3 will be offered this year: The WSET Level 1 Introduction to Wine is a six-hour course that establishes a strong wine education basis, culminating with an exam for certification. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wine dives deep into a broader world of wine through blind tasting, winemaking, growing, and a wide range of appellations, while the Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits covers the major wine regions of the world in greater depth and includes more detailed study of viticulture and vinification.
“I am very excited to again help wine professionals and wine enthusiasts in the Paso Robles/SLO area advance their wine education with local, and in-person, access to the WSET program and certifications, as well as to the wide range of wines from around the world that are part of each course,” said Melanie Webber, who directs and teaches the Paso Robles program.
Webber has been teaching wine certification in Paso for the past three years, helping industry professionals achieve their certification, including winery owners, winemakers, chefs, tasting room managers, and personnel, as well as those shifting their career paths into wine. She holds the diploma in wine and spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, as well as the French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications from The Wine Scholar Guild. She is certified by the WSET’s rigorous Educator Training Program to teach WSET L1, L2 and L3. She has also taught French Wine Scholar and Diploma WSET classes in Los Angeles.
“The curriculum for WSET’s world-class certifications is top-notch and rigorous, but Melanie makes the learning accessible, fun and engaging, all while ensuring a depth of understanding. Melanie’s classes are essential learning for anyone who is serious about expanding their wine education,” said Neeta Mittal, founder and owner of LXV Wine in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles WSET in-person classes:
WSET Level One Award in Wines – Tuesday, March 29 – Link to register here.
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine, it explores the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also teaching the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and create food and wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette. A suggested prerequisite for WSET L2, it includes a printed study guide, tasting of 10 wines, food pairing exercises, and exam fee. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.
WSET Level Two Award in Wines – Monday/Tuesday, March 14-15 and Exam on March 28 – Link to register here.
Intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry, the qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who want a serious education in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines.
WSET Level Three Award in Wines May 2, 3, 16, 17, 23 from 9:30 – 5 p.m.; Exam on June 20 from 9:30 – Noon. Link to register here or email melanie@melaniwebberwine.com to save your spot.
An advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for serious wine enthusiasts.
For individuals seeking to delve deeply into the world of wines, Level 3 provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Open to students with the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, or who can demonstrate knowledge at an Intermediate level through the completion of equivalent education courses, or who have sufficient wine trade experience. The course covers wines of the world in-depth (35+ hours) and tastings of 70+ wines. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom time.
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