24. The Three Best Wine Books You Will Ever Own! Wine Educate: WSET Award In Wines, Education Resources And Certifications. Study Tips And Practical Advice For Wine Enthusiasts And Professionals. Wine Tasting Techniques, Food Pairing Tips, Wine Education Trips. Buying Wine. Ordering Wine In Restaurants. podcast

12:03

Resources & Links – Get the free PDF tasting guide: www.wineeducate.com/tea – Listen to Episode 9: How to Set Up Your Tasting Environment – Listen to Episode 18: What Is Tannin and Why Does It Matter? How to Contact Us Have a question or want to share how your tasting went? Just hit reply to the newsletter or email joanne@wineeducate.com . Follow along on Instagram or Threads: @wineeducate Episode Summary Welcome to the first installment of Taste This! , a new DIY mini wine tasting series released every Tuesday throughout the summer. In this episode, Joanne introduces the series and walks listeners through a hands-on tasting exercise designed to explore tannin—that drying sensation in wine that comes from grape skins, seeds, and oak. You’ll learn how to prepare for your tasting using black tea and how to source three different red wines that represent low, medium, and high tannin levels. Whether you're tasting on your own or with friends, this is an approachable, practical way to build confidence in your palate and learn by doing. In this episode: – Why understanding tannin matters for wine students and enthusiasts – How to create a tea-based tasting to feel tannin in a controlled way – Suggested wine styles for each tannin level – How to use this tasting as a starting point for building your own tasting group – Tips for talking to your local bottle shop to source wines – Group discussion prompts to deepen the learning Don’t forget: Download the free PDF guide that includes supply lists, setup instructions, and group prompts at www.wineeducate.com/tea .…

1
43. Thinking About Starting a Wine Tasting Group? Start Here 7:17

6 days ago7:17

7:17

Resources & Links Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com Show Notes It’s summer—WSET Level 3 exams are done, school’s winding down, and it’s time to shift gears. In this episode, Joanne kicks off a new tasting-focused series with something fun and foundational: how to start your own wine tasting group, and why organizing your group around a theme makes it more meaningful (and more fun). Joanne shares stories from her early wine days in Brooklyn, creative ideas for tasting themes, and encouragement for anyone who’s curious but hesitant. You don’t need to be a wine expert to start a group—you just need a few bottles, a theme, and people who are up for learning (or sipping) together. In this episode: The value of tasting with a group—even if it’s casual Classic themes: grape variety, region, winemaking style Creative ideas: • Wine & junk food pairings • Wine & poetry • Wine book club (bring what your favorite character would drink) How to build consistency into your group (without stressing over scheduling) Why summer is the perfect time to explore your palate and have a little fun This episode is the first in a multi-part series on tasting exercises you can do with your group, a friend, or even solo. Each one is designed to be affordable, accessible, and educational—no pretension required. Subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss what’s coming next.…

1
42. The Do’s and Don’ts of Blind Tasting: A Guide for WSET Learners 10:58

8 days ago10:58

10:58

Resources & Links Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com Show Notes In this episode, Joanne breaks down the do’s and don’ts of blind tasting—from how to set up a supportive, productive tasting group to why it matters for both students and enthusiasts. Whether you’re preparing for the WSET exam or just curious about what’s really in your glass, blind tasting sharpens your skills and challenges your assumptions. You’ll learn how to create the right environment for learning (no “winesplaining” allowed), what makes a good blind tasting wine, and how to organize a group that’s more about insight than intimidation. Topics covered include: The benefits of blind tasting: skill-building, unbiased evaluation, and surprise insights Ideal group size and setup tips (hint: 6–8 people is the sweet spot) Why everyone should taste the same bottle and use the same glassware How to avoid “winesplaining” and foster a more welcoming atmosphere Real examples of how blind tasting can challenge expectations (hello, lower-acid Chablis!) How we incorporate blind tasting into the Indie Wine Society in New Orleans If you’ve ever felt unsure about joining a blind tasting—or wanted to make your own more effective—this episode will help you reframe the practice as something thoughtful, fun, and confidence-building. Next episode, Joanne will share different ways to structure tasting groups and exercises you can use to make the most of your practice. Subscribe to the newsletter at www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup to stay updated on future episodes, WSET resources, and upcoming 2026 wine trips.…

1
41. Why Wine Trade Tastings Are Valuable to WSET Students 15:13

13 days ago15:13

15:13

Resources & Links Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com Show Notes In this episode, Joanne walks you through how to get the most out of a wine trade tasting—whether you’re a buyer, a wine student, or just someone eager to connect more deeply with producers and their wines. You’ll learn why trade tastings aren’t just for industry pros, what to bring (yes, bring your own spit cup), and how to prepare ahead of time so you don’t end up overwhelmed by a sea of bottles and missed opportunities. Joanne shares real stories, including one from her early days in New York, to show why a plan matters—and how better questions can lead to better connections. Topics covered include: Why trade tastings are valuable for WSET students How to prepare before you arrive (research, goal-setting, and more) Tips for what to bring with you, from spit cups to clipboards How to time your arrival depending on your tasting goals The importance of professionalism and respecting producers’ time How to organize your notes and track what you’ve tasted Whether you’re hoping to taste a special bottle, connect with a winemaker, or just sharpen your skills, this episode will help you make the most of every tasting room opportunity. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter at wineeducate.com for updates on new classes and our 2026 wine travel experiences.…

1
40. WSET Wine Tasting Kits—Are They Worth It? 16:05

15 days ago16:05

16:05

Resources & Links • Join the Wine Educate newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup • View available courses & upcoming classes: www.wineeducate.com How to Contact Us Questions or feedback? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com Episode Summary In this episode, Joanne shares her firsthand impressions of a WSET-approved wine tasting sample kit designed for Level 1 - 3 students. With her colleague Nancy, she opens and tastes four of the ten samples—Mosel Riesling, Beaujolais-Villages, Bordeaux, and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—and evaluates them for quality, typicity, and educational value. Joanne discusses the pros (free shipping, carbon-neutral packaging, strong cost savings, and official WSET approval) and the cons (small portion sizes, heat sensitivity during shipping, and limited usefulness for study groups or food pairings). She also breaks down the pricing and structure of the Level 1, 2, and 3 tasting kits, with insights on who these kits are best suited for. If you're studying remotely or struggling to source benchmark wines in your area, this episode will help you decide if a tasting kit is the right fit for your wine studies. What We Cover • What’s inside a WSET tasting kit and how they work • A mini review of four sample wines from the Level 1 kit • Joanne’s scoring breakdown: what passed the “testable” benchmark • Pros: shipping, savings, sustainability, and peace of mind • Cons: small pours, heat risks, and group limitations • Who these kits are best for—and who might skip them • How Wine Educate plans to offer these on their website soon Get Involved Have you tried a tasting kit? Let us know your thoughts! Email joanne@wineeducate.com . And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow wine student or study group.…

1
39. What WSET Level 3 Students Wish They Knew Before Starting the Course 9:51

20 days ago9:51

9:51

Resources & Links Join the Newsletter: wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course Begins May 11 — www. wineeducate.com/launchpad Contact Joanne: joanne@wineeducate.com In this episode, Joanne shares insights straight from the mouths of her current WSET Level 3 students during their second-to-last class — the sparkling wine session. As champagne was flowing and conversation opened up, she asked her students: “What do you wish you could tell yourself six months ago?” What followed was an honest and revealing conversation about what students underestimated, what they overlooked, and what they would absolutely do differently if they were starting Level 3 again. Whether you’re just beginning your Level 3 journey or are deep in the study trenches, this episode is full of practical advice and reflection from students who are almost at the finish line. In This Episode: The 5 Things Level 3 Students Wish They Knew Sooner The 200-Hour Study Commitment Is Real Students acknowledged they underestimated how much time was truly required and wished they had started preparing earlier. The Study Group Never Happened — and They Regret It Despite Joanne’s encouragement, many didn’t follow through with forming a study group, and felt the lack of peer accountability. They Weren’t Refreshed on Level 2 Knowledge The importance of entering Level 3 with a firm grasp of Level 2 material can’t be overstated. It’s foundational and necessary. Class Participation Requires Preparation Level 3 isn’t a lecture—it’s interactive. Students need to come prepared and speak up, because participation cements understanding. They Didn't Understand the Importance of Linking Concepts Early Many didn’t realize until halfway through that everything ties back to climate, geography, and production methods. Grasping this early makes the course far more manageable. Why This Matters Joanne reminds us that the WSET Level 3 pass rate hovers around 57%—and that’s simply not good enough. The tools, structure, and mindset to succeed are available, and this podcast (along with the Launchpad course) is designed to help students walk in the door better prepared. Coming Soon A review of a brand-new tasting kit Joanne and Nancy tried An honest look at aroma kits: are they worth the money? More practical tools and strategies for wine students Have a topic you want Joanne to cover? Send her an email at joanne@wineeducate.com — she’d love to hear from you.…

1
38.The Do’s and Don’ts: 24 Hours Before Your WSET Level 3 Exam 16:03

22 days ago16:03

16:03

Resources & Links Join Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course www.wineeducate.com/launchpad Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Website: wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Episode Summary You’ve done the studying, now it’s time to focus on how to walk into your WSET Level 3 exam rested, clear-headed, and confident. In this episode, Joanne shares exactly what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do—in the 24 hours before your exam. Drawing from her experience guiding hundreds of students through WSET Level 3, she breaks down the habits and decisions that can make or break your performance, from sleep and snacks to managing your nerves and packing your supplies. Whether you’re preparing for an in-person exam or sitting the remote version, this episode will help you take control of your final hours and give yourself the best possible shot at success. Topics Covered Sleep > Cramming Why sleep is non-negotiable the night before your exam The research-backed benefits of getting 7+ hours of sleep Diminishing returns of late-night studying Environment Matters Why staying with friends (no matter how lovely) isn’t ideal The value of booking a hotel room to control your space and routine Planning your route to the exam location to avoid last-minute stress Nutrition & Hydration Avoid sweets, mouthwash, and orange juice that dull your palate Go for neutral, savory options for breakfast Hydration tips (and a reminder to listen to Episode 10!) What to Pack Pens, pencils, ID, water bottle, snacks (yes, almonds count) Don’t forget to review your flashcards for a low-stress refresher Prioritize a light review of sparkling and fortified wines Palate Calibration Should you taste wine before the tasting exam? Maybe. Tips for using wine to get your palate tuned without overwhelming your nerves Managing Nerves Test anxiety is normal—build a routine to keep yourself grounded Use tasting acronyms (like SABIB) to stay structured and reduce errors Listen to Episode 30 if you’re unsure what to expect on exam day Final Thoughts You’ve already done the hard part—now your focus should be on taking care of yourself. Good sleep, hydration, a calm mindset, and knowing your environment are far more valuable than any last-minute cramming. As Joanne says: “Level 3 doesn’t have anything to do with luck. It has everything to do with being prepared.” Need help getting prepared? Check out wineeducate.com/launchpad to join the next session of our Level 3 Prep Course.…

1
37. Didn’t Pass WSET Level 3 Theory? Here's What to Do Next 10:17

29 days ago10:17

10:17

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate Episode Summary Today, we're wrapping up our "How to Prepare for the Level 3 Exam" series with a tough but important conversation: what to do if you didn’t pass Level 3 Theory. With a global pass rate of only 57%, you’re certainly not alone if you didn't pass the theory portion. Joanne discusses why students often struggle with the written exam — and why tasting exams typically have a much higher success rate. More importantly, she shares a compassionate but clear message: don’t give up. This episode outlines common pitfalls (straight from the examiner’s reports) and gives you a step-by-step plan to regroup, study smarter, and retake the exam with confidence. Key Topics Covered Understanding the WSET Level 3 pass/fail statistics Why the theory portion is so challenging (and how it’s different from Level 1 and 2) Common reasons students don’t pass, including misreading questions and lack of answer structure Requesting feedback from WSET and key deadlines to know Setting a realistic timeline for your retake The importance of study groups and staying accountable How retakes work for theory and tasting portions Grading rules for retakes (and how it impacts distinctions and merits) How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can support your success Final Thoughts Failing the theory exam doesn't mean you're not capable — it just means you might need a different strategy. Joanne encourages you to stay committed, recalibrate your study approach, and know that success is absolutely within reach. And remember: if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it. If you’re looking for extra support, check out our Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course to help guide your next steps. Have any questions or need personalized advice? Reach out at joanne@wineeducate.com — we're here to help! Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate…

1
36. Testable VS Nontestable Wines - Wines That May Appear on the WSET Level 3 Tasting Exam 7:50

5 weeks ago7:50

7:50

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate Episode Summary In this episode, Joanne Close addresses a common concern among WSET Level 3 students: the difference between testable and non-testable wines. If you’ve ever second-guessed your tasting notes or stressed over wines that don’t match your expectations, this episode is meant to put your mind at ease. Joanne explains what makes a wine “testable” for exam purposes—wines that show clear, predictable characteristics and represent textbook styles, like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are great for calibrating your palate and practicing structured tasting. But not every wine poured in class is meant for the exam. Joanne discusses why it's important to include wines that may not be considered “testable” but are still valuable learning tools. Examples include wines that teach about lees aging, oak influence, regional styles, or variation within a grape variety—like a Pinotage or a Chianti Classico Riserva. She reminds listeners that only about 20% of wines are truly “testable,” and the rest are included for context, discussion, and exposure to the real diversity of the wine world. If you’re preparing for the Level 3 exam, check out the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course, which includes a list of ~20 testable wines for SAT practice—even without the bottle in front of you. Related Episodes Episode 17: Tasting Walkthrough – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Episode 20: Tasting Walkthrough – Oaked Chardonnay Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate…

1
35. Top 5 Mistakes Students Make in the WSET Level 3 Theory Exam 11:21

5 weeks ago11:21

11:21

1
34. Top 5 Mistakes Students Make in the WSET Level 3 Tasting Exam 8:43

6 weeks ago8:43

8:43

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate In this episode, Joanne tackles one of the most stressful parts of the WSET Level 3 exam: the tasting portion. As someone who has graded many exams, she walks through the five most common mistakes students make when writing their tasting notes—and explains how to avoid them. This episode is packed with clear, practical advice to help students approach the tasting exam with structure and confidence. In This Episode Why the tasting section feels intimidating, and why you shouldn’t panic The importance of using specific SAT vocabulary—no wine poetry Why guessing the wine and building your note around it can lead to failure The difference between aromas and flavors, and why you must list both Why omitting key words like “lemon” or “dry” can cost you The mistake of using “medium plus” for alcohol and how to get that point back Why memorizing the SAT order is crucial (you can’t use the card during the exam) The value of creating your own “anagram” to structure your note under pressure A reminder that calibration matters—know your instructor’s tasting style Next Week We’ll move on to the theory portion of the WSET Level 3 exam and discuss the top five most common mistakes students make in their written answers. Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate…

1
33. Do Study Pods Really Help? Group Learning in WSET Level 3 7:46

6 weeks ago7:46

7:46

1
32. The Long Runway – Why Early Preparation Leads to Level 3 Success 10:05

7 weeks ago10:05

10:05

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate Episode Summary: In this episode, Joanne breaks down one of the biggest predictors of success in WSET Level 3: early preparation. While Levels 1 and 2 can be approached with minimal advance study, Level 3 is a different story. Joanne shares how giving yourself a longer runway—starting prep weeks or even months before class—can transform your experience and lead to both success and enjoyment in the course. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why early starters tend to outperform more experienced peers The common mistake of waiting until the course begins to start studying How underpreparing affects your ability to engage and retain information The benefits of building small, consistent study habits over time A recommended timeline for revisiting Level 2 material and reading the Level 3 textbook How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can help you build a custom plan Why Level 3 is entirely passable—with the right tools in place from the start Next Episode: Tune in for Episode 33, where we’ll explore the importance of study pods—what they are, how to find one, and why they’re so helpful during Level 3. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Never miss an episode—subscribe to the Wine Educate Podcast and follow Joanne on Instagram @wineeducate for weekly study tips, class updates, and more. Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate…

1
31. How Many Hours Do I Really Need to Study for WSET Level 3? 8:13

7 weeks ago8:13

8:13

Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate Episode Summary If you're preparing for WSET Level 3, you're probably wondering: How many hours do I actually need to study? In this episode, Joanne walks through the official guidance from WSET, breaks down the numbers for Levels 1, 2, and 3, and shares her honest take on what it really takes to succeed—especially if you're aiming for a distinction. From understanding “Total Qualification Time” (TQT) to reverse engineering your study plan, this episode will help you assess where you are and how to make a realistic plan for the months ahead. Whether you're a seasoned wine pro or brand new to wine studies, you'll leave with a clear idea of what to expect and how to pace yourself. Key Topics Covered What WSET’s Total Qualification Time (TQT) actually means A look at study time recommendations for Levels 1, 2, and 3 Joanne’s real-world suggestions: why 84 hours for Level 3 might not be enough Study hour estimates for passing vs. achieving distinction Factors that affect how much you need to study How to break your study timeline into three phases: Phase 1: Reading and review Phase 2: Focused study and application Phase 3: Review, mock tests, and exam prep Why it’s essential to start planning early and how Launchpad can help A personal story about one tough (but unforgettable) teacher Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad How to Contact Us Website: www.wineeducate.com Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate…

1
30. Inside the WSET Level 3 Exam: Tasting + Theory Breakdown 12:37

8 weeks ago12:37