I’m Taking WSET Level 1—Here’s Why (and What I Hope to Learn)
Wine isn’t just what’s in my glass—it’s a whole world, and I’m diving deeper.
Let’s be honest, I already know my way around a wine glass. I can pair syrah with grilled meats and confidently identify a pinot noir from 10 feet away. But even the most enthusiastic sipper can benefit from brushing up on the actual science behind the swirl.
So—I signed up for WSET Level 1, and no, it’s not just for sommeliers or wine snobs who use words like “unctuous” in casual conversation. It’s for anyone who wants to go from “I like this” to “I know why I like this.” Count me in.
Why WSET?
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (a.k.a. WSET, pronounced “wes-et” if you want to sound fancy) is kind of the gold standard in wine education. Level 1 is the entry point—the wine 101, the syllabus for grape geeks, and honestly, the first step in making it official that I’m the go-to friend for wine recs. My friends already text me for bottle suggestions—might as well put some credentials behind the corkscrew, right?
And honestly? I’m here for it.
I’m taking this course because:
The ability to describe wine to my non-wine-enthusiast friends without saying “fruity, but like...not too fruity, you know?”
A go-to list of wine and food pairings that doesn’t rely on guesswork or vibes alone (though vibes are still important).
And deep down, I’m just a curious wine lover who wants to get nerdy with it.
What I Hope to Learn
I’m excited to dive deeper into the why behind wine—how it’s made, what shapes its flavor, and how to actually describe it without just saying “mmm, smooth.”
They say WSET teaches the Systematic Approach to Tasting, which sounds very official. I’m picturing charts, structured sips, and at least one moment where I swirl a glass, sniff dramatically, and ask myself, “Is that… wet stones? Or just my imagination?”
Either way, I’m here for it. Because if I want my friends to keep texting me for wine advice, I’d better back it up with some real knowledge—maybe even a laminated tasting grid for good measure.
Growth is a little awkward, sure. But at least this kind comes with wine.
The Bottom Line
Wine education doesn’t have to be stuffy or snobby—it can be joyful, curious, and fun. That’s what Everything is Vine is all about. I’ll be sharing highlights from the course, tips I learn, and maybe even a few flashcard fails along the way.
Whether you’re thinking of taking WSET yourself, or just want to learn alongside me, cheers to learning something new—glass in hand.
Cheers to learning more about the thing we already love. 🍷✨
