Podcasts · Arts · Education

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Joanne Close

138 episodes

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.

More about the show

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…

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. 135. Australian Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 Students: Part 2 - Barossa Valley and Coonawarra

    · 9:46 · S1 E135

    Episode 135: Australian Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 Students: Part 2 - Barossa Valley and Coonawarra Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9 minutes 45 seconds Release Date: October 27, 2026 Join the Wine Educate…

  2. 134. Australian Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 Students: Part 1 - Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula

    · 11 min · S1 E134

    134. Australian Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 Students: Part 1 - Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:32 Release Date: October 20, 2026 Join the Wine Educate…

  3. 133. Syrah/Shiraz Grape Guide - Same Grape, Different Names: Styles, Regions and Winemaking for WSET Level 2

    · 11 min · S1 E133

    Episode 133: Syrah/Shiraz Grape Guide - Same Grape, Different Names: Styles, Regions and Winemaking for WSET Level 2 Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:33 Release Date: October 13, 2026 Join the Wine Educate…

  4. 132. Australian Wine History - Why a "New World" Country Has Some of the World's Oldest Vines

    · 9:50 · S1 E132

    Episode 132: Australian Wine History - Why a "New World" Country Has Some of the World's Oldest Vines Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: [Insert Duration] Release Date: October 6, 2026 Join the Wine Educate…

  5. 131. Australian Wine History: The Convicts Who Planted Australia's First Vines and the Wine Nerd Who Laid the Foundations

    · 10 min · S1 E131

    Episode 131: Australian Wine History: The Convicts Who Planted Australia's First Vines and the Wine Nerd Who Laid the Foundations Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:28 Release Date: September 29, 2026 Join the…

  6. 130. Italian White Grapes for WSET Level 2 Students: Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, and Fiano

    · 12 min · S1 E130

    Episode 130: Italian White Grapes for WSET Level 2 Students: Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, and Fiano Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:50 Release Date: September 22, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get…

  7. 129. Montepulciano Grape Guide: Abruzzo, Cerasuolo & Italy's Underrated Red Grape

    · 12 min · S1 E129

    129. Montepulciano Grape Guide: Abruzzo, Cerasuolo & Italy's Underrated Red Grape Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:07 Release Date: September 15, 2026 Wine Educate Trips To learn more about our spring and…

  8. 128. Sangiovese Grape Guide - WSET Notes on Italy's Most Planted Grape

    · 8:56 · S1 E128

    Episode 128: Sangiovese Grape Guide - WSET Notes on Italy's Most Planted Grape Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:55 Release Date: September 8 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  9. 127. Dolcetto Grape Guide - A WSET Level 3 Lesson on Early Ripening Grapes and Low Extraction Red Wine Making

    · 12 min · S1 E127

    Episode 127: Dolcetto Grape Guide - A WSET Level 3 Lesson on Early Ripening Grapes and Low Extraction Red Wine Making Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:50 Release Date: September 3, 2026 Free Level 3 Prep Lesson…

  10. 126. Barbera Grape Guide: Tasting Notes, Barbera d'Asti vs d'Alba

    · 11 min · S1 E126

    Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:38 Release Date: August 27th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at…

  11. 125. Nebbiolo Grape Guide: Pale Color, High Tannin, and Aromas of Red Cherry, Rose and Dried Herbs

    · 12 min · S1 E125

    Episode 125: Nebbiolo Grape Guide: Pale Color, High Tannin, and Aromas of Red Cherry, Rose and Dried Herbs. Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12 minutes 8 seconds Release Date: August 21, 2026 Join the Wine Educate…

  12. 124. Tokaj - Climate, Grape Growing, and Noble Rot | WSET Level 3 Prep Preview

    · 8:55 · S1 E124

    Episode 124: Tokaj - Climate, Grape Growing, and Noble Rot | WSET Level 3 Prep Preview Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:54 Release Date: August 13th 2026 Level 3 Prep Looking for additional support with your…

  13. 123. Austrian Wine Styles, Classifications & the DAC System | WSET Level 3 Prep Preview

    · 12 min · S1 E123

    Episode 123: Austrian Wine Styles, Classifications & the DAC System | WSET Level 3 Prep Preview Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:06 Release Date: August 6th, 2026 Level 3 Prep Looking for additional support…

  14. 122. Riesling & Aromatic Winemaking - A Level 3 Prep Membership Preview | WSET Level 3

    · 14 min · S1 E122

    _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[&_>_*_+_*]:mt-3 font-claude-response"> Episode 122: Riesling & Aromatic Winemaking - | WSET Level 3 Level 3 Prep Preview Host: Joanne Close Episode Length:…

  15. 121. How Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Is Made - Champagne, Cava & More | WSET Study Classics

    · 12 min · S1 E121

    Episode 121: How Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Is Made - Champagne, Cava & More | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:33 Release Date: July 23rd, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get…

  16. 120. Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics

    · 8:33 · S1 E120

    Episode 120: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:32 Release Date: July 16th, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips,…

  17. 119. The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics

    · 13 min · S1 E119

    Episode 119: The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:58 Release Date: July 9th, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode…

  18. 118. Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics

    · 9:17 · S1 E118

    Episode 118: Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:16 Release Date: July 2nd 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Throughout July, we're…

  19. 117. Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc

    · 11 min · S1 E117

    Episode 117: Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:50 Release Date: June 25th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine…

  20. 116. A Day in the Life on the WSET Level 2 Trip in the South of France

    · 9:15 · S1 E116

    Episode 116: A Day in the Life on the WSET Level 2 Trip in the South of France Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:15 Release Date: June 18th Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  21. 115. What Is Terroir? Breaking Down Wine's Most Untranslatable Word

    · 9:38 · S1 E115

    Episode 115: What Is Terroir? Breaking Down Wine's Most Untranslatable Word Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:37 Release Date: June 11th Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  22. 114. Banyuls and Collioure - France's Southernmost Wine Region

    · 12 min · S1 E114

    Episode 114: Banyuls and Collioure - France's Southernmost Wine Region Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:25 Release Date: June 4th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  23. 113. True Wine Crime - The Rudy Kurniawan Story

    · 13 min · S1 E113

    Episode 113: True Wine Crime - The Rudy Kurniawan Story Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13:53 Release Date: May 28th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content…

  24. 112. True Wine Crime - The Austrian Antifreeze Scandal

    · 12 min · S1 E112

    Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:14 Release Date: May 21st 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at…

  25. 111. True Wine Crime - The DRC Blackmail Scandal

    · 11 min · S1 E111

    Episode 111: True Wine Crime - The DRC Blackmail Scandal Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:53 Release Date: May 14th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content…

  26. 110. True Wine Crime - Counterfeit Yellow Tail and the Global Fake Wine Trade

    · 13 min · S1 E110

    Episode 110: True Wine Crime - Counterfeit Yellow Tail and the Global Fake Wine Trade Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13 minutes 10 seconds Release Date: May 7th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine…

  27. 109. Cork Taint Explained - What Corked Wine Actually Means and How to Identify It

    · 13 min · S1 E109

    Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13 minutes 12 seconds Release Date: April 30, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at…

  28. 108. Gewurztraminer - The One Wine You Will Always Identify in a Blind Tasting | WSET Level 2 and Level 3

    · 11 min · S1 E108

    Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10 minutes 53 seconds Release Date: April 23, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at…

  29. 107. Alsace - Climate, Grapes and Appellation Structure for WSET Level 2 and Level 3

    · 16 min · S1 E107

    Episode 107: Alsace - Climate, Grapes and Appellation Structure for WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 16 minutes 27 seconds Release Date: April 16, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get…

  30. 106. War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace.

    · 8:53 · S1 E106

    Episode 106: War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace. Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:18 Release Date: April 9, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  31. 105. Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris - A Level 2 Wine Student's Guide to Why the Same Grape Tastes So Different

    · 11 min · S1 E105

    Episode 105: Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris - A Level 2 Wine Student's Guide to Why the Same Grape Tastes So Different Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:05 Release Date: April 2, 2025 Take the QUIZ!…

  32. 104. Wine Tracking Apps - Which One Is Right for You?

    · 11 min · S1 E104

    Episode 104: Wine Tracking Apps - Which One Is Right for You? Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:45 Release Date: March 26, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive…

  33. 103. German Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 - Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz

    · 11 min · S1 E103

    Episode 103: German Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 - Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:17 Release Date: March 19, 2026 Free Quiz: Test your German wine knowledge here with the…

  34. 102. The 1971 German Wine Law - How Ripeness Replaced Terroir

    · 7:55 · S1 E102

    Episode 102: The 1971 German Wine Law - How Ripeness Replaced Terroir Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:18 Release Date: March 12, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and…

  35. 101. Riesling for WSET Level 2 - Everything You Need to Know

    · 15 min · S1 E101

    Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 15 minutes 31 seconds Release Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 Riesling for WSET Level 2 - Everything You Need to Know Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Every week get your Level 1, 2 &…

  36. 100. How to Use the Wine Educate Podcast for WSET Study

    · 7:09 · S1 E100

    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,…

  37. 99. Moscato d'Asti: The Asti Method and Piedmont's Sweet Sparkling Wine

    · 9:32 · S1 E99

    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…

  38. 98. Prosecco: Tank Method Bubbles, Confusing Sweetness Levels, and Italy's Most Unpronounceable Wine Region

    · 11 min · S1 E98

    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…

  39. 97. Cava: History, Grapes, and the Quality Revolution in Spanish Sparkling Wine

    · 12 min · S1 E97

    Episode 97. Cava: History, Grapes, and the Quality Revolution in Spanish Sparkling Wine Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter to receive weekly quizzes, study tips, and Level 3 essay questions:…

  40. 96. How to Decode Your Champagne Wine Label

    · 12 min · S1 E96

    Episode 96: How to Decode Your Champagne Wine Label Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:29 Release Date: January 29th 2026 📧 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content…

  41. 95. Champagne Overview: Grapes, Climate, Blending, and Style

    · 13 min · S1 E95

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Overview In Episode 95 of the Wine Educate Podcast, Joanne Close continues the sparkling wine series with…

  42. 94. The History of Sparkling Wine: From Limoux to Champagne

    · 13 min · S1 E94

    Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Learn more about Wine Educate classes and certifications: https://www.wineeducate.com Episode 94: The History of…

  43. 93. The Traditional Method: The Bottle Fermentation Process Behind the Magic of Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines

    · 11 min · S1 E93

    Stay Connected WineEducate.com Newsletter signup: mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter How to Contact Us Joanne@WineEducate.com Episode 93 | The Traditional Method Hello and welcome to Episode 93 of the Wine Educate…

  44. 92. Sparkling Wine 101: A Clear Introduction to Bubbles, Mousse, and Winemaking Methods for WSET Students and Sparkling Wine Enthusiasts

    · 9:47 · S1 E92

    Stay Connected www.WineEducate.com Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter How to Contact Us Joanne@WineEducate.com Episode 92 | Sparkling Wine Series Begins Hello and welcome to Episode 92…

  45. 91. How WSET Online Courses Work: On Demand vs Instructor Led

    · 9:29 · S1 E91

    Stay Connected www.WineEducate.com Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter How to Contact Us Joanne@WineEducate.com www.WineEducate.com Joanne explains two primary online learning formats…

  46. 90. Thinking About a Wine Trip? What to Know About Wine Educate's Vineyard Travel

    · 7:00 · S1 E90

    Resources & Links • Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter • Wine Educate Trips & Itineraries: https://www.wineeducate.com/trips • Contact Joanne: joanne@wineeducate.com Episode 90:…

  47. 89. Inside the Master of Wine Program: History, Requirements, and How to Apply

    · 9:35 · S1 E89

    Resources & Links • Sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter • Masters of Wine official site: https://www.mastersofwine.org • Recommended past episodes: • Episode 5 –…

  48. 88. What Is the WSET Diploma? Your Complete Guide to Level 4 Wine Certification

    · 11 min · S1 E88

    Resources & Links Sign up for the weekly Wine Educate newsletter for study tips and class announcements: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Explore upcoming WSET Level 1, 2, and 3 classes: www.wineeducate.com…

  49. 87. Beaujolais Beyond Nouveau: History, Appellations, and the Future of Gamay

    · 13 min · S1 E87

    Resources & Links • Sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter (weekly WSET study tips for Levels 1, 2, and 3): https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter • Explore upcoming WSET classes and trips: www.wineeducate.com…

  50. 86. What Is Beaujolais Nouveau? History, Release Day Rules, and Carbonic Maceration

    · 9:59 · S1 E86

    Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter How to Contact Us joanne@wineeducate.com Episode Summary In this episode, Joanne dives into Beaujolais Nouveau and why the third…

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