Wine Educate: Wine Tasting, Wine Tips, Wine Enthusiast, WSET

Joanne Close
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Welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast, your ultimate guide to mastering wine through the lens of WSET wine courses and certifications. Whether you’re a beginner exploring WSET Level 1 or preparing for the rigorous WSET Level 3 exam, this podcast is packed with insights tailored for every stage of your wine education journey. Learn wine tasting techniques using the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT), discover expert strategies for excelling in WSET essay practice, and dive into topics like food and wine pairing and career pathways in the wine industry. With episodes on professional wine education, tips for online wine classes, and behind-the-scenes stories from WSET exam preparation, we’ll help you turn your passion for wine into expertise. Whether you’re pursuing wine certification for personal growth or advancing your career as a sommelier or educator, the Wine Educate Podcast is here to guide you—one glass at a time. Subscribe now to gain the confidence to ace your WSET courses and elevate your appreciation of wine! This podcast is for you if you are asking questions such as: How do I study for WSET classes? How do I pass WSET Level 3? How do I pass WSET Theory? How do I pass WSET Tasting? How can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 2 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 3 course online? What are the WSET Level 2 study materials? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 3 exam? What wine certification programs are available? What are the best wine education podcasts? Where are wine tasting courses near me? How can I take an online wine education class? What are Wine and Spirit Education Trust certifications? How can I become a certified sommelier? What is a wine appreciation course? What wine education is for beginners? What are advanced wine studies? Can I study wine abroad? Can I study WSET in France? Can I study WSET in Europe? What are the top wine regions to visit? How can I find wine tasting tours? What are some WSET exam tips? What are some wine industry certifications? What are professional wine qualifications? What are some wine courses for enthusiasts? What is the WSET diploma program? What are the benefits of obtaining a WSET Level 1 certification? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 2 exam? What topics are covered in the WSET Level 3 course? Are there online courses available for WSET certifications? What is the difference between WSET and sommelier certifications? How long does it take to complete WSET Level 1? What are the costs associated with WSET Level 2 courses? Can I take WSET exams online? What career opportunities are available with a WSET Level 3 certification? How do I find WSET-approved course providers near me? What study materials are recommended for WSET Level 2? Are there practice exams available for WSET Level 3? What is the pass rate for WSET Level 2 exams? How does WSET certification benefit wine professionals? What are the prerequisites for enrolling in WSET Level 3? Can I retake the WSET exam if I don't pass on the first attempt? What is the format of the WSET Level 1 exam? Are there scholarships available for WSET courses? How does WSET certification compare to other wine education programs? What are the best resources for WSET Level 3 exam preparation? How many wines do you taste in WSET Level 2? Is WSET Level 3 difficult? What jobs can I get with a WSET certification? What is the difference between WSET and CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers)? How can I memorize wine regions for the WSET exam? Do I need WSET Level 1 before taking Level 2? What’s the difference between WSET Level 2 and Level 3? How does blind tasting work in WSET exams? Is WSET certification worth it? What are the hardest parts of the WSET Level 3 exam? Can you skip WSET Level 1 and go straight to Level 2? What are the key sparkling wine styles covered in WSET Level 3? How do I apply the BLIC (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity) meth

  1. 73. Barolo & Barbaresco: Wine Laws at the WSET Level 3 Level

    5 HR AGO

    73. Barolo & Barbaresco: Wine Laws at the WSET Level 3 Level

    Barolo & Barbaresco: Wine Laws at the WSET Level 3 Level Welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast, where we explore WSET education, study tips, and practical advice for wine enthusiasts and professionals. I’m your host, Joanne Close, and this is episode 73. Today, we’re diving into two of Italy’s most legendary regions: Barolo and Barbaresco, through the lens of WSET Level 3 wine laws. These two Nebbiolo-based DOCGs may sit just two miles apart, but their histories, elevations, soils, and styles each tell a fascinating story. Barolo spans about 2,000 hectares, while Barbaresco is much smaller at just 677 hectares. Both regions are defined by steep south-facing slopes, variations in altitude, and unique mesoclimates that make understanding their laws and vineyard classifications essential for Level 3 students. In this episode, we’ll cover: The growth of Barolo’s vineyard land (including the 50% increase between 1999–2013) and what it means for quality. Barolo’s DOCG rules, from 100% Nebbiolo to its strict minimum aging requirements (38 months, with 18 in wood). The controversies between traditional and modern producers in the 1990s and how styles have evolved. Barbaresco’s smaller size, earlier ripening Nebbiolo, and how the Tanaro River influences its style. Why Barbaresco requires only 26 months of aging, and the logic behind the January release date. The role of villages, named vineyards (crus), and labeling terms that help you identify the best wines. How Alba DOC and Langhe DOC wines offer tremendous value compared to their more famous neighbors. I’ll also share some of my own travel experiences in the region—from tasting unforgettable wines to hearing firsthand about the challenges of soaring land and housing prices for local winemaking families. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of how Barolo and Barbaresco’s wine laws shape their styles, reputations, and market values. 📌 Next up: On Tuesday, we’ll shift focus to Valpolicella and unpack Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto—another region where wine laws really drive style.

    17 min
  2. 72. Italian Wine Laws at the WSET Level 2 Level

    2 DAYS AGO

    72. Italian Wine Laws at the WSET Level 2 Level

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate Hello and welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast, where we explore WSET education, study tips, and practical advice for wine enthusiasts and professionals. I'm your host, Joanne Close, and this is Episode 72. Last week in the newsletter, I asked what wine laws you wanted me to cover next, and over 75% of you said Piedmont. But before we dive into that beautiful (and complex!) region, it’s important to first look at Italy’s wine laws as a whole. Understanding the bigger framework will make learning regions like Piedmont much easier. In this episode, I’ll cover: Italy’s geography and climate – stretching across varied latitudes, mountain ranges, and volcanic soils. The incredible grape diversity – over 350 authorized grape varieties and potentially hundreds more still being identified. The wine law system – from the EU’s PDO/PGI framework to Italy’s own DOC, DOCG, and IGT designations. History of Italian wine laws – why Italy was later than France to adopt these systems, and how they evolved from the 1960s through the 1990s. Key labeling terms – what Classico means (think historic heartland sites) and how Riserva indicates longer aging. This episode will give you a solid foundation so when we get into regions like Barolo, Barbaresco, Valpolicella, Alto Piemonte, and Valle d’Aosta, the details will click into place. If you’re not yet on the Wine Educate newsletter, make sure to sign up at wineeducate.com – it’s where I share extra study tips and give you a say in which regions we cover next. On Thursday, we’ll start with Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the most iconic DOCGs in Italy. See you then!

    11 min
  3. 71. Wine Laws of Burgundy: Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais

    28 AUG

    71. Wine Laws of Burgundy: Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate Episode 71 – Wine Laws of Burgundy: Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais In this episode of the Wine Educate Podcast, we conclude our Burgundy wine law series with two often-overlooked but fascinating regions: the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais. These southern Burgundy appellations may not always command the same prestige as the Côte d’Or, but they deliver remarkable value and unique expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We’ll cover: The geography and elevation of the Côte Chalonnaise and how it impacts ripening and wine style. Notable appellations including Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny, and Bouzeron (yes, it’s as fun to say as it sounds). How wines from these regions compare to their Côte d’Or neighbors—sometimes lighter, sometimes rustic, but often great value. The history and expansion of the Mâconnais, where Chardonnay dominates, Gamay sneaks in, and rolling hills create diversity in vineyard conditions. Key appellations such as Mâcon-Villages, Saint-Véran, and the star of the region: Pouilly-Fuissé, which gained Premier Cru status as recently as 2020. Why these regions represent “sneaky deals” for wine students and enthusiasts alike. As always, I connect these details back to the WSET Level 3 framework so you’ll know exactly what to focus on for exam preparation. Next week, by popular request, we begin exploring the wine laws of Northern Italy, starting with Piedmont.

    10 min
  4. 70. The Wine Laws of Burgundy – Côte d’Or & The Importance of Slope

    26 AUG

    70. The Wine Laws of Burgundy – Côte d’Or & The Importance of Slope

    70. The Wine Laws of Burgundy – Côte d’Or & The Importance of Slope   Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate Today’s episode continues our Burgundy series with a focus on the Côte d’Or—and more specifically, the role that slope plays in vineyard quality and classification. This concept is key not just in Burgundy but also in other cool to moderate regions like Germany’s Mosel and Alsace. We’ll cover: Why elevation matters (200–400 meters in the Côte d’Or) How soil, drainage, and frost risk change from top to bottom of the slope Why mid-slope vineyards are home to many Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites How aspect (east/southeast exposure) influences ripening in this northerly climate The Côte de Nuits vs. the Côte de Beaune, and why nearly all red Grand Crus are in the north and nearly all white Grand Crus are in the south Key villages and their most famous crus, including Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Aloxe-Corton, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet Newer classifications like Bourgogne Côte d’Or AOC and how they fit into the picture This is a dense one—but understanding slope and geography will make Burgundy’s wine laws far less intimidating. Next up: we’ll wrap up our Burgundy laws series with Chalonnais and the Mâconnais on Thursday.

    14 min
  5. 69. The History of Burgundy Wine Laws: How Monks and the Napoleonic Code Shaped Today’s Vineyards

    21 AUG

    69. The History of Burgundy Wine Laws: How Monks and the Napoleonic Code Shaped Today’s Vineyards

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate Welcome to episode 69 of the Wine Educate Podcast. This week, we’re continuing our Burgundy series, focusing on the fascinating history behind the region’s wine laws. Understanding this history really helps explain why Burgundy looks the way it does today—with its extreme fragmentation and complex vineyard ownership. We start by looking at the early role of the monks. The monks not only planted and maintained the vineyards, but also took careful notes over centuries. Their records helped identify which parcels produced the best wines, laying the foundation for today’s classification system of Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. Then we move to the Napoleonic Code. After the French Revolution, vineyard land was redistributed from the church and nobility to the people. Under Napoleonic inheritance laws, land had to be divided equally among children. Over generations, vineyards were literally sliced into smaller and smaller parcels—sometimes down to just a single row of vines. This made it nearly impossible for individual growers to make and bottle wine on their own, paving the way for the rise of négociants. We also compare this with Bordeaux, where wealth and resources allowed estates to avoid such division by creating shares, keeping vineyards intact under large châteaux. This is a key reason why Burgundy and Bordeaux evolved so differently. Finally, we take a closer look at Chablis, adding another layer to our Burgundy pyramid: Petit Chablis – entry-level wines from less favorable sites (often cooler or higher). Chablis AOC – classic Chardonnay from the region. Chablis Premier Cru – 79 sites exist, though not all are widely used on labels. Chablis Grand Cru – one appellation, but divided into seven named climats, each appearing on labels. Next week, we’ll dive into the Côte d’Or and one of the most important concepts in wine education: slope. We’ll explore why the position of vines on a hillside matters so much, not just in Burgundy but in many of the world’s great wine regions.

    8 min
  6. 68. WSET Level 2: Intro to Burgundy Wine Laws and Classifications

    19 AUG

    68. WSET Level 2: Intro to Burgundy Wine Laws and Classifications

    Resources & Links: Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Visit our website: www.wineeducate.com How to Contact Us: Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate In this episode, Joanne introduces the fascinating world of Burgundy (or Bourgogne) and unpacks the wine laws at the WSET Level 2 level. This is the start of a four-part series on Burgundy, where history, geography, and classification come together to shape one of the most famous wine regions in the world. You’ll learn about: How Burgundy compares to Bordeaux in size and production. The climate differences between Chablis, the Côte d’Or, and the Mâconnais. Why Burgundy’s geography and soil diversity create such nuance in its wines. The pyramid of Burgundy’s appellation system: Regional, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. Key appellations to know for WSET Level 2, including Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Pommard, Mâcon, and Pouilly-Fuissé. The ongoing debate of “Burgundy” vs. “Bourgogne” — which one should we use? Burgundy may look deceptively simple—white wines are Chardonnay, red wines are Pinot Noir—but this episode shows why its classification system makes it one of the most complex and fascinating regions to study. Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, where we’ll take a deeper dive into Burgundy’s history and how it connects to today’s wine laws.

    12 min
  7. 67. The Story Behind Bordeaux’s Famous (and Controversial) Wine Classifications

    14 AUG

    67. The Story Behind Bordeaux’s Famous (and Controversial) Wine Classifications

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup How to Contact Us Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate If you have questions about upcoming WSET classes, coaching or trips book a 15 min free discovery call with Joanne! https://calendly.com/joanne-wineeducate/wset-discovery-call In this episode, we continue our exploration of Bordeaux wine laws—this time at the WSET Level 3 level—focusing on the complex and sometimes controversial classification systems. Unlike appellations, which are based on geography, grape varieties, and winemaking rules, classifications rank individual estates (châteaux), functioning more like brands. This distinction, along with changes in ownership and vineyard size over time, has created ongoing debates about fairness and relevance. We cover: The 1855 Classification – Commissioned for the Paris Universal Exhibition, ranked by price rather than tasting, and intended to be permanent. Includes the famous upgrade of Château Mouton Rothschild after decades of lobbying. Cru Bourgeois – Unique to the Médoc, established in 1932, and reshaped multiple times due to controversy and lawsuits. Now reviewed every 5 years. Graves Classification (Pessac-Léognan) – Separate lists for red and white wines, with no ranking, and all classified châteaux now located within Pessac-Léognan. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classification – The only classification within the appellation system, intended to be reclassified every 10 years, but plagued with disputes, lawsuits, and recent high-profile withdrawals. If you’re studying for Level 3, understanding the history, purpose, and controversies behind these systems can help you navigate exam questions and connect the theory to real-world wine market dynamics. Next week, we move from Bordeaux to Burgundy—another region where wine laws and classifications are both fascinating and essential for your WSET studies.

    14 min
  8. 66. WSET Level 2: Understanding Bordeaux’s Regions, Grapes, and Classifications

    12 AUG

    66. WSET Level 2: Understanding Bordeaux’s Regions, Grapes, and Classifications

    Resources & Links: Sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter – weekly study tips and resources for Levels 1, 2, and 3 www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup  If you have questions about upcoming WSET classes, coaching or trips book a 15 min free discovery call with Joanne! https://calendly.com/joanne-wineeducate/wset-discovery-call How to Contact Us: Email: joanne@wineeducate.com Website: www.wineeducate.com Instagram: @wineeducate In this episode of the Wine Educate Podcast, Joanne Close dives into the Bordeaux wine laws at the WSET Level 2 level. If you’ve ever been curious about how Bordeaux is divided, which grapes dominate, or why the left and right banks produce such different styles of wine, this is your episode. Joanne covers Bordeaux’s moderate maritime climate, its geography defined by the Gironde estuary and its two major tributaries (the Garonne and Dordogne rivers), and how the region is divided into the Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers. You’ll learn why Merlot dominates plantings overall, why Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on the gravelly soils of the Left Bank, and how blends are the hallmark of Bordeaux wines. Key Bordeaux AOCs are broken down, including Bordeaux AOC, Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, Médoc AOC, Haut-Médoc AOC, Margaux AOC, Pauillac AOC, Graves AOC, Pessac-Léognan AOC, Pomerol AOC, and Saint-Émilion AOC. Joanne also introduces terms like Château, Grand Cru Classé, and Cru Bourgeois, while saving the more complex classifications for Thursday’s Level 3 deep dive. If you’re studying for WSET Level 2, or simply want a clearer understanding of Bordeaux’s wine structure, this episode offers a solid foundation before we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes dramatic) history behind the laws in the next episode.

    9 min
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About

Welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast, your ultimate guide to mastering wine through the lens of WSET wine courses and certifications. Whether you’re a beginner exploring WSET Level 1 or preparing for the rigorous WSET Level 3 exam, this podcast is packed with insights tailored for every stage of your wine education journey. Learn wine tasting techniques using the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT), discover expert strategies for excelling in WSET essay practice, and dive into topics like food and wine pairing and career pathways in the wine industry. With episodes on professional wine education, tips for online wine classes, and behind-the-scenes stories from WSET exam preparation, we’ll help you turn your passion for wine into expertise. Whether you’re pursuing wine certification for personal growth or advancing your career as a sommelier or educator, the Wine Educate Podcast is here to guide you—one glass at a time. Subscribe now to gain the confidence to ace your WSET courses and elevate your appreciation of wine! This podcast is for you if you are asking questions such as: How do I study for WSET classes? How do I pass WSET Level 3? How do I pass WSET Theory? How do I pass WSET Tasting? How can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 2 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 3 course online? What are the WSET Level 2 study materials? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 3 exam? What wine certification programs are available? What are the best wine education podcasts? Where are wine tasting courses near me? How can I take an online wine education class? What are Wine and Spirit Education Trust certifications? How can I become a certified sommelier? What is a wine appreciation course? What wine education is for beginners? What are advanced wine studies? Can I study wine abroad? Can I study WSET in France? Can I study WSET in Europe? What are the top wine regions to visit? How can I find wine tasting tours? What are some WSET exam tips? What are some wine industry certifications? What are professional wine qualifications? What are some wine courses for enthusiasts? What is the WSET diploma program? What are the benefits of obtaining a WSET Level 1 certification? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 2 exam? What topics are covered in the WSET Level 3 course? Are there online courses available for WSET certifications? What is the difference between WSET and sommelier certifications? How long does it take to complete WSET Level 1? What are the costs associated with WSET Level 2 courses? Can I take WSET exams online? What career opportunities are available with a WSET Level 3 certification? How do I find WSET-approved course providers near me? What study materials are recommended for WSET Level 2? Are there practice exams available for WSET Level 3? What is the pass rate for WSET Level 2 exams? How does WSET certification benefit wine professionals? What are the prerequisites for enrolling in WSET Level 3? Can I retake the WSET exam if I don't pass on the first attempt? What is the format of the WSET Level 1 exam? Are there scholarships available for WSET courses? How does WSET certification compare to other wine education programs? What are the best resources for WSET Level 3 exam preparation? How many wines do you taste in WSET Level 2? Is WSET Level 3 difficult? What jobs can I get with a WSET certification? What is the difference between WSET and CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers)? How can I memorize wine regions for the WSET exam? Do I need WSET Level 1 before taking Level 2? What’s the difference between WSET Level 2 and Level 3? How does blind tasting work in WSET exams? Is WSET certification worth it? What are the hardest parts of the WSET Level 3 exam? Can you skip WSET Level 1 and go straight to Level 2? What are the key sparkling wine styles covered in WSET Level 3? How do I apply the BLIC (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity) meth

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