The Road to Weinakademiker - Part 8 (How much does it cost?)

Think big. I want to become a Weinakademiker. On September 3, 2018, I started the WSET Diploma Course, which ultimately—if you add a thesis afterward—results in the title of Weinakademiker. In part 8, I look back on the past year.

Around this time last year, I started the WSET Diploma Course. Today seemed like a good day for an update. How's it going so far? How much has it cost me, and what have I gained? I'll tell you all about it below.

How's it going so far?

Good news: I've passed everything so far. Three cheers! I skipped the course work assignment (CWA) because of rum. And yes, rum is incredibly interesting (everyone's standard reaction) and also delicious (take Diplomatico 12 years), but I don't care about anything—nada-nada. Why would I waste time on it? Instead, I flew to Portugal and visited my friend Chantal for a relaxing vacation, patiently waiting for the next topic. Fingers crossed, because that could still turn out very badly. The only upside is that it wouldn't be spirits anymore anyway, as that topic has been removed from the curriculum as of this year.

The topic is familiar and serious by now: my heart skipped a beat. Drumroll please… the topic is… NATURAL WINES. I'm beyond happy . The downside is that you can't submit it until mid-2020, but the alternative is that I'll participate in the January one, which is about "Romanian wine exports." Well, thank you very much.

UPDATE : I didn't take D6 (because I had excuses). In January 2021, I submitted the paper on the export boom in Australia.

Now follows the official interim score:

• Unit 1 Case study ( pass ) and Unit 1 CWA ( not yet done )
• Unit 2 Viticulture & Vinification – Pass with distinction
• Unit 3 All the Wines of the World – Not yet made
• Unit 4 Spirits – Pass
• Unit 5 Sparkling Wine – Pass with merit
• Unit 6 Sparkling Wine – Pass with merit

I'd love to complete the Diploma Course with merit, but I'm not sure if that's feasible. Maybe if I get a distinction in Unit 3. Keep dreaming.

The D3 All the Wines of the World exam was postponed due to corona to October 2020 .

How much does it cost?

A lot, so start saving now. The course itself costs around €6,000, but that's not enough to get you there. Literally and figuratively. The first classes are in Geisenheim. I've written about this before. an article Written. The rest of the lessons are in Meerle (Belgium) or Woerden – about ten euros in gasoline each way (round trip).

• Transport & hotel – 600 euros
  Overnight stays in Geisenheim and once in Meerle, plus the cost of train tickets or petrol.
• Fortified – 150 euros
  Attended a masterclass at Wijnhandel Peeters, bought sample bottles and tasted them with a tasting group.
• Sparkling – 200 euros
  Attended the Essi Avalan Champagne Masterclass, bought sample bottles, and tasted them with a tasting group. I bought special glasses (I regret that, because they're not very good).
• Spirits – 200 euros
  Attended the Spirits Masterclass, bought quite a few sample bottles, and tasted them with a tasting group. We also bought spirit tasting glasses.
• Books – 400 euros
  I bought every book a teacher mentioned. Of course, that's not necessary, but I love reading. So, okay: €400. This also includes memberships to Jancis Robinson, Decanter, and Guildsomm (hmm, have I gone overboard?).
• Coravin – 250 euros
  Well, that makes tasting a lot easier and cheaper. I haven't regretted it for a moment.

In short, the Diploma Course takes a lot of time and money. And I haven't even mentioned the rest of the wines yet, because Unit 3 still has to take place. I expect to sell another hundred or five there. So, count on around €8,000 to €10,000. Gulp.

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Is it worth it?

The logical next question: is it worth it? The answer is yes! Wine is my favorite subject. It's my hobby. My life. Although I've noticed it's gotten a bit overwhelming these past few months. I even dreamed about Sauternes. Well, then you really need to get back to normal and find a new (additional) hobby.

The more you learn, the less you know – that really applies to wine. Every lesson I learn something new or something clicks. My tasting technique has also improved enormously. That's not just about knowledge, but also about confidence. Do you dare to read your tasting note aloud to a group of wine enthusiasts? It's wonderful to see how good we've become at it. Not just in reading aloud, but also in the tasting notes. Gosh, in the first lesson I made a gem of Jacob's Creek Chardonnay, and now I could even distinguish between Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat. You really don't have to be a natural at that. Just learn, logically follow your tasting note, and draw the right conclusions. Yay!

The best thing about WSET is, of course, my classmates. It really expands your network, and you suddenly have a whole new group of wine friends. Isn't it wonderful?

Finally, as an addendum to this, another great question: do you get your money back? Yes, folks. Who the hell cares? I didn't calculate that. That's what makes life so boring. Do what you love and do it with complete dedication. Then everything will be fine.

But if you really want to know: I think so. I want to teach more. With the Diploma Course under my belt, you can also teach WSET3 classes. Sounds like fun. Maybe train future Diploma holders too? The plan to organize masterclasses is still on the agenda. And of course, I want to become a Master of Wine . Duh.

Do you have any questions about WSETDiploma? Leave a comment below or send me an email .