Whenever friends ask where and how I learned about wine, my answer is always the same: everywhere and anywhere the information is available.
My initial foray into studying wine began a few years ago when my husband gifted me the Wine, Spirits and Trust (WSET) Level 1 course. This program provided me with a solid grasp of many fundamentals from an overview of grape harvesting to wine tasting. The course also left me inspired to continue learning.
While I have yet to enroll in WSET Level 2, as I am uncertain if I want to pursue a career in the wine industry, I have found other resources to continue learning. Admittedly, I am not an expert in wine, but I do know a thing or two about it.
Here are some of the resources I have used in my wine education journey:
During the pandemic I stumbled across several wine-related Instagram accounts. No matter your specific interest or personality preference, there is someone on Instagram that can provide wine information in a format you will find appealing. And best of all, you can “curate” you own wine “education program”.
These are some of my favourite Instagram accounts for learning about wine:
Wine it Up a Notch:
I always enjoy supporting a fellow Canadian, which was the initial appeal of following Anshu Grover’s Instagram account, WineitUpaNotch
Grover, a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and current WSET Diploma Candidate, generously shares her vast wine knowledge. Through WineitUpaNotch I am constantly learning about different wine regions, production methods and even how to read wine labels (yes, this is a thing when it comes to the labels on bottles from certain European wine producers). Grover’s engaging and approachable manner makes learning easy without feeling intimidated.
If you prefer Podcasts, Grover also has a podcast with the same name as her Instagram account. In fact, one of her podcasts is responsible for a recent blog post I wrote (“It’s from Argentina and It’s Not a Malbec”).
If you have no clue where to start your wine education, Wine it Up a Notch is the perfect place.
Wine.by.Renee:
Another Canadian “wine educator” I enjoy following on Instagram is Sommelier, Renee Sferrazza. You may be familiar with Sferrazza from her guest appearances on Toronto-based daytime talk shows Cityline and Breakfast Television.
As with her television appearances, Sferrazza’s Instagram account, Wine.by.Renee, provides wine pairing suggestions, reviews and even events you might want to attend. I particularly enjoy Sferrazza’s Instagram posts showcasing Canadian wines that are available through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
If you prefer reading articles over scrolling through Instagram, Sferrazza is also a wine writer. Her articles are available in print and of course, online. Links to some of these articles are available on Wine.by.Renee.
WinoNoire:
I began following Renee Harrison-Brown’s Instagram account, WinoNoire, a few months prior to the global lockdown due to the pandemic. Since then, I have watched Harrison-Brown progress from the completion of WSET 3 to being a WSET Diploma candidate; working as a WSET Level 3 instructor; and in 2022, earning the recognition of WineEnthusiast magazine, as one of the “Future 40” to watch as an industry mover.
While gaining all those accreditations and accolades, Harrison-Brown continues to create an engaging Instagram account.
For instance, during COVID, I joined a few of WinoNoire’s Instagram Live sessions. These sessions were not only educational, but interactive. During one session I learned about Venetto, the famous prosecco producing region in Italy, while sipping a glass of Lamarca produced in that same place. In another Live session, I had fun learning the proper pronunciation of French wine terms (not always as easy as it may seem!).
Wine travel — albeit virtually — is also something Harrison-Brown provides for her Instagram followers. From vineyards in Spain’s Rioja region to a wine bar in Reykjavik, Iceland, I have been exposed to more places where wine is not only produced but enjoyed.
WinoNoire has created an environment where learning happens easily, without you even realizing it.
BOOKS:
Books remain one of the ways I enjoy learning about wine. These books do not need to be technical, boring or entirely dedicated to wine. My list of wine books includes everything from historical texts to fiction. From each, I have learned something new about the industry.
Here are a few of the books I have enjoyed reading:
· “The Wine Bible,” Karen MacNeil
· “Wine Folly, the Essential Guide to Wine,” Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack
· “Cork Dork,” Bianca Bosker
· “Wine & War,” Don & Petie Kladstrup
· “The Widow Clicquot,” Tilar J. Mazzeo
· “The Lost Vintage,” Ann Mah
· “The Billionaire’s Vinegar: The Mystery of the World’s Most Expensive Bottle of Wine,” Benjamin Wallace
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Earlier, I mentioned the Wine Education and Spirits Trust (WSET). This is among the more well-known organizations providing wine accreditation courses. A visit to their website will provide the names of independent wine educators from various countries around the world facilitating their WSET courses.
Many of these independent wine educators also have their own course offerings. While some courses are designed for wine professionals, others are tailored for those seeking to explore general to specific wine interests.
Among such North American wine education providers is Fine Vintage. (I took my own WSET Level 1 course with this provider.) In addition to WSET courses, they have their own offerings that include a day-long course in classic wine regions of France as well as a Sensory Master Class.
It also goes without saying, there are university and college courses available in Canada, the United States and elsewhere offering degrees in wine studies.
If you want to learn about wine, there are many routes and price points available to choose from. From formal accredited studies to informal pursuits using social media, books and other resources, the choice is yours. Whatever your reason or learning preference, simply make a decision and start learning about wine.
Cheers!
(Email: atippleofwine@gmail.com)