So you’ve decided that you would like to work in the wine world, but, with little experience, you wonder if it is even possible. The short answer is, yes, it is. The way to do this, however, requires four keys: knowledge, confidence, networking and humility.
Years ago when I was looking to make the transition into the industry I realized I needed to expand my wine knowledge. Fun evening consumer classes were enjoyable, but I really wasn’t learning more than how to better select a wine off a list or navigate a shop’s selections. So I decided to explore the courses industry insiders valued. That led me to the WSET Level 2 and Level 3 programs.
Level 2 was eye opening. It not only gave me tasting tools, but also information on the basic choices winemakers make that affect style, quality and price. A fellow student in that course told me about an entry level retail position in a local retail store. The knowledge I accumulated in Level 2 gave me the confidence to interview with the shop manager and for the next 3 months on weekends I was dusting and stocking shelves, cutting up cardboard boxes and doing inventory checks.
This entry level work took some humility. I had an MBA from a great school and none of that course work included how to punch a time card or the best way to lift heavy cases! In fact one day a recruiter who was trying to get me to take a senior management job came in to the shop, saw me in my store uniform and gave me a look that said she was appalled at what I was doing. I never heard from her again…and I could not have been happier!
WSET Level 3 and then the Diploma program gave me even more knowledge, confidence and a network of connections. I became a wine and spirits teacher and eventually started my own business teaching WSET courses. By 2012 I had been named Wine Educator of the Year and regional wine associations were coming to me for advice and consultation.
The key success factors for me were being willing to do anything to gain some experience in wine and combining that with structured education. The education part was critical. It took time away from other things and certainly cost me more money than a consumer fun wine class would have, but it was an investment well worth it.
Of course I am biased, but if you would like to learn more about WSET wine classes check out the range of courses at https://www.grapeexperience.com/. Also, never hesitate to reach out here with questions.