Wine Education: Is WSET Certification Right For You?

In this video, John Jackson, DipWSET a/k/a Attorney Somm explains why he pursued his wine education through WSET certification and shares his experiences so that you can decide if WSET certification may be right for you and, if so, which levels you may wish to pursue.

Attorney Somm has obtained WSET certifications for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. Attorney Somm discusses the time commitment for each program, what you can expect to study and the examination process.

In addition, Attorney Somm discusses the pros and cons of pursuing your wine education through the WSET as opposed to the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine Scholar Guild country-specific programs.

WINE ACCESSORIES I USE

MY FAVORITE FLASH SITE - Sign up to receive $10 off your first order!

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE WINE VIDEOS

LET'S CONNECT

DISCLOSURE
Some of the links above are set up through affiliate programs, which means that this channel receives a modest referral credit if you choose to purchase or sign up through the link(s) above. Affiliate links help allow me to continue to bring you great content and impartial wine reviews. Thank you for contributing to the Attorney Somm community!

[craigmetcalfe]

Hey JJ! My mother told me that "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" and my paternal grandmother always told me that "Knowledge is no burden to carry". Inspired by this familial guidance I have learned to regard learning and education as a lifelong pursuit rather than the paper chase thoughts of my youth. I like the idea of the WSET and see it as the culmination of many years of tasting and reading about wine. I thought briefly about the Master of Wine qualification which may have been an option if I wanted to work in the wine industry. However, like you I do have a day job I really enjoy but feel like I have a few spare CPU cycles that would be best put to a worthwhile pursuit. Thank you so much for setting the level of expectation and am glad they offer pins rather than badges because they always remind me of that movie quote "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!" Cheers!

[FoodiewineloverGina]

I think you should be the spokesperson for WSET. Your explanation is very concise and easy to comprehend. I appreciate this very insightful video, and you make it easy to decide which course is more suitable for my needs. Thank you John taking the time to do this! Cheers!

[gustavomgomes]

Very good explanation about the courses . Algo important to mention that the Wset has his own pattern of language, used to describe a wine, different of other certification schools . And they have more than a thousand education representatives all over the world .

[neseturan]

Very educational video! You are doing wonderful things for this sector. l greatly appreciate your hard work and energy. Your hard work and support are unique! lt makes huge difference as usual! Thanks so much, John! Cheers! 🍾🥂

[reshmagola]

Really great information and very comprehensive! I’ve been enjoying taking the classes together!

[sipsavor.sights]

lt is a very useful video for those who are interested with this topic.(WSET) The way you explain is really easy to understand, clear. Most importantly, it is great to listen to you! Thanks a lot, John! 💫

[braidblanks]

I have been looking for a video like this! I needed someone to go through the whole process of the WSET. thank you!!

[leechitty]

Thanks for the overview! Im starting my WSET 2 next week.

[sanjaypatelmd]

Thank you. I am going to do WSET after your video.

[AbishekGhimire-id]

Really great information sir. I am from Nepal 🇳🇵. Currently studying diploma in food and beverage service and i have wset level 2. I will also become sommelier like one day. Lots of love from Nepal 🇳🇵. Sir

[lauracanna]

I have already put 60+ hours in studying for the WSET3, despite I haven't even started the class yet (I'll start the class this coming Sunday) and I feel like I know nothing and whatever I learn quickly comes out of my brain within days 😭 I can't imagine how hard is the Diploma given that I find already impossible level 3 😮

[stevenholt]

Crikey, you've de-aged. That's what drinking good wine does for you.

40-odd years ago I was a real enthusiast and ran my own tasting evenings. One of the chaps who tutored some my monthly sessions was going through the WSET programme. In those days it comprised, if memory serves, Certificate; Advanced Certificate; and Diploma. I got to Advanced Certificate standard but wasn't allowed to take the exam because the WSET was restricted to those in the trade only. Diploma was a massive step up and required a lot of tasting and, even if I was allowed to, my palate just wasn't up to to such a test. You have done well to attain Level 4, despite not earning your living in the trade. Are you tempted by the MW programme?

[rickkan]

How many units have you completed in level 4? Just got my results back for level 3 and am ready to start level 4 but due to the current travel restrictions(level r isn’t available locally) I can only take level 4 online

[aaronbarber]

Are you familiar with how the WSET courses are working with Covid guidelines? How level 1 and 2 are working?