Now Is the Time to Start WSET Level 3 Wine!
Taking wine education to the next level
By Adam Chase
The last few years have seen an incredible rise in the number of people taking the WSET Level 2 Certificate in Wine. At the same time, many of these new students are reluctant to continue to Level 3. I hear things like the Level 3 difficulty and time commitment are just too great. I get it, but I think if you are in this reluctant group, you are missing a huge opportunity.
Level 3 in Wine is one of the most respected and valuable certificates in the world. Where Level 2 gives you an understanding of what is in any bottle of wine, Level 3 provides the why and the who. You get a connection to each major wine producing region right down to the vineyard level in some cases. Just by taking the course you gain depth, knowledge and confidence to talk wine as easily with friends as with seasoned wine professionals and winemakers. In fact, you become “seasoned” in a way that is just not possible with Level 2.
Over the years we have asked people who completed the Level 3 course what beyond basic knowledge that they gained. Two words consistently emerged: “access” and “confidence”
Level 3 gives you access to vineyards, wineries and winemakers who immediately recognize that you understand wine and can provide perspective and influence others
When you travel to a wine region, contacting a local winery and telling them you are a WSET Level 3 Certificate holder often opens doors to exclusive visits and access
You become an integral leader and participant in your local wine community through people you meet in the course and through unique opportunities that are only available to people with a connection to the local wine scene
Your depth of knowledge gives you confidence to have deep conversations with other wine lovers and professionals that just is not possible with Level 2
The WSET Level 3 Certificate can open doors to wine-related job opportunities because people hiring know you have a depth of knowledge others may lack. This opens opportunities to start a career as a Sommelier
If you are already in the wine industry the knowledge that Level 3 gives you makes you more effective with customers, enabling you to sell more and to gain loyalty.
So, if you have thought about taking WSET Level 3 Award in Wines what is stopping you? Let me know and perhaps we can come up with a solution. In the meantime, I encourage you to take Level 3. We have courses starting in late August, (online and in-person in Cambridge, MA) and in the Fall in New Hampshire and Maine: https://www.grapeexperience.com/events/level-3-san-francisco-sundays/
You can see more about all our WSET Level 3 courses at https://www.commonwealthwineschool.com/wset-about
