I know this has been discussed before, but I am new to the wine industry and want to take professional classes that will lead to a job in the industry.
Would anyone reccomend one school over another? WSET? ISG? French Culinary? CIA Grey? Any other schools?
I just passed the WSET certificate course and am now taking on eiwth the Sommelier Society of America. People seem to have various types of experience from server to being int he wine business. From speaking to various restaurant managers, it does not appear that the restaurants compare the programs, thus meaning that any kind of certification is well respected. From my experience taking the wine classes, the in-class session definitely teach a lot about wine. Sometimes, however, guest speakers teach you a great of information but are unknowingly not preparing you for the exams. This means that the studying must come on your own and from extra reading. When they do blind tastings, observe who guesses the grapes correctly and then try to get them into your study group. Hope this helps and good luck.
I can vouch for the comprehensiveness of the ISG courses. The 1st two levels (ISG Fund. I & II) prereqs for the diploma program themselves were worth every penny. More than mere introduction, we were responsible for in-depth knowledge of 16 grape varieties and details from every page of Jancis R/Hugh J World Atlas of Wine (best maps ever). But the best was the intense focus on tasting, blind tasting(!) and good tasting notes. Becoming part of a tasting group outside of class is an imperative. The exam for this part was no cake walk with mult. choice questions, multiple essays and blind tastings. It was markedly more challenging (and gratifying) than the WSET Advanced and Certified Wine Specialist exams I have taken.
I went through the Diploma program but missed the final due to serious illness (blah). Hope to make it up in the spring. While a quantum leap above the Fundementals in scope, the in-class instruction for the diploma program seemed a bit rote to me, however the outside-class reading list is large. The budget for class tastings was sufficient for a very impressive learning experience. Your tasting group will be meeting at least twice a week outside of class training your nose and palate!
Additionally, there is a serious emphasis on Sommelier Service, food/menu pairing, spirits and beer and knowledge of producers. I spent hours studying for the exam before illness forced to bail, but I will have definitely earned my stripes when I take it and pass, and I am in awe of all those who have done so.
Thanks for the insight, I am seriously intersted in taking that course this coming february and is comforting hearing some good things about it. Thanks
I just passed the WSET certificate course and am now taking on eiwth the Sommelier Society of America. People seem to have various types of experience from server to being int he wine business. From speaking to various restaurant managers, it does not appear that the restaurants compare the programs, thus meaning that any kind of certification is well respected. From my experience taking the wine classes, the in-class session definitely teach a lot about wine. Sometimes, however, guest speakers teach you a great of information but are unknowingly not preparing you for the exams. This means that the studying must come on your own and from extra reading. When they do blind tastings, observe who guesses the grapes correctly and then try to get them into your study group. Hope this helps and good luck.
John,
What does the WSET stand for? I think Wine Spectator but what about the ET? I am fairly skilled wine enthusiast but now i am looking to take an advanced class before moving and retiring back to Sonoma. I currently live in La for 5 yrs on a job.Thanks for any recommendations.
Posts: 15 | Location: Manhattan Beach, CA | Registered: Dec 18, 2006
Sebastian, congratulations on your recent accomplishments. I recently ate at La Goulue and truly enjoyed my dinner. Anyway, it took me until now to realize that you had posed some questions to me about the WSET Advanced Certificate. As for studying, they will give you a study guide along with what resembles a "Wine for Dummies" book. Definitely answer ALL of the study questions. They also may give you handouts with sample exam questions. All of these helped me. It further helped me to study with a few other people, even if only getting to meet up 2-3 times. On the exam, I felt pretty confident on the multiple choice section. However, on the essays, it took me a few extra minutes to figure out exactly what they wanted me to write. The more you are out there tasting the major varietals from the important wine regions, the better you will do at answering the questions. On this exam, do note that they test you on ALL topics, including some Eastern European wines and on Spirits so don't take their study questions lightly. The British exams (Which WSET is) are known for being broad-based. Lots of luck to you and drop me a line if I can help further.
Anyone ever take the any courses to become a Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommelier? Does anyone know for sure if that is the highest ranking title as well as the most prestegious school for certification? If you go to their web site it sure sounds like it. http://www.mastersommeliers.org/
Posts: 15 | Location: Manhattan Beach, CA | Registered: Dec 18, 2006
) would not work for me. 
