The Auswine Forum

Hello

I am considering doing one or more of these courses (in Perth). I'm thinking at starting at Level 2, given I have had some industry involvemnt, and tasted lots. Do you have recent experience of these courses (at any level), and can you tell me how you found it?

Cheers

Allan

Allan,

Have completed Levels 1 & 2 of the WSET in London. Totally agree with you that if you are in the industry and know a bit about wine, Level 1 is probably a bit basic to start at. Level one very good introduction and good for anybody with a passing interest in wine. Level two a bit more involved with some blind tastings and it goes a bit deeper into some of the international wine regions, etc.

Overall I totally enjoyed these courses and would recommend them. My wife also did Level 1 and she thought it was a lot of fun while being educational as well. Would love to do Level 3, but need to find the time (5 full days) and the money as the courses are not cheap ... especially here in Australia.

Hi Allan, I have done levels 2-3. Before taking the plunge, you need to understand that the courses have a predominantly "old world" bias. I believe there have been efforts over the last few years to balance a bit more. However, I agree that they are good fun, and especially interesting if conducted in a format that promotes discussion. It certainly challenged me to to think about wine regions I never had before, and I learnt a lot from doing them.

simon1980

Allan,

Thoroughly recommend the courses. While it's true there is an old world bent to them, the intention is to give an insight into the world of wine, and like it or not, we are a small player. In saying that, I found it educational learning how the Languedoc and other areas are changing their systems to better compete with new world wines.

I had little previous formal experience, but was reasonably well read/travelled/tasted, and jumped right in to level 3. Was a clear step up on the notes I'd seen for level 2, and quite in depth. I'd been warned not to do the intensive course for level 3, and after completing the regular 9 week course I'd offer the same advice. There is a lot to read, and the exam does offer up all sorts of quite detailed questions that I would have struggled with not having sufficient study time.

Good luck with whichever course you decide.

Cheers,
Ben

I did the Diploma (now called Level 4) in London back in the early '00s. It was done over two years and was pretty intense with a whole day of written and tasting exams at the end of both years. There were only two of us in our class who didn't work in the wine industry, the other being a professor of Anglo-American politics at UCL. I used to wave to her when I saw her on news programs. A very thorough course but not for the faint hearted.

My wife and I both did the certificate and higher certificate (Levels 2 and 3?) in Bournemouth, Dorset. Needless to say she smashed me in the exams. I would highly recommend these exams even if they are still old world centric as they expose you to wines and knowledge from outside our general sphere.

Cheers, Travis.

Thanks everyone

I think I will discuss with the presenters in Perth and see what's best for starters - Level 2 or 3. Probably 2. I presume if you want you can keep going (Travis' reference to level 4 diploma), and that the courses are cumulative (2 years for level 4 includes time at level 2 & 3).

Cheers

Allan

Hi Allan,

The Diploma when I did it in London was two six-months blocks spread over two years.

The Certificate and Higher Certificate (Levels 2 and 3 I'm guessing) were completely seperate and in the case of the Higher Certificate, mandatory before commencing the Diploma.

We had excellent tutors in London. A stunning course but bloody hard when you're working full-time and not in the industry. It can also get a bit expensive opening 5 CdPs for a home tasting session.

Cheers, Travis.