Hi,
I'm studying for the CWS exam in October (Phoenix). Is anyone else out there studying for the exam?

Is that a step up in the sommelier heirarchy?

No, I already have the Sommelier Diploma through International Sommelier Guild. The Certified Wine Specialist (CWS) Exam is the step to apply and take the Certified Wine Educators Exam.

The skill set of the CWS is
just different enough that I have to study daily in order to prepare for the Oct. exam.

Hi Tracy,

I'm not studying for the CWS exam, however, I was wondering how beneficial the ISG's courses were for you. I want to begin taking them, however I would need to travel 3 hours there and back each week to take them. Would travel and weekly overnight stays be worth the education/certification? Thanks in advance for your response. And good luck on your upcoming exam! Kelly

Tracy,


Is the exam a written test or tasting test?

I can't speak for you because I don't know what your career goals are.
I have got to tell you it was the best thing for ME. I had little to no wine experience prior to ISG. I was the gal who drank one glass of white zin every six months. After completing the full program while working in the business my career skyrocketed.

My car was broken at the time so my first trip to the class (on public transportation-San Diego to Los Angeles) was five hours each way! YIKES! After that it was an 1.5 hours each way.

I may even be going back again this Fall to take the Sommelier Diploma class with a fantastic teacher. I had this particular teacher (Barbara) for WF1/2 and then they switched teachers. The second instructor was fine but nothing compared to this woman.

If I were you I would speak to some people who are where you want to be career wise and mimic their steps. Also ask what they would have done differently.

Thanks for the warm wishes.
Tracy

Hi Elmo,
The Certified Wine Specialist exam is a written exam.

Thanks, Tracy!

The WF1/2 and SDP programs would be for my own personal knowledge, rather than a career goal (although it would be great to have under my belt just in case!). I have past restaurant experience and a good start on wine knowledge, so what you've told me has helped me tremendously (I'm gonna go for it!). Maybe I'll someday follow in your steps and go on (a girl can dream!) Best wishes, Kelly.

I am a wine enthusiest and have moderate to good wine knowledge. I am not in the wine business but would like to take some wine courses that would give me some kind of certification in case one day I do want to be in the business.

Any suggestions on courses that would be good for me?

Thanks
cabsandzins

Hi cabsandzins,

As I mention to the students who take my class at SDSU (San Diego Wine Retailing and California Wine Careers). I would take the steps/classes that would help towards your career goal. The wine profession is a business just like any other profession you would follow the route which would guarantee the greatest success (and the most fun).

Here was my situation. I was 33 and decided to leave my old career (I have a JD/MBA) and decided I wanted to get into the wine industry. With my background what types of jobs in the wine industry was I qualified for? Law related positions, which I didn't have experience in wine laws, which by the way there are many options availible. Nor did I want to do anything law related. If I had chosen the first option which would have been a law related position in law I would have had to start pretty much right from the beginning by interning, deciding what aspect of wine law I should concentrate on (importing,exporting,shipping,working in house for a winery, associations,AOC etc.)and building experience.

I on the other hand have the long term goal which is applying and becoming accepted and obtaining the distinction of Master of Wine. Then from there I traveled backwards and mapped out (according to the recommendation of Institute of Masters of Wine) my plan of action. I use my plan of action like a check list and keep going. At times I get pooped so I take a break from studying for qualifying exams but I also work full time in the industry so I am still working towards my goals.

I got good advice from an industry professional that said "at your old age of 33, you are going to do this thing or your not; you decide". He was right. Was I going to play wine and keep it as a hobby or was I going to commit myself to developing a career. It was all up to me.

Anytime you are learning about a subject you enjoy it is only enriching your life. My advice to you is work towards what you want to achive by taking the realistic steps of getting you there. Have fun at WF1/2!