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Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

By: 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) method? What are the key wine regions I need to know for WSET Level 3? How does soil type affect wine for WSET exams? What are the essential fortified wines to know for WSET Level 3? How do I prepare for the WSET Level 3 short-answer questions? What is BLIC in wine tasting, and how is it used in WSET? What's the best way to practice multiple-choice questions for WSET? What's the best way to take notes during a WSET wine tasting? What wines should I blind taste for WSET Level 3? How do I taste wine like a professional? What's the difference between young and mature wines? How do I recognize wine faults like cork taint or oxidation? Why do some wines taste buttery? What's the best way to aerate a wine before drinking? How do I know if a wine is corked? How do tannins in wine interact with food? What wines pair best with soft cheeses? How does sweetness in wine affect food pairings? How do I pair wine with vegetarian dishes? What's the best way to store wine at home? What is the ideal serving ...2024 Art Cooking Food & Wine
Episodes
  • 100. How to Use the Wine Educate Podcast for WSET Study

    100. How to Use the Wine Educate Podcast for WSET Study
    Feb 26 2026
    Episode 100: How to Use the Wine Educate Podcast for WSET Study Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 7 minutes 8 seconds Release Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 📧 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox! 👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Stay connected with everything happening at Wine Educate and deepen your wine knowledge with each edition. Episode Description Episode 100 is a milestone. Joanne takes a moment to reflect on what this podcast is, what it's not, and most importantly, how to use it as a study tool for your WSET certification. This isn't a substitute for WSET classes. It's a supplement. A way to flesh out the textbook material, tie concepts into history and context, and reinforce what you're learning in class. Some episodes are direct lessons for specific WSET levels. Others are what Joanne calls "lagniappe," something extra that helps put everything together. If you've been listening since episode one or you just found the show, this episode explains how to make the most of it at every stage of your wine education. What You'll Learn in This Episode About the Podcast What the Wine Educate Podcast is and what it's notHow to use the podcast alongside your WSET classesWhy wine is "infinitely fascinating" and part of the humanitiesThe difference between core lessons and lagniappe content How to Use This Podcast for WSET Study Listen along with your WSET class for reinforcementGo back and re-listen when topics come up again in classUse it to flesh out textbook material that feels dry or confusing The Newsletter as Your Study Hub Level 1 students get guidance on building tasting vocabularyLevel 2 students get weekly multiple choice questionsLevel 3 students get essay questions for exam practiceWeekly wine tips broken down by level Why the Newsletter Matters Social media shows content to only a fraction of followersNewsletter delivers directly to people who want the contentBest way to communicate with the Wine Educate communityUpdates on upcoming classes and resources Episode Highlights & Quotes "Wine is infinitely fascinating. I often refer to wine as one of the extensions of the humanities. It covers history, science, geography, geology, art, food pairing. All those things are included in this gorgeous, delicious, fascinating beverage." "This podcast is not a substitute for these classes. This podcast is meant as a supplement, a study supplement." "It is difficult just sitting alone with your textbook reading the same paragraph over and over again. Sometimes it's very helpful to flesh that out, tie it into a bit of history, and that is how you learn these concepts." "At this stage, if it's not fun, I don't want to do it. And every Tuesday when I gather my thoughts and sit down to organize these podcasts, it's joy. It is great fun." Resources Mentioned Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletterWine Educate Website: wineeducate.comSummer wine trips to France: https://youtu.be/R-wVjMEAeyI?si=yd2Yu2x_cktTghnF Coming Up Next Week Episode 101: German, Austria & Alsace Series Begins Joanne starts a new series covering German, Austrian, and Alsace wines. Subscribe so you don't miss any episodes in this series. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Watch on YouTube Since Episode 84, all podcast episodes are now available in video form on YouTube with slides and images to help you follow along visually. Watch Episode 100 on YouTube: youtube.com/@wineeducate Leave a Review ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review! Your reviews help other wine students discover the show. 📧 Stay Connected Join the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter for wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox! Episode 100 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate
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    7 mins
  • 99. Moscato d'Asti: The Asti Method and Piedmont's Sweet Sparkling Wine

    99. Moscato d'Asti: The Asti Method and Piedmont's Sweet Sparkling Wine
    Feb 19 2026
    Episode 99: Moscato d'Asti - The Asti Method and Piedmont's Sweet Sparkling Wine Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:47 Release Date: February 19th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox! Episode Description Moscato d'Asti is one of the most misunderstood classic wine styles. This lightly sweet, gently sparkling, low alcohol wine from Piedmont deserves better than its dismissive reputation. When you taste a good example, you understand just how glorious it can be. This episode covers the Asti method, a production technique that's completely different from both the traditional method and the tank method. You'll learn why Canelli is considered the cradle of Moscato, how the Asti method works (think of it as a one pot wonder), and what makes Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains such an important grape historically. Joanne also covers the difference between Asti and Moscato d'Asti, and why this wine is perfect for brunch or late morning sipping. What You'll Learn in This Episode Moscato d'Asti Geography and History Moscato d'Asti DOCG location in northwestern PiedmontProvinces of Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria with 9,700 hectares planted7,000 hectares on slopes (better quality grapes)52 communes and 4,000 growers with average vineyard size of 2.45 hectaresCanelli as the cradle of Moscato, first made in 1865UNESCO World Heritage Site status The Muscat Grape Family Moscato is the Italian name for MuscatOne of Italy's most planted white varietiesMuscat Blanc a Petits Grains is the specific type used for Asti (minimum 97%)One of the first grapes to be recognized, grown in the Mediterranean for centuriesKnown as "the grape of the bees" dating back to Pliny the ElderMakes everything from light sweet sparkling to dry wines to fortified stylesAlcohol range from 6% to 20% depending on style The Asti Method Explained Juice is chilled and stored until needed (keeps wine fresh)Fermentation begins in tank with CO2 allowed to escape initiallyTank is sealed and fermentation continues, trapping CO2Wine is chilled when it reaches about 7% alcoholWine is filtered to remove yeast, stopping fermentationResidual sugar remains, creating a sweeter styleEverything happens in one tank (like a one pot wonder)No autolysis or lees agingPreserves pure Muscat fruit character Asti vs. Moscato d'Asti Asti: More full sparkling, higher atmospheric pressure, slightly higher ABVMoscato d'Asti: Lower atmospheric pressure, slightly lower alcoholMoscato d'Asti uses superior grapes, so overall quality is better Flavor Profile and Characteristics Fragrant, floral, and grapey (one of the only wines where "grapey" is accurate)Aromas of peach blossom and lovely floral aromaticsOn the sweeter side but still refreshingLow alcohol (around 7%) Episode Highlights & Quotes "Moscato d'Asti, not just sweet, bubbly. I want to emphasize that there's certain styles of wines here that we are a bit dismissive of perhaps, and I don't want that for you. I want you to be able to experience a good example of this wine so you could know just how glorious it can be." "I liken this to a one pot wonder, right? Like a crockpot, like you just put it all in there, shut the lid and let it do its thing." "This may be the only grape that we use the descriptor grapey. When my children were younger, I used to have them smell wine and they would always say, smells like grape." Moscato d'Asti Quick Reference Asti Method Process Juice is chilled and storedFermentation begins in tank, CO2 escapesTank is sealed, fermentation continuesWine is chilled at 7% alcoholWine is filtered to remove yeastResult: sweet, gently sparkling, low alcohol wine Key Differences Asti: More bubbles, higher pressure, higher ABVMoscato d'Asti: Less fizzy, lower alcohol, superior grapes, better quality Production Details 9,700 hectares total (7,000 on slopes)4,000 growers with average 2.45 hectare vineyardsMost growers too small to vinify their own wineLarger houses and co-ops buy grapes from small growersSome small producers like Bera still exist Resources Mentioned Bera (Alessandra Bera) - producer in PiedmontCanelli - major town and UNESCO World Heritage SiteMuscat Blanc a Petits Grains grape Coming Up Next Week Episode 100: Special Episode Episode 100 is here and Joanne hasn't fully decided what she's doing yet because she's getting precious about this milestone. Stay tuned for something special. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Subscribe & Share ...
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    10 mins
  • 98. Prosecco: Tank Method Bubbles, Confusing Sweetness Levels, and Italy's Most Unpronounceable Wine Region

    98. Prosecco: Tank Method Bubbles, Confusing Sweetness Levels, and Italy's Most Unpronounceable Wine Region
    Feb 12 2026
    Episode 98: Prosecco - Tank Method Bubbles, Confusing Sweetness Levels, and Italy's Most Unpronounceable Wine Region Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: [Insert Duration] Release Date: [Insert Date] Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Stay connected with everything happening at Wine Educate and deepen your wine knowledge with each edition. Episode Description Recording from the chaos of Mardi Gras in New Orleans (sirens, bands, and floats included), Joanne breaks down why Prosecco deserved its own episode. This Italian sparkling wine produces nearly 500 million bottles annually - dwarfing both Champagne and Cava - and uses the tank method to create those fresh, fruity bubbles you know and love. You'll discover why the grape was renamed from Prosecco to Glera in 2009, how to navigate the confusing sweetness levels where "dry" is actually sweeter than "extra dry", and what makes Conegliano Valdobbiadene so special (besides being impossible to pronounce). Joanne also introduces Col Fondo, the funky natural wine style with sediment at the bottom that Italians apparently use to make risotto. What You'll Learn in This Episode Prosecco Production & Tank Method Basics Why Prosecco dominates sparkling wine production with 486 million bottles annuallyThe tank method (Charmat method) explained: how it differs from traditional method ChampagneTank method process: second fermentation in pressurized tanks, not bottlesWhy the tank method is faster, cheaper, and preserves fresh fruit flavorsTank method benefits: no lees aging means vibrant green apple, pear, and melon flavorsWho really invented the tank method: Italian Federico Martinotti vs. Frenchman Eugène Charmat Understanding Prosecco's Geography & Quality Levels The 2009 DOC creation and strategic grape renaming from Prosecco to GleraProsecco DOC covers 34,000 hectares with high yields: 18 tons per hectare vs. Champagne's 10-11Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG: the premium zone so hard to pronounce it's a sobriety testRive designations: 43 named crus on steep limestone slopes (50-500m elevation)Superiore di Asti and other top vineyard areas within the DOCG Prosecco Grapes & Styles Glera: the primary Prosecco grape (formerly called Prosecco)Permitted additions: up to 15% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, or Pinot Grigio for body and alcoholRosé Prosecco (legal since 2020) with up to 15% Pinot NoirCol Fondo "sui lieviti" style: pétillant naturel method with sediment in bottle The Confusing Prosecco Sweetness Levels Brut: the driest Prosecco styleExtra Dry: 12-17 g/L residual sugar (the most common style - not actually dry!)Dry: 17-32 g/L residual sugar (confusingly sweeter than "Extra Dry")Why Prosecco sweetness levels can range from dry to medium-sweet Prosecco Tasting Profile & Best Practices Tank method flavor profile: medium acidity, green apple, pear, melonWhat you won't find: no bread, toast, or pastry flavors (no lees aging)Why Prosecco is made for immediate enjoyment, not agingGlobal Prosecco consumption: UK and US lead, followed by Germany and France Episode Highlights & Quotes "The name of this wine region may take the cake, win the prize for the most difficult to pronounce wine region in all of wine history... Cat, who owns the lovely Berg Wines, says that if she knows she can't pronounce this, it's time to get someone else to drive her home. So let's try it: Conegliano Valdobbiadene." "As we get sweeter, the terms don't sound like it. Starting with brut, then we have extra dry, which is actually sweeter than brut... then even sweeter on that scale, we have dry - see, it doesn't make any sense." "I read somewhere that they use the fondo to make risotto and I love that. I'm gonna just go with that." Prosecco Quick Reference Guide Tank Method vs. Traditional Method Tank method: second fermentation in pressurized tanksTraditional method: second fermentation in individual bottlesTank method result: fresh, fruity, aromatic sparkling winesTraditional method result: complex, yeasty, bread-like flavors from lees aging Prosecco Production Stats 486 million bottles annually (2019 figures)34,000 hectares in DOC80% exported worldwideYields: 18 tons/hectare (vs. Champagne's 10-11) Prosecco Quality Hierarchy DOC Prosecco (largest area, tank method)Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG (premium hills, 50-500m elevation)Superiore di Asti/Rive designations (top vineyard sites, steep slopes) Prosecco Sweetness Scale (driest to sweetest) Brut (driest)Extra Dry (12-17 g/L) - most commonDry (17-32 g/L) - actually sweeter! Resources Mentioned Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCGBerg Wines (New Orleans wine shop)Col Fondo sui lieviti style (pétillant naturel)Glera grape (formerly Prosecco grape) Coming Up Next Week Episode 99: Other Important Sparkling Wines Joanne wraps up the sparkling wine series with Sekt, Asti, and ...
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    11 mins
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