Sommelier Stage 1
€2.818
About this course
or Installments
The selection of installments reshapes the final value of the fees and the number of installments is applied at the completion of your order, during Checkout.
At the WSPC Sommelier Academy, studies take place in four (4) Stages. Registration for the First Stage begins in early October and early January each year. Upon succeeding in the exams of each Stage, the candidates are given the corresponding Pin. For those of you who are missing a course or two from the table, you can complete them by individual registration and upon passing the exam, request your Stage 1 Pin.
The curriculum for the title of Executive Sommelier is demanding, however, it provides all the necessary supplies to meet the high, varied specifications and requirements of the Sommelier Profession on a global level.
| Sommelier Stage 1 | |||
| Educational Programmes | Hours | Attendance | Credits |
| WSET L1 Award in Wines PLUS | 10 hours | Mandatory Course | 50 Credits |
| WSET L1 Award in Spirits | 7 hours | Mandatory Course | 110 Credits |
| WSET L1 Award in SAKE | 8 hours | Elective Course | 110 Credits |
| Coffee Cocoa Tea Tasting Skills | 6 hours – no exams | Mandatory Course | 70 Credits |
| BSA L1 Plus in Coffee Cocoa Tea | 15 hours | Elective Course | 110 Credits |
| WSET L2 Award in Wines – Gastro Premium (Immersive Food & Wine Matching) |
31 hours | Mandatory Course | 300 Credits |
| Professional Water Workshop | 2 hours – no exams | Mandatory Course | 70 Credits |
| Modern Somm Techniques (Part 1) | 10 hours | Mandatory Course | 240 Credits |
| Total of Educational Programs | 7 | ||
| Total Educational Hours | 99 to 108 | ||
| Total Educational Credits | 950 | ||
In the event of Online Courses, the There is an added shipping, bottling and packaging fee
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According to the above table in the educational outline of the first stage, students are required to successfully complete seven (7) courses. The teaching of the programs is completed in the first Semester, and the exams are completed in the following semester. Courses that have practical exams are usually completed within the same semester. When students achieve the required Credits, they will receive the title of Sommelier Stage 1 with the corresponding pin. Credits required to complete the first stage are 950.
The 950 Credits correspond to the successful completion of seven first stage educational programs. Should a student fail one of these programs, he/she has the right to re-sit the exam on the next possible exam date. Some of the “Mandatory Study” programs are completed by candidates without exams.
Each Stage has specific learning outcomes.
Students who have successfully completed the following programs in previous years have obtain the corresponding Credits and are eligible to attend the remaining programs of Stage 1. The same policy applies for past students for the remaining programs of the following stages.
For Sommelier Stage 1, those who have graduated from:
-
- WSET L1 Award in Wines
- WSET L2 Award in Wines
- Modern Somm Techniques
- WSET L1 Award in Spirits
- BSA L1 Plus in CCT
The curriculum for the title of Executive Sommelier is demanding, however, it provides all the necessary supplies to meet the high, varied specifications and requirements of the Sommelier Profession on a global level.
See Sommelier Stage 2 here.
See Sommelier Stage 3 here
See Executive Sommelier here.
The WSPC Sommelier Academy offers Job Specific Education that relates directly to the HO.RE.CA market, unlike the other WSPC educational programs – which offer Non-Job Specific Education and relate to jobs where wine, spirits, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages assessment skills are required
- Individual registration for those missing courses to complete Stages
- 1st & 2nd Stage Scholarship Program
The 1st Graduate with “Distinction” of the 1st & 2nd Stage
Tuition & exams grant for participating in the Introductory Course & Certified Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers – a mandatory course in the 3rd Stage of the Academy, worth €1,170
The 2st Graduate with “Distinction” of the 1st & 2nd Stage
Tuition & exams grant for studying at WSPC HESTIA L3 PLUS – Modern Greek Wine Industry – a mandatory course in the 3rd Stage of the Academy, worth €1,085.
The first 2 Graduates with the Best Performance in the 1st & 2nd Stage
Tuition grant worth €790, either for studying “CMS Preparation – Practical Skills” – a mandatory course in the 3rd Stage of the Academy, or for studying “Mastering Blind tasting – MW & CMS Style” – an elective course in the 3rd Stage of the Academy.
Note: this scholarship is awarded if and only if there is no graduate with “Distinction”.
Greek CMS Intro & Certified Exam Graduate with the best performance
Tuition & exams grant for the Advanced Certificate of the Court of Master Sommeliers – mandatory course in the 4th Stage of the Academy, worth €1,105.
- Bursaries for studying in the 3rd & 4th Stage.
- 10% saving on 1st Stage tuition fees for holders of the European Youth Card. If you are up to 30 years old, go to europeanyouthcard.gr and issue your card.
- Special discounts for active members of the Greek Sommeliers Association that may reach the amount €500.
- Special discounts for members of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).
- Tuition grant of three educational programs of the first Stage min worth €1,140, through the Support & Education in Tourism program for single mothers “Now I can too“, from the Gerard Basset foundation.
- Two-year contract with WSPC for the first two Top Distinction Graduates of the Academy!
Studying at WSPC
The purpose of this information is to help our students understand basic principles of behavior that need to be respected throughout the classes.
A class should provide a friendly and harmonious environment, able to promote a high level of learning progress, ensuring a smooth running of the course and respect towards all parties involved in the learning process-both students and instructor.
Dress Code
The Business Attire Dress Code Policy is strictly applied to all WSPC Sommelier Academy courses. The “Business Professional” attire policy is mandatory for all students throughout their studies at the Academy.
Don’t miss a class
It has been proven that students who do not miss classes and are assiduous in attending the course, have more chances to perform better in the examination and pass the test with a higher mark. It is students’ personal responsibility to fill in the gap and look out for notes, exercises, homework or/and flights of wines relevant to the class.
Don’t be late for the class
It is a sign of respect vis-à-vis your fellow students and your instructor. Should it happen due to special circumstances, students should enter the classroom as discreetly and quickly as possible, picking the first available classroom desk.
Come prepared to the class
Preparation constitutes an important part of your effort to better comprehend the teaching material and have fewer questions. Students who submit their papers within the deadlines set, manage to maintain a better flow in their studies and to better assimilate the material, significantly raising the chances of successful performance at the exams and with a higher mark. Any assigned tasks submitted overdue shall be dismissed. However, students may correct themselves at home, having as a guide the recommended form of answering applying in every task.
Turn off your cell phone at the start of class
It is a sign of respect vis-à-vis your fellow students and your instructor. The use of mobile phones in the classroom is highly annoying and distracts students’ attention. If you are expecting an urgent call, you are kindly requested to inform your instructor at the beginning of the class and keep your phone on silent mode. Once you see the incoming call, leave the classroom as discreetly as possible.
Be aware that any portable electronic apparatus (mobile phone, laptop, MP3 player etc) shall not be allowed during the class. Video recording, audio recording and photography of any material given during the course, including course presentations, is prohibited as it is subject to copyright.
For your own use you may photograph the bottles tasted at the tasting at the end of the course (bottles remain in a prominent place).
Don’t talk to each other during the class
It is a sign of respect vis-à-vis your fellow students and your instructor. The noise provoked from chatting is likely to distract the instructor and other fellow students, thus disrupting the smooth flow of the class.
Don’t monopolize the floor by raising too many questions preventing your fellow students from submitting their queries
Questions facilitate a broad understanding of the lesson. The time allocated for questions is up to the instructor’s discretion (either during or at the end of the lesson). However, students should take into account the available time for questions, reducing the number of questions addressed to the instructor and enabling their fellow students to raise their own questions.
THE ABOVE PRINCIPLES ALSO APPLY DURING THE EXAMINATIONS
Enrollment
- Express your interest by phone (210 9882540 & 544) or via e-mail(education@wspc.gr)
Your enrollment is finalized with the pre-payment of the tuition fees, either through eshop, or through a bank account deposit/ web-banking.
- After the deposit of tuition fees, a Registration Form is sent to you that you should fill in. Upon correct submission of the Registration Form, your registration is automatically completed.
- Candidate students allowed to participate in the courses should be over the age of 18.
- Candidate students must have an e-mail address to enroll. Any important information regarding your studies is sent by e-mail.
- The Business Attire Dress Code Policy is strictly applied to all WSPC Sommelier Academy courses. The “Business Professional” attire policy is mandatory for all students throughout their studies at the Academy.
- Awarding of Sommelier Stage 1 Certification to successful candidates:
WSPC couriers the Sommelier Stage 1 Certification and Pin to successful candidates. The cost for dispatching the certificates shall be borne by the recipient to make sure that this official document will reach the beneficiary on own responsibility.
For any failure to receive a Sommelier Stage 1 degree by its beneficiary, WSPC bears no responsibility. In case of loss of a diploma, its reissue costs €60.00.
- Enrollment corresponds to the course selected by the student. Fees shall not be refundable and shall not be used for enrollment on a next similar course.
- Upon lapse of the registration deadline, there will be no late registration. In the event of a late registration, students shall be encumbered with an additional charge amounting to €90 + V.A.T.
- WSPC shall reserve the right to cancel a course, if the required minimum number of students is not reached. In such a case, the enrolled students shall be credited the entire deposited amount.
Modes of payment:
By Bank deposit to:
- Alpha Bank IBAN: GR33 0140 1180 1180 0233 0000 482 (WSPC L.T.D).
- Piraeus Bank IBAN: GR73 0171 7270 0067 2711 3141 025 (private higher education school).
- Eurobank IBAN: GR06 0260 0190 0005 4020 1143 015 (private higher education school, Vocational Center).
Justification of deposit: Student’s full name, or corporate trade name, in case of a corporate expenditure.
By Credit/Debit card Visa & MasterCard
Curriculum
WSPC Sommelier Academy
WSPC Sommelier Academy Educational outline of Stage 1
Sommelier Stage 1 prepares Front Line Staff working with wine managing a broad portfolio of alcoholic drinks in retail, wholesale sectors and hospitality.
The primary objective of the program is to convey and implement in practice the system of control, organization and final service within the Job of a Junior Sommelier.
The English language knowledge required is equivalent to B2 – Lower, or IELTS 6 & above, or TOEFL iBT® 20 & above, or TOEIC® 450 & above.
WSET L1 Award in Wines PLUS
Students will become familiar with the main types and styles of wine. They shall be cognizant of the key stages of grape growing and winemaking, the principal types and styles of wines, the basic characteristics of wines from the main grape varieties. They will learn to taste single varietal wines according to the SAT (Systematic Approach Tasting).
WSET L1 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits holders will be familiar with the production process of the principal categories of spirits, their characteristics and the basic principles of tasting, service and cocktails and the correct way for their storage. The key principles of tasting governing both spirits and wines help students in further advancing their studies in sake.
Overall, this educational program comprises 7 hours of classes and examinations.
This program is taught in Greek. The teaching material and the program’s examinations shall be exclusively carried out in English.
WSET L1 Award in Sake
SAKE students will be able to distinguish between the main styles and types of sake, to define their main characteristics and will know the basic principles of storing and serving SAKE. The basic principles of wine and spirit tasting will further help students in their studies in sake.
Overall, this educational program comprises of 8 hours of classes and examinations.
This program is taught in Greek. The teaching material and the program’s examinations shall be exclusively carried out in English.
Coffee Cocoa Tea Tasting Skills
A crash course providing tasting skills in coffee, tea and cocoa. It is addressed either to those who wish to join the catering industry, or to professionals who wish to improve their knowledge and gain experience in tasting coffee, tea and cocoa.
BSA L1 Plus in Coffee Cocoa Tea
Students either acquire or certify their knowledge in the handling and serving of coffee, tea and cocoa products, as well as in the operation of machines for the preparation of Coffee menu drinks. It is an essential program for those who want to work as Baristas and / or Food & Beverage Managers in hotels, restaurants, coffee chains or for those who are already working, and want to increase their knowledge on raw materials while at the same time being certified by a reliable educational title of British state studies with global recognition (BSA). In addition, it is particularly useful for professionals who want to work in the wider commercial area of the above products, for example, coffee, tea, espresso machine companies and other related companies in the industry market.
WSET L2 Award in Wines - Immerse Food & Wine
The holders of Level 2 Award in Wines are able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced by principal international and indigenous grape varieties, to interpret the wine labels from the main wine making regions of the world and provide basic guidance in correct wine selection and service; students will be also able to understand the key principles of wine tasting and assessment according to the SAT tasting world language at a higher level. The course provides in-depth in the analysis of 52 wines in relation to Food Pairing.
Water Workshop
By understanding the process of water tasting, the different pairings, the differences between the waters, the myth that “all waters are the same” is dispelled and the final product/ service provided to the customer is upgraded. Students will learn the process of water tasting and possible pairings, as well as the basic differences of waters. Students will be informed about sales techniques towards the final consumer, fully delving into the category of Natural Mineral Water.
Modern Sommelier Techniques (Part 1)
It delves into the Service Sequence between customer and product with an analysis of special cuisines and the dominant trends in Greek and international gastronomy.
Students will learn how to build a targeted, appropriate and profitable wine list; to comprehend the gross profit margins of wines in a business; to control the costs and maximize the potential for sale and profitability.
In the context of Service Sequencing, they will be taught how to recommend the Greek wines even in replacement of wines of the world.
Students will be taught the service process with focused practices requiring a hands-on approach on the selection of glasses & temperatures, the uncorking of still and sparkling wines, the presentation, decanting, analytical pairing of food & wine, the management of costs and cellar and the handling of customer problems.
Important Information on the examinations
All the examinations for Sommelier Stage 1 are a closed-book assessment.
WSET® Awards does not award Titles of Studies/Certificates unless all prerequisites and assessment requirements regarding the studies and the examinations for each Program of studies are fulfilled (aegrotat pass).
Persons with Disabilities
Candidates with special examination and assessment requirements, are requested to inform the Enrollments officer and/or the Examinations officer on any such requirement prior to enrollment on a Program. It is the policy of WSET Awards that such candidates should not be placed at a disadvantaged position during the courses or at the examinations. Where appropriate, WSPC and WSET may request the student to submit an official medical opinion by a qualified state body related to the candidate in question.
Re-sit
Candidates may apply to resit the examination if they failed the examinations. There is no limit on the number of attempts to resit the examinations. Candidates who have passed the examinations are not allowed to resit to improve their grade.
- Examinations are compulsory. If a candidate does not sit the examination on the fixed date and time, it will be possible to request and sit the next possible examination date with the required re–sit exam fee.
- If a candidate fails the examination, it will be possible to request and re-sit the next possible examination date with the required re–sit exam fee.
Requirements, regulations and examination conditions
1. To participate in the examinations, candidates must adhere to the following specific conditions:
- At the start of the examination, all candidates must submit to the invigilator a statutory identification document with a photograph (identity card or a driving license or a passport).
- Candidates should bring their own: Hb2-type pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener.
- Candidates must bring their own bottle of water.
- The examination should be completed within the time foreseen.
- No note or explanation is to be made on any material, in whatever form, other than the examination multiple-question paper and answer sheet.
- Any communication between candidates of any kind shall not be permitted.
- The use of electronic devices of any kind (mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, tablets etc) shall be prohibited.
- Candidates shall be forbidden to take photographs of the examination room or the examination material.
- The use of any kind of dictionaries is forbidden.
- The use of audible alarms from any kind of watch is prohibited.
- It is at the invigilator’s discretion to allow entry to late arriving candidates and only if this does not disturb the examination process.
- Candidates are not allowed to leave the room before the first 15 minutes of the examination time have elapsed.
- Candidates who complete the examination prior to its official ending, may leave the room on condition that they do not disturb the other candidates. After leaving the room, re-entry shall not be allowed.
- The invigilators have no authority to comment, interpret or express an opinion on any examination question or/and on any conceptual question raised by candidates.
- Any candidate suspected of inappropriate behavior, shall be called upon to leave the examination room immediately and his/her examination paper shall be submitted to the Examinations Committee which shall determine its validity and any future prohibition to participating in the examinations.
- The sheet with the examination questions shall not be removed from the examination room. Candidates who fail to submit the questions sheet along with their answer sheet, shall be considered to have breached the rules.
- It is forbidden to reveal the examination content to others or anyhow reproduce it.
2. Candidates must also comply with the invigilator’s instructions. Failure to do so may result in the examination results becoming invalid.
3. Examination papers submitted for marking become the property of WSET® Awards and will not be returned to candidates.
Sommelier Stage 1 certificate to students successfully completing the course
WSPC sends the Sommelier Stage 1 qualification to successful students by courier together with the label pin. The cost for dispatching the certificates shall be borne by the recipient to make sure that this official document will reach the beneficiary on own responsibility.
WSPC shall assume no responsibility in case of negligence in receiving the certificate on behalf of the beneficiary. In case of certificate loss, re-issuing it costs €60.
Examination Enquiries, Feedback and Appeals
- Candidates requesting a re-mark and/or feedback on their examination sheet shall have to contact WSPC and fill in an Enquiry & Feedback Form. The form should be filled in and be delivered to WSPC along with the corresponding monetary amount within the rigorous time frame set by your Program provider from the examination date. Any request received beyond the time frame set shall be dismissed. Re-mark and feedback will be provided by WSET Awards within twelve weeks following receipt of the request.
What are the benefits of my Studies at the Academy?
- Competitive advantage in the market – Graduates of International Institutions
- Two-year contract with WSPC for the first two Top Distinction Graduates of the Academy
- Direct absorption in the best companies
- Continuous mentoring
- Correlation of business needs with each year of studies
(Identification of each year with a specific professional outline) - The most comprehensive study program in the field of Oenology in Europe
- Scholarship Program (1st & 2nd Stage)
- Bursaries for studying (3rd & 4th Stage)
- Individual registration for those missing courses to complete Stages
Where do classes take place?
At our state-of-the-art facilities in Paleo Faliro. In a facility of 1,200 sq.m of surface, in line with the strictest health and safety specifications. Click here for a virtual tour around the school.
Are there any conditions in place for my enrollment on live classes and therefore for entering the school?
WSPC is subject to an educational and health protocol. Therefore, the registration in all in person educational programs is for students who meet the requirements, as defined by the bodies responsible for ensuring Public Health.
Is there a V.A.T rate applied on the tuition fees?
No, because WSPC is an educational organization certified by the Ministry of Education.
What do tuition fees include?
Everything. The fees include the program’s books, your personal tools needed for practical training, the examination cost, the wines and the equipment for practical training, the teaching hours by a certified tutor, the tasting wines bought (free samples are not accepted), as well as any logistics cost incurred from the program.
Can I directly enroll in the program?
Yes, you can directly enroll in the Sommelier Stage 1. You can also enroll individually in case you are missing courses to complete Stage1 – upon success you will be awarded the Certification of Sommelier Stage 2 along with the corresponding pin.
May I be absent from the class?
At WSPC Sommelier Academy absence from the class shall not be permitted. Your presence is mandatory also at the examinations.
There are no make-ups for missed lessons.
Also, in cases of extreme weather or force majeure such as nationwide strikes in the means of public transport, there may be a modification of the planned lessons. Any change in the predetermined program is made after written communication from the faculty to the students.
What happens if I do not show up at the examinations?
You may enroll to participate in the next scheduled examination, either in the same or another city where exams will be held, paying the corresponding re-sit exam fee.
What happens if I fail the examinations?
You may enroll to participate in the next scheduled examination, either in the same or another city where exams will be held, paying the corresponding re-sit exam fee.
How long does it take for the results to be announced?
It takes 6 to 8 working weeks from the examination date.
How do I get informed about the results?
By e – mail from the WSPC Admissions & Awards team.
What does it mean to succeed in examinations?
You become holder of the Sommelier Stage 1 Certification.
How do I receive my certification?
WSPC sends your Sommelier Stage 1 Certification together with the lapel pin by courier. The cost for dispatching the certificates shall be borne by the recipient to make sure that this official document will reach you, as the beneficiary on own responsibility.
May I pay the fees in instalments?
Yes. Through the eshop, you may pay in installments with your credit card.
Is there a possibility for corporate enrolments?
Yes, it is possible. Contact us to fill you in.
What are the foreseen options in case classes in person are discontinued due to force majeure, as was the case with the pandemic COVID-19?
In such an event, classes will continue normally, either by teaching in person once permitted, or by mixed teaching (online theory, practical training in physical presence).
Testimonials
Studying at WSPC for my Diploma in Wines was a truly transformative experience. Engaging tastings, collaborative study sessions and expert guidance provided a comprehensive understanding of the world of wine. It’s a journey that not only enriched my knowledge but also fueled my passion for wine.
Studying at WSPC has been an enriching journey through the world of wine. The engaging curriculum, the dedicated WSPC team with the extensive knowledge & expertise in their field have been fostered my wine knowledge growth creating a unique learning experience. I am truly grateful for the depth of knowledge and skills acquired.
I was born and raised in Munich and have always been passionate about wine culture. . I have a university degree in food science, which originally introduced me to the science of winemaking. I discovered the WSET institution and decided to take the courses related to wine! I am very happy to accomplish the Diploma! It was a big challenge but a great journey as well! I am regularly hosting and/or participating in various events, including wine tastings and exhibitions. I was happy to do my studies in the WSPC. Mr. Konstantinos Lazarakis MW and his colleagues were always there for any questions and support!
Learn as if you were to live forever, they say and this is how my WSET Diploma journey started. For the first time I was sitting in a class together with real winemakers, sommeliers and wine merchants learning about wine and acquiring an in-depth knowledge. Visiting the breathtaking island of Santorini and its iconic wineries during a whole week, is a game changing experience not to be missed.
Studying at WSPC may be one of the most beneficial experiences I have had as a student. From the very first day students have highly experienced tutors by their side and the whole staff assists them with any inquiry. WSPC is undoubtedly the right choice to gain in depth knowledge of the world of wine and beverages.
To study wine, you need to feel inspired. I have studied all four levels of WSET at WSPC. During that time, my tutors Efstathios Saltas at Levels 1 and 2, Gregory Michailos at Level 3 and Konstantinos Lazarakis MW, at Level 4, were truly inspirational and reminded me that wine is above all, an exciting journey!
It was an outstanding experience that I would recommend to anyone who would like to elevate their wine knowledge, critical thinking, and tasting skills to take part! Having guidance from Konstantinos Lazarakis MW together with the support of the whole WSPC team made the journey even more enjoyable!
The course through to the acquisition of Diploma degree was a proactive journey to all the terroirs of the world where wine is produced. The secret tales that were revealed to us, from Konstantinos and Andreas, over the tastings of numerous wines from around the globe created a magical atmosphere, that will be remembered for a long time.
My experience in WSPC started back in 2015 with WSET Level 1, where I had my first encounter with the world of wine. As I proceeded, I gained a lot of insight and confidence and instinctively, continued to seek for more. This led me to the final level of the Diploma, tasting wines from all over the world, learning about the corresponding viticultural and winemaking techniques and how to link them directly to the result. As a new winemaker, I carry this achievement throughout my professional life!
My experience at WSPC was very interesting, especially the Santorini block which enabled us to travel to the island under such special circumstances. Konstantinos Lazarakis is a charismatic teacher who transmits his knowledge with humour and enthusiasm, which makes learning a bright experience.
The high level of seminars, the well-structured educational material, and the participation of renowned professionals with high working experience raised the level of teaching. The knowledge I was exposed too, was practically applied, and helped both my professional and personal development.
After years of experience as a Barista, I decided to try a more responsible position in the hospitality sector. I had to enrich my CV with a relevant qualification to be able to claim the position I coveted at the hotel where I had worked in the past. After a lot of research, I decided to enrol on the BSA seminar due to its prestige and international acclaim because the hotel unit I was interested in working was a foreign interest company. Indeed, it was the best step I took because I was finally selected for the job, after also completing a seminar in bartending. This is indeed a truly substantial and interesting seminar useful to any barista wishing to make a career.
I chose this seminar because its thematic units, both in theory and practice, span across the entire range of a Barista responsibilities. As I didn’t have previous working experience in the field, the theory on coffee and tea, learning the proper use of an espresso machine and the training in the different extraction methods, enabled me to look for a job and to now being employed by one of the largest Greek coffee chains.
On top of being my job, coffee is also my passion and therefore I wanted to broaden my knowledge. After doing research, I discovered that many seminars are offered on coffee, without providing either international certification, or a degree. So, I chose the BSA and it was the best thing I could do for myself. The training was awesome, and I was able to practically understand all the theory; the tutors, with their high level of expertise and the ability to transmit knowledge stood by my side, always smiley and patient, ready to answer all my questions (many indeed!); I acquired abundant knowledge building on the already existing one. The most important of all was that on completion of the program, I went back to my workplace, fully capable of applying all this knowledge. For all the above reasons and for many more, I decided to pursue my training at BSA and my experience became even more fascinating achieving also the Level 2 high-end qualification.
I attended this seminar because I wanted to focus on hot beverages; there is a whole philosophy behind this category that I wanted to learn about. It was an excellent seminar with tutors displaying a high level of expertise both in theory and practice. First and foremost, it was a useful seminar because by learning the history of raw materials, we learn to respect the raw materials quality and quantity. The techniques being taught are also very important as they impact on the outcome.
Coffee is for me a journey in a world of unique experiences, high demands, and successive changes. Therefore, as a professional I need to continuously update my knowledge to offer myself and consumers the pleasure of this journey. So, picking Marilena, Vaggelis and the rest of the team, I discovered a unique interactive, educational experience. In addition to the abundance of knowledge found in the full and perfectly structured educational material, I discovered mistakes I used to make, and I was able to drastically improve myself, helped by the structure of the seminar and the application of knowledge in real life. It is also worth mentioning the state-of-the-art equipment, the impeccable running of exams and the ongoing professional support on completion of seminars. I would like to thank my buddies for the beautiful and special moments. Keep going.
The seminar offered me targeted knowledge, without dwelling on generalities. The tutors provided analytical teaching both in theory and in practice. I totally recommend that all young passionate practitioners, with love for coffee, enrol on Levels 1 & 2 to acquire the basic knowledge required for every young Barista starting a career and for further building up knowledge, combined with the work experience, in the immense and ever evolving world of coffee.
In 2014, following a recommendation by some professionals in the wine industry, I began my studies in WSPC, attending the WSET Level 1; at this point I couldn't begin to imagine how long and special this journey would turn out. The excellent structure of the school's curriculum, the imparting of knowledge on every aspect of wine, the familiarisation with all the wine regions of the world combined with the high level and the ethos of tutors encouraged me to continue studying, advancing to higher levels with an increasing momentum. So, in 2017, and while being professionally active in a totally different industry, I found myself in Santorini, kicking off the fascinating path of WSET Diploma. It is an uncommon, demanding, but above all an exciting journey that I managed to successfully accomplish by obtaining the much-coveted qualification in 2019.
The well-structured, rigorous education and the charm of the teaching staff motivated me to go as far as WSET Level 3 and WSPC HESTIA Advanced Certificate and I am now seriously thinking of attempting the WSET Diploma. My job is not related to wine but to printings of refrigerator food labels and content production for various sectors. However, wine is an important part of my life and in the upcoming period I will expand my professional activities in this sector.
I began my studies in wine and spirits at WSPC where I attended Levels 1,2,3 in wines, HESTIA Certificate and Spirits. In 2017, I embarked on WSET DIPLOMA and I will never forget the top level of education and teaching. A very important part for me is the Pan-Hellenic Association of Sommeliers.
Knowing that WSET is the top school for studies in wine, in 2016 I began my studies at WSPC Wine & Spirit Professional Center. The school’s excellent organization, the highly trained tutors, the very well-structured curriculum per level of qualification offering a thorough education and the school’s new premises were my incentive and inspiration to fervently complete, notwithstanding the challenges, the first three WSET L1-L2-L3 and the L3 HESTIA Certificate. And although my career, for many years now, is in stark contrast to the world of wine, as I am a mechanical engineer, the world of wine cast its spell on me and I am now attending at the WSPC, the WSET Diploma, the most challenging, albeit fascinating, wine journey.
Through WSPC, the best organization in the wine industry, both in Greece and abroad, I met wonderful people with dedication and love for wine. A team of professionals ready to teach students everything about wine. Acquiring WSPC Level 4, the WSET Diploma, I expect to complete this journey having in parallel started the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS Europe), a program with a hospitality-oriented focus. All these studies combined with my working experience in wine restaurants and in Michelin-star rated restaurants led me to the ‘wine paradise’ where I am currently working, the Private Members Club 67 PallMall in London.
It was back in 2015 when I became a student at WSPC. I didn’t have to think it twice, the wine training offered by the school is excellent. First and foremost, the school offers wine education and behaviour! Students acquire critical thinking. Not only are we taught by top level tutors to describe, judge, and score a wine but also to respect wine, its culture, the land, the winemaker and the vine grower. I would like to personally thank WSPC, Mr. Konstantinos Lazarakis and first and foremost my mentor, Mr. Yiannis Koulelis who taught me how to love wine and broaden my wine horizons daily; to long for learning, to constantly discover why this journey in the world of wine is endless!
