WSET Level 1 Foundation Course - Wines
A very enjoyable and informative course, with some interesting facts and notes along with tasting some very different wines, make for a top class course. Chris really makes you feel comfortable exploring wine and the world of wine.
Nic August 2011
I thought the course was a fantastic learning experience. The ability to systematically taste a variety of wines each week in a classroom environment was very useful. Sharing thoughts and ideas on tasting notes really helped to develop my own tasting skills.
Tara August 2011
WSET Level 3 Advanced Course - Wines
The format of self-study followed-up by lessons that mix a review of the main points with the practical tastings is spot on and the constant student engagement keeps things very lively and focused. It obviously takes two main skills to perform this role: extensive wine knowledge in the first place and aptitude to teach/keep students' attention, and you clearly display both of those with great confidence. The benefits of the systematic approach to tasting and the study creep up on you almost inperceptibly, until you find yourself enjoying that next glass of wine so much more for the ability to assess its quality far better than before. I have very much enjoyed the WSET Level 3 course under your tutoring and would unreservedly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in wine.
Frederic 09/02/2011
Chris's level 3 advanced course gives a complete overview of the most important grape varieties and wine growing regions of the old and new worlds, and the impacts of physical geography, wine making techniques and economic considerations on wine styles across the globe. The classes are interactive and focussed on the wine tasting. Chris choses interesting and varied wines for tasting and comparison and gives constructive feedback on our individual tasting notes. It's a very enjoyable course and provides a solid knowledge of the most significant wines of the worlds.
Frances 09/02/2011
7 Week Wine Course.
Hi all
Been meaning to re-iterate James sentiment and wish you all a merry Christmas and here's to a well stocked cellar/wine rack for 2010!
The course has altered my previous method of procuring wine, having been drawn to a bottle due to its label design first then deciding mainly on grape then of course (as was widely acknowledged) the alcohol content. Whereas now I feel less initimidated to meander through the shelves of Bordeaux, Chile and Tuscany and select a wine based on flavours and practise's likened with that region or winemaker. Thanks again to all for making it both fun and interesting!
Emma
Hi All,
I have been meaning to email too. Chris, thank you for organising such an excellent course and also to the group for making it such fun, so much so I wish I could do it all over again ...
Paula
"Just a note to say thank you for an excellently presented, entertaining and informative 7 week course."
Peter
"This course offers interest for people at all levels of wine knowledge from neophyte to the budding enthusiast, not to mention some stunning wines."
Martin
As someone who's wine knowledge used to be restricted to searching the wine list for a reasonably-priced sauvignon blanc, this was the perfect course for me. We tasted a variety of wine from each region and Chris managed to provide lots of tips and information without making it feel like work. I now feel as though I have the makings of a wine-vocabulary and really enjoy picking up the wine list and trying things. I'll definitely go back to learn more!
With kind regards,
Ayesha
A fun , yet informative course which gave me a chance to sample some fine
wines from areas that I might otherwise never have explored. Chris is
extremely enthusiastic about wine and seemed to really enjoy sharing his
passion. The combination of his knowledge, humour and some great wines made
Tuesday night the highlight of the week!
Regards,
Chris
'It was great fun learning about wine in such an informal environment.
Listening to someone who is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about wine
while drinking it is a great way to learn."
Richard
"A superb course catering for people with zero to expert knowledge. Can't wait for the next one."
All the best
David
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2
Dear all,
Forgive the unsolicited mail, but I would like to say anyone who's ever considered doing WSET2, do it with Chris. I took his first WSET2 course at HSBC, then the Advanced (WSET3), and now I'm studying the Wine Production BSc at Plumpton College. It's all his fault. :)
Seriously, though, at Plumpton something that strikes me time and again is the difference between my wine experience and that of everyone else on the course who's not from the wine trade. WSET2 is a course pre-requisite, but the wines that other people were exposed to clearly aren't a patch on the ones I had. Chris & Keith really know the wines, & choose them well to complement the requirements of the course, ensuring typicity and quality range. And it's run more cheaply than most WSET centres.
It's fascinating, it IS fun, it's not hard work, and it saves money on wine because you make fewer mistakes. (We'll ignore the rise in the average spend / bottle that comes with confidence...) I know one could argue that about tasting generally, but the knowledge and structure of a WSET course is more coherent.
Chris hasn't asked me to do this, but I feel really strongly that I've got the experience to know that he's as good as WSET teaching gets.
Best wishes,
Emma Bridge
- former HSBC IT
- current Viticulture & Oenology student
- future vineyard manager
