Page 66 - Grapevine July-August 2019

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In addition to assignments and tastings are com- While the class was excellent, the behind-the-
prehensive weekly tests that cover everything scenes stuff was less so. I did not receive my class-
you’ve learned over the week. If there’s one thing I room resources until about three days before the
learned while doing this course, it’s that everything course was meant to begin, despite having signed
you read and learn is important – from how the sun up two months prior, and the recommendation that
affects hillside vines to the crazy amount of AVAs in you read the first weeks lesson before the start of
California – it all matters in the course, and in the class.
industry, and you can’t learn it all in a week.
The day of my test also changed twice, as did the
To guide you through your courses, WSET provides location. Unfortunately, I was not aware that the
a tutor who will evaluate your work and be there site had moved, and when I showed up the day of,
to answer any questions. They are the unofficial myself and another woman were quite confused as
teacher of the course, attempting to keep people to what was happening. It turns out we were across
on task and offering suggestions if they notice the city from where the test was meant to take
problems or patterns in assignments or tastings. place. To the credit of American Wine School, they
Having someone available in this regard allows sent an Uber, and we were still able to sit for the
students to find out what they’re doing wrong and examination.
improve it. I wish I’d taken better advantage of this
resource. They would have been particularly useful The Test
for me during tastings, something that I felt I didn’t
have the sort of grasp other students did. Online students must take the test in-person at
one of the American Wine School testing sites. I
Tastings took my test in Chicago at Binny’s Beverage Depot,
along with about six other people. Despite having
Each week, students were given a list of wine studied and feeling well prepared, I walked out of
styles to choose a minimum of three for tastings. that test sure I would not be receiving any certif-
These wines reflected those covered in the week- icate. It was hard. I don’t say that with any sense
ly lessons. Tastings were to be conducted using of annoyance; I just did not prepare as well as I’d
the SAT guidelines from the card and posted on hoped. I studied, took practice tests and reread the
the forums for the tutor to access. The SAT pro- text, so I thought I knew what to expect, but when
vides specific language for students on describing it came down to it, I was shocked at how little I
appearance, nose, palate, aroma and flavor, and knew. I was legitimately surprised when I received
conclusions. By providing a standardized language word that I passed and would be getting a certifi-
guide, all students stay on the same page and don’t cate and pin. I still can’t quite believe it.
get overly particular. This guide was invaluable for
someone like me with an unsophisticated pallet. It Conclusion
helped to describe what I was tasting without me
knowing the specific flavor. I may not know when Despite some organizational issues, I found the
there are subtle hints of lychee, but I do taste a bit class comprehensive, challenging, informative and
of citrus. rewarding. It was not for the faint-of-heart or for
anyone with only a passing interest in wine or
I did find some fault with the comments on stu- unwillingness to study. For those willing to take it
dent tastings. Once or twice I was flat out told that seriously, the WSET level 2 award provides a stellar,
my evaluation was wrong, and that was it. The cri- satisfying, and thorough education. If you are look-
tiques weren’t cruel or even inaccurate; as I said, ing to forward your wine education, whether you
my palate isn’t the most top-notch; but they also are an industry professional or just starting out on
didn’t offer any tips or solutions as to how or why I your wine journey, then the WSET classes are right
may have gotten it wrong. Moreover, while reach- for you.
ing out for an explanation was a possibility that I’ll
admit I did not take, it seems flawed that sugges- For more information on WSET levels and
tions weren’t offered unless I sought them out. class schedules, go to wsetglobal.com

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