I received an email last month that invited me to submit an essay to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the British organization that awards qualifications in the wine and spirits industry. Because I was a top scorer in the USA, UK and Australia, I am eligible for consideration for the Laithwaite’s Wine Prizes. I took the WSET Level 2 test way back in February, but the awards are made at the end of WSET’s calendar year. The winners will receive a travel stipend to study a wine producing region. I am more than happy to write 500 words if it means a free wine trip!
I should find out soon if I won. I have no idea how many people were invited to submit an essay, but I’m guessing it’s a large number over three extremely populated countries. Nevertheless, I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the essay question, “How did studying the Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits aid your aspirations in understanding wine and your future in the wine world.” I gave the essay my best shot, and here’s what I wrote:
Thank you for the opportunity to share my reflections on the WSET 2 experience.
Completing the WSET Level 2 has given me the context to understand the rapidly developing Texas wine industry and helped prepare me for a new part-time job as a wine writer. I recently became a contributing writer to Texas Wine Lover website, the largest website dedicated to Texas wines and wineries. The Texas wine industry is facing critical issues including debate over labeling laws, combating grapevine diseases, withstanding weather challenges and optimizing variety selection. Because of my exposure to these topics in WSET Level 2, I am able to converse with winemakers and other industry representatives and am confident in my knowledge of grape growing and winemaking. I am keenly interested in vineyard managers’ and winemakers’ decisions and how those decisions ultimately impact Texas wines.
Evaluative tasting was an important area of growth during my class. I was randomly selected by my instructor to share my tasting notes on the very first wine of the course, a simple Pinot Grigio. After I mistakenly called the wine oaked, I knew that I needed to spend extra time on learning to taste and evaluate wine. Although preferences in wine are highly personal, I learned that there is, in fact, a systematic method and common language for tasting wine. Throughout the course, I calibrated my palate to understand balance, acidity, tannins and the other components in wine. Learning this vocabulary and approach has been the most important development in my understanding of wine.
During the course, I encountered many varieties for the first time*. I tasted classic examples of wines that are now being crafted by Texas winemakers. Familiarity with these classic wines is critical when considering wines from emerging regions. For example, through studying and tasting Rioja during WSET Level 2, I developed a frame of reference for evaluating Texas Tempranillo.
The course ignited my enthusiasm for wine education. I have recently conducted several wine education sessions for friends and neighbors. Preparing to teach these classes required me to re-read my WSET textbook, review the tasting grid and monitor current news and trends in the dynamic wine industry. I have enrolled in WSET Level 3 beginning in November and am thrilled to take another course from Dilek Caner, MW, of Dallas Wine Education Center. I know the class will further advance my body of knowledge and my tasting competence.
Finally, I had moments of personal growth in my class, making connections with several local wine writers, salespeople, restaurant professionals, and wine enthusiasts. I have started attending more wine tasting events and stretching myself to drink different types of wine. Engaging with this community of local wine enthusiasts has been important as I have begun writing and teaching. Cheers!
*Consequently, I fell in love with Barolo.
