WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines
€6.890
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WSET Level 4 in Wines – world-leading Diploma in Wines.
About the course
WSET Level 4 Certification in Wine has been structured to prepare students to assume high level administrative positions in wine markets. The WSET Diploma study programme not only greatly elevates students’ “product” knowledge but also enables them to attain skill sets and capabilities, for example in research and drafting reports which they will require for the further evolvement of their career. Therefore, the WSET Diploma assists students in their ability to attest to their knowledge in a form fitting to the global industry of wines and spirits.
The successful completion of the exams is a necessary requirement for the Certification and the Certification itself is a prerequisite for achieving the higher most inter-professional global title of ‘Master of Wine’.
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The WSET Diploma is comprised of 5+1 units of study. Students are required to ascertain their sufficiency and knowledge in these units through a plethora of evaluation methods. Students prepare for their exams through an impeccably structured programme consisting of classes, tastings, research papers and tests.
The WSET Diploma demands strong dedication on behalf of students both through their work in the classroom as well as individual study. Students are required to exceed 600 hours of private study time. This programme is delivered by subject-matter experts. Many of whom are MWs (Masters of Wine).
Diploma graduates automatically become members of the Institute of Wines and Spirits (IWS). This organization constitutes a global network of collaborations and connections operating under the auspices of WSET and allows its members influence and direct access to global commercial activity. Only Diploma holders have the exclusive privilege of being members and being able to utilize this network through their induction in the Dip WSET (Alumni Body).
The induction of WSET Diploma into the Greek market is of great significance as it constitutes the necessary level of education for obtaining the higher most global inter-professional title of ‘Master of Wine’. Candidates and future Diploma holders will be able to meet the high demands of the global market and hence highlight their country on the world stage. The programme is taught in English. The graduation ceremony is held in Greece by WSPC. In addition, the global Diploma graduation ceremony is held at the WSET flagship school in London, with graduates from all over the world.
Courses Schedule andCurriculum
Level 4 in Wines
Learning Goals
The Diploma is delivered in six mandatory units covering a broad range of topics including wine production, wine business, and still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world.
D1: Wine production
- Vine requirements
- Anatomy of the vine and grape
- Grape growing options, explaining and evaluating the different approaches and how these options affect grape yields, quality and the final wine produced
- Natural factors in the vineyard and how they influence the vine’s ability to produce grapes for wines of different styles, quality levels and price
- Winemaking and post-fermentation options and how they influence the style, quality and price of wines
D2: Wine business
- The types of businesses engaged in wine production and the options for getting wine to the point of sale
- Factors that contribute to the price of wine
- Key considerations in wine marketing
D3: Wines of the world | D4: Sparkling wines D5: Fortified wines
- How grape-growing, winemaking, maturation, wine law and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal still wines (D3), sparkling wines (D4) and fortified wines (D5) of the world.
- How to taste and evaluate still wines (D3), sparkling wines (D4) and fortified wines (D5) using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
D6: Independent research assignment
- How to research a specified wine-related subject
- For registration refer to 210 9882540 & 544 or e-mail us at (education@wspc.gr)
To validate the participation at the course:- the first installment or the full amount of the tuition fees must be paid prior to the deadline, through the e-shop, or by making a bank deposit, and
- the official Application Form must be fully filled out and returned to the Diploma Officer.
- To enroll you have to be: at least 18 years old, and a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Graduate.
- It is necessary to have a valid email address, as all information about your studies is electronically documented
- Fees get paid in advance in order:
- the student to verify the application’s validity and be certain for his/ her place to the course
- the students get assigned with their WSET candidate number in order to be able to visit the WSET global campus relevant to the WSET Diploma &
- the student to be able to receive, in advance any codes or documents needed for their studies/tutorials.
- In the occasion due to force majeure, that the Greek Government applies restrictions and or lockdown to educational organizations and lessons are interrupted, as happened with the COVID-19 pandemic, WSPC will provide the courses through an online platform and lessons will continue as normal. The online courses are an exact extension and continuation of your studies, within the respective regulations required by the Greek Ministry of Education.
- Receiving your Certificate from WSET:
Following the successful completion of the course and receiving passing grades in each and every section, your Certificate will be issued by WSET.
You will receive your Certificate by WSPC, during the Graduation Ceremony.In the even that you misplace or damage the original Certificate, a duplicate copy will be issued after the payment of the appropriate fee.
Cancellation Terms & Policy
- The program tuition is paid in full prior to the commencement of each block and applies only to the specific selected course. Tuition fees are non-transferrable to future courses.
- The registration can be cancelled up to one (1) month before the course date. However, a minimum administrative charge will be deducted plus the cost of the registration & materials fees plus the bank transfer charges.
- For fees paid by credit card, a handling fee of 3.5% of the paid course fee will be restrained.
- Cancellation less than one month before the course date will incur the loss of the first installment fee.
- Cancellation after the start of the program will incur the loss of the whole tuition fees amount.
- Any withdrawals are not refundable (course and/ or exam/s).
- In the occasion that you are not able to attend the course due to coronavirus restrictions (lockdown) that may apply in your country of residence/origin, WSPC will offer a postponement of your enrolment to the next Diploma class.
- Once the registration deadline has passed no late registrations will be accepted.
- Liability: For accidents and other damages we can only inherit liabilities within the scope of the legal liability. We do not inherit liabilities for accidents and other damages on the way to and from the course venues. At tending excursions and visiting programmes etc. are at your own risk. Furthermore WSPC is not liable for lost clothing, valuables, etc.
- WSPC maintains the right to cancel a course due to insufficient student enrollment. In such an event enrolled students will either be transferred to the next available course or will be fully paying back the tuition fees minus the cost of the registration & materials fees: €390,00. In the occasion of cancellations, we cannot refund incurred expenses. Please be aware of programme changes.
Methods of Payment:
- Bank Deposit
1.Bank: ALPHA BANK
Eden Mare Branch (155).
Currency: Euro.
Account/ Company Name: WSPC LTD.
Account No.: 118-00-2330-000482
BIC No: CRBAGRAAXXX
IBAN: GR33 0140 1180 1180 0233 0000 482
2.Bank: PIRAEUS BANK
Sygrou Branch.
Currency: Euro.
Account/ Company Name: Wine & Spirit Professional Centre LTD/ Educational Organization.
Account No.: 6727-113141-025
BIC No: PIRBGRAA
IBAN: GR73 0171 7270 0067 2711 3141 025
3.Bank: EUROBANK
Currency: Euro
Account/ Company Name: Wine & Spirit Professional Centre LTD/ Educational Organization.
Account No.: 0026.0019.54.0201143015
BIC No: ERBKGRAA
IBAN: GR06 0260 0190 0005 4020 1143 015When depositing the fees, candidates are required to complete their full name & details. In the case of the deposits made by Firms, the full company name & address must be shown.
- Credit card: Visa & MasterCard (for full payment or payment by installments).
Main principles
The following expectations are designed to improve the quality of the WSPC classroom experience. We therefore ask our students to honor the following principles aimed at building a positive and productive learning environment based on mutual respect while in class.
Do not miss classes
Students that attend classes regularly are more likely to pass their exams – and with better grades. In case of absence, it is a student’s responsibility to catch up with notes, assignments and /or wines tasted in class that day.
Do not be late
Arriving on time to class is an act of respect for your fellow students and instructors. If, despite your best efforts, you arrive late, make sure you enter the classroom discreetly and pick the first available seat.
Come to class well prepared
Preparation before class is essential for a better understanding of the curricula. Students that turn in assignments on time build up their knowledge and increase the possibility of scoring higher at exams. Assignments not turned in within the deadline will not be accepted.
Turn your mobile off while in class
This is also a sign of respect. In case you are expecting an urgent call, you are kindly requested to inform your instructor at the beginning of the class and keep your mobile on silent mode. Upon call reception, please exit the class as discreetly as possible.
Please note that the use of portable electronic devices (mobile, laptop, MP3 player etc) while in class is not allowed, as can be distracting to faculty and students, may infringe upon privacy or copyright, and can have a negative effect on classroom discussions. The bottles of every wine flight tasted remain in display after class, so students may take photos of the labels for their convenience.
Avoid side conversations
This is common courtesy towards your classmates and instructors. Talking to each other may be distracting and counterproductive.
Avoid dominating discussion
Participation in class is important and queries enhance comprehension of the curricula. The time dedicated to Q&As is based on the instructor’s discretion. It is important that students respect the time set for queries during class, avoid talking out of turn and give others a fair opportunity to participate.
THE ABOVE PRINCIPLES ALSO APPLY DURING THE EXAMINATIONS
Important information about examinations
Entry Requirements & Registration for Examinations
Candidates must enroll with an APP as a Diploma student before registering for any examination.
It is strongly recommended that candidates read the documents in the Resources section of the online area; this provides key guidance on how to approach the theory and tasting examinations.
Candidates can obtain registration dates for D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 examinations and the D6 Independent Research Assignment from WSPC.
No deferral of examinations/Independent Research Assignments is permitted once registration has been completed. In the case of extenuating circumstances please contact WSPC. Please note that examination fees are non-refundable following registration as an examination candidate.
Reasonable Adjustments
Examination candidates who have special examination requirements that are supported by an independent written assessment are requested to notify the examinations officer at WSPC of any such requirement at the time of enrolment for each Unit. Further guidance for examination officers and candidates is available from WSET Awards as required.
It is the policy of WSPC that such candidates should not be placed at a disadvantage in the examinations.
Candidates are responsible for informing WSPC of any such requirement at the time of registration for the examination.
Submission of the Independent Research Assignment
Independent Research Assignments not submitted by the relevant submission date will be automatically classed as Fail. Candidates will forfeit their examination fee and must re-register for an alternative submission date.
Candidates classified Fail for any Independent Research Assignment must apply to resubmit a new assignment title.
Candidates have two opportunities to submit the Independent Research Assignment each academic year. There will be two different titles released at the start of the academic year, one for each submission date. A candidate cannot complete the title for the January submission and submit in July.
Independent Research Assignments must only contain the candidate number; no submission should include the candidate’s name.
Results
For each Unit an electronic all-candidate grade list will be issued by WSET so that we can communicate results to the candidates. These grade lists will be issued within the following timeframes:
| Unit Title | Results Delivery |
|---|---|
| D1 Wine Production | 10 weeks after the exam |
| D2 Wine Business | 10 weeks after the exam |
| D3 Wines of the World | 12 weeks after the exam |
| D4 Sparkling Wines | 10 weeks after the exam |
| D5 Fortified Wines | 10 weeks after the exam |
| D6 Independent Research Assignment | 12 weeks after the exam |
Marks for individual Units will be given to the nearest percentage point and results will be graded as follows:
| Percentage Mark | Grade |
|---|---|
| 75% and above | Pass with distinction |
| 65% to 74% | Pass with merit |
| 55% to 64% | Pass |
| 45% to 54% | Fail |
| Below 45% | Fail unclassified |
For Units D1, D2 and D6 the grade issued will be based on the percentage mark achieved in the assessment.
For Units D4 and D5 the grade issued will be based on the overall percentage mark achieved in the assessment as an aggregate of the open-response and tasting components. A minimum of 45% must be achieved in both the open-response and tasting components, with a minimum aggregate percentage of 55%, to qualify for a Pass grade and above.
For Unit D3 the grade issued will be based on the overall percentage mark achieved in the assessment as an aggregate of the open-response and tasting components. A minimum of 55% must be achieved in both the open-response and tasting components to qualify for a Pass grade and above.
Resits
Candidates may apply to retake failed Units. There is no limit on the number of attempts that may be made.
Candidates who have passed Units are not permitted to retake these to improve their grade.
| Unit Title | Re-sit Fees |
|---|---|
| D1 Wine Production (previously known as Unit 2) | €191 |
| D2 Wine Business (previously known as Unit 1 Case Study) | €191 |
| D3 Wines of the World (previously known as Unit 3) Theory | €266 |
| D3 Wines of the World (previously known as Unit 3) Tasting | €458 |
| D4 Sparkling Wines (previously known as Unit 5) | €380 |
| D5 Fortified Wines (previously known as Unit 6) | €380 |
| D6 Research Assignment Submission (previously known as Unit 1 CWA) | €252 |
D3 Wines of the World (previously known as Unit 3)
Re-sit candidates who previously sat D3 or U3 must sit all failed assessments in their entirety on two consecutive days.
In case of cancellation, candidates can be individually registered with another APP. Registration deadlines may differ in other APPs.
Times above are not inclusive of registration times; this will be confirmed when you book your examination(s).
Exam prices have been readjusted. Due to Brexit all imports form non-European Union countries are now subjected to customs, taxes and duties.
Resit Booking Conditions
WSPC does not accept provisional bookings. Your place will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Bookings will only be accepted on valid forms with signed / agreed student declaration (“Resit Booking Form”) and the required authorization for invoice request booking for account holders.
Cancellations of a confirmed examination booking can only be made prior to the specified registration cut-off date. A €45.00 cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund. Fees will not be refunded after the registration cut-off date.
Only students that have attended a programme of study will be eligible to attend one of the exam dates.
A minimum of 8 candidates is required for each examination. In case of low enrollment WSPC reserves the right to cancel any re-sit Exam. In case of cancellation, candidates can be individually registered with another APP.
Examination conditions and regulations
- Upon registration for an examination, candidates are deemed to acknowledge and agree to the following specific conditions:
- at the start of the examination all candidates must supply the invigilator with proof of identity in the form of photographic ID, a valid passport or valid driver’s license
- Candidates must have their own: pencil type HB2, eraser, sharpener
- Candidates must have their own individual water bottle
- the examination is to be completed in the time specified
- no reference is to be made to any material, in whatever form, other than the examination question paper and answer sheet
- once the invigilator has declared that examination conditions are in place, no communication of any kind between candidates is permitted until they have left the examination room or the invigilator has announced the end of the examination
- during the examination candidates are only permitted to have the following items on their desk: tasting glasses, spittoon, pencils, erasers, and drinking water
- it is prohibited for candidates to take any photographs of the examination room or examination materials
- for tasting examinations candidates should not wear perfume, aftershave lotion or any other strong scent
- the use of electronic devices of any kind is prohibited
- mobile phones must not be on the examination desk, they must be switched off and placed out of sight
- the use of dictionaries of any kind is prohibited
- the use of audible ‘alarms’ on any clock or watch is prohibited
- candidates may not leave the room until the first 15 minutes of the examination time have elapsed
- candidates who arrive late may be allowed to enter the room at the discretion of the invigilator and only if other candidates are not compromised. Under normal circumstances we would not expect any candidate to be allowed to start the examination if they arrive more than 30 minutes after the published start time
- candidates who arrive after the published start time will NOT be allowed to sit the examination if any other candidate has already left the examination
- candidates may not leave, and then return to, the examination room once the examination has started unless they can be accompanied by an invigilator at all times while they are out of the examination room
- candidates who complete the examination/assessment early may leave the examination room up until the last 10 minutes, providing they do not disturb other candidates; no re-admission is permitted
- invigilators have no authority to comment upon, interpret, or express an opinion on any examination question
- any candidate who is suspected of misconduct will be advised to leave the examination room immediately and their examination paper will be submitted to the Examination Panel to determine its validity
- no examination question papers are to be removed from the examination room; candidates who fail to submit the question paper with their answer sheet will be deemed guilty of misconduct
- it is prohibited for candidates to reveal the content of examination papers to others, or reproduce it in any way.
- Candidates agree to abide by the invigilator’s instructions. Failure to do so may render a candidate’s results invalid.
- WSET reserves the right to permanently exclude candidates found guilty of misconduct from WSET qualifications.
- Examination papers submitted for marking become the property of WSET Awards and will not be returned to candidates.
Examination Feedback, Enquiries and Appeals
- Candidates requiring an enquiry (re-mark) or an enquiry and feedback on their examination paper should contact WSPC and request the Enquiry and Feedback Form. The form must be completed and submitted to WSPC along with the appropriate fee within 10 working days of the issue of results by WSET Awards to the WSPC. Any request received outside this time-frame will not be reviewed. Enquiries and feedbacks will be issued within 12 weeks of receipt by WSET Awards
- An enquiry with feedback can only be requested for fail grades.
- Any candidate dissatisfied with the result of an enquiry of an examination paper should contact WSPC and request an Appeal against Enquiry Application Form. The form must be completed and returned to WSPC, together with the appropriate fee, no more than 5 working days following notification of the enquiry decision. Appeals received outside this time-frame will not be reviewed. Appeals will be issued within 12 weeks of receipt by WSET Awards.
Where is the course taking place?
One of the 4 Blocks of this special program is taking place in Santorini, enhancing the study course with an experiential discovery of the renowned region with roots going back to antiquity: meeting the winemakers, visiting the volcanic phylloxera-immune vineyard and tasting wines of sheer character.
The rest of the Blocks will be held in Athens, at the highly impressive and spacious premises of WSPC at Paleo Faliro, an area less than 5km outside the city center.
Click here for the virtual tour of our premises (video with sound)
How can I prepare for the course?
This document will help you better understand the courses requirements and better organize your studying so as to achieve the best possible results during the exams.
The following two books are strongly recommended:
- Understanding Wine Technology: The Science of Wine Explained – by David Bird (Author)
- Viticulture: An introduction to commercial grape growing for wine production – by Stephen Skelton MW (Author)
Is VAT included in the tuition fees?
WSPC is a certified educational body of the Greek Ministry of Education. No VAT is being applied to the certified educational organizations.
What does the tuition fees include?
Access to all study materials of the course, your 3-year registration to WSET Diploma, the first attempt to all the exam Units, the exam papers, your Certificate, the wines and/ or spirit samples needed (we are not accepting free samples), an one calendar year subscription to Jancis Robinsons’ purple pages, and all the organizational logistics of the program.
*In the event that in-person classes, by reason of force majeure, are cancelled and are rescheduled online, the added expenses of shipping, bottling and packaging of the wine tasting samples that will be sent to the students burden exclusively the students.
Are the expenses of accommodation included in the fees?
All accommodation and travel expenses, in any location, burden exclusively the students.
Can I pay with installments?
Yes. Through our e-shop (link) you can use your credit card and pay in installments.
Is there any financial aid program like a scholarship that I could take part in?
Yes. Stand a chance to win part of the tuition fees by participating in the WSPC Diploma Bursary programme.
The WSPC Diploma Bursary scheme initiative is open to all our enrolled Diploma Students of each class every year. All confirmed Bursary candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic and the top 3 Bursary winners will win part of their tuition fees, an important aid to the demanding endeavor ahead of them.
Can I resit if I fail or if I don’t attend the examination?
Candidates may contact WSPC and request the Resit Booking Form. The form must be completed and submitted to WSPC along with the appropriate fee within the given deadline. There is no limit on the number of attempts that may be made.
How do I receive my Certificate?
Following the successful completion of the course and receiving passing grades in each and every section, your Certificate will be issued by WSET. You will receive your Certificate along with the relevant pin by WSPC, during the Graduation Ceremony.
What will happen if the classes are interrupted due to force majeure, as happened with the COVID-19 pandemic?
In the occasion that the Greek Government imposes restrictions and or lockdown to educational organizations and in-person classes are interrupted, WSPC will provide the courses through an online platform and lessons will continue as normal. The online courses are an exact extension and continuation of your studies, within the respective regulations required by the Greek Ministry of Education.
Konstantinos Lazarakis MW
Head of WSPC Education - Principal of WSPC Wine School
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Certificate
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!
