Resources & Links
Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

How to Contact Us
Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com

Show Notes

It’s summer—WSET Level 3 exams are done, school’s winding down, and it’s time to shift gears. In this episode, Joanne kicks off a new tasting-focused series with something fun and foundational: how to start your own wine tasting group, and why organizing your group around a theme makes it more meaningful (and more fun).

Joanne shares stories from her early wine days in Brooklyn, creative ideas for tasting themes, and encouragement for anyone who’s curious but hesitant. You don’t need to be a wine expert to start a group—you just need a few bottles, a theme, and people who are up for learning (or sipping) together.

In this episode:

• The value of tasting with a group—even if it’s casual

• Classic themes: grape variety, region, winemaking style

• Creative ideas:
  • Wine & junk food pairings
  • Wine & poetry
  • Wine book club (bring what your favorite character would drink)

• How to build consistency into your group (without stressing over scheduling)

• Why summer is the perfect time to explore your palate and have a little fun

This episode is the first in a multi-part series on tasting exercises you can do with your group, a friend, or even solo. Each one is designed to be affordable, accessible, and educational—no pretension required.

Subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Resources & Links
Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

How to Contact Us
Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com

Show Notes

In this episode, Joanne breaks down the do’s and don’ts of blind tasting—from how to set up a supportive, productive tasting group to why it matters for both students and enthusiasts. Whether you’re preparing for the WSET exam or just curious about what’s really in your glass, blind tasting sharpens your skills and challenges your assumptions.

You’ll learn how to create the right environment for learning (no “winesplaining” allowed), what makes a good blind tasting wine, and how to organize a group that’s more about insight than intimidation.

Topics covered include:

• The benefits of blind tasting: skill-building, unbiased evaluation, and surprise insights

• Ideal group size and setup tips (hint: 6–8 people is the sweet spot)

• Why everyone should taste the same bottle and use the same glassware

• How to avoid “winesplaining” and foster a more welcoming atmosphere

• Real examples of how blind tasting can challenge expectations (hello, lower-acid Chablis!)

• How we incorporate blind tasting into the Indie Wine Society in New Orleans

If you’ve ever felt unsure about joining a blind tasting—or wanted to make your own more effective—this episode will help you reframe the practice as something thoughtful, fun, and confidence-building.

Next episode, Joanne will share different ways to structure tasting groups and exercises you can use to make the most of your practice.

Subscribe to the newsletter at www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup to stay updated on future episodes, WSET resources, and upcoming 2026 wine trips.

Resources & Links
Join the newsletter to stay in the loop about classes, podcast extras, and upcoming wine trips: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

How to Contact Us

Questions or episode ideas? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com

Show Notes

In this episode, Joanne walks you through how to get the most out of a wine trade tasting—whether you’re a buyer, a wine student, or just someone eager to connect more deeply with producers and their wines.

You’ll learn why trade tastings aren’t just for industry pros, what to bring (yes, bring your own spit cup), and how to prepare ahead of time so you don’t end up overwhelmed by a sea of bottles and missed opportunities. Joanne shares real stories, including one from her early days in New York, to show why a plan matters—and how better questions can lead to better connections.

Topics covered include:

• Why trade tastings are valuable for WSET students

• How to prepare before you arrive (research, goal-setting, and more)

• Tips for what to bring with you, from spit cups to clipboards

• How to time your arrival depending on your tasting goals

• The importance of professionalism and respecting producers’ time

• How to organize your notes and track what you’ve tasted

Whether you’re hoping to taste a special bottle, connect with a winemaker, or just sharpen your skills, this episode will help you make the most of every tasting room opportunity.

Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter at wineeducate.com for updates on new classes and our 2026 wine travel experiences.

Resources & Links
• Join the Wine Educate newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup
• View available courses & upcoming classes: www.wineeducate.com

How to Contact Us
Questions or feedback? Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com

Episode Summary
In this episode, Joanne shares her firsthand impressions of a WSET-approved wine tasting sample kit designed for Level 1 - 3 students. With her colleague Nancy, she opens and tastes four of the ten samples—Mosel Riesling, Beaujolais-Villages, Bordeaux, and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—and evaluates them for quality, typicity, and educational value.

Joanne discusses the pros (free shipping, carbon-neutral packaging, strong cost savings, and official WSET approval) and the cons (small portion sizes, heat sensitivity during shipping, and limited usefulness for study groups or food pairings). She also breaks down the pricing and structure of the Level 1, 2, and 3 tasting kits, with insights on who these kits are best suited for.

If you're studying remotely or struggling to source benchmark wines in your area, this episode will help you decide if a tasting kit is the right fit for your wine studies.

What We Cover
• What’s inside a WSET tasting kit and how they work
• A mini review of four sample wines from the Level 1 kit
• Joanne’s scoring breakdown: what passed the “testable” benchmark
• Pros: shipping, savings, sustainability, and peace of mind
• Cons: small pours, heat risks, and group limitations
• Who these kits are best for—and who might skip them
• How Wine Educate plans to offer these on their website soon

Get Involved
Have you tried a tasting kit? Let us know your thoughts! Email joanne@wineeducate.com. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow wine student or study group.

• Join the Newsletter: wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course Begins May 11 — www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Contact Joanne: joanne@wineeducate.com

In this episode, Joanne shares insights straight from the mouths of her current WSET Level 3 students during their second-to-last class — the sparkling wine session. As champagne was flowing and conversation opened up, she asked her students:
“What do you wish you could tell yourself six months ago?”

What followed was an honest and revealing conversation about what students underestimated, what they overlooked, and what they would absolutely do differently if they were starting Level 3 again.

Whether you’re just beginning your Level 3 journey or are deep in the study trenches, this episode is full of practical advice and reflection from students who are almost at the finish line.

The 5 Things Level 3 Students Wish They Knew Sooner

1. The 200-Hour Study Commitment Is Real

   • Students acknowledged they underestimated how much time was truly required and wished they had started preparing earlier.

2. The Study Group Never Happened — and They Regret It

   • Despite Joanne’s encouragement, many didn’t follow through with forming a study group, and felt the lack of peer accountability.

3. They Weren’t Refreshed on Level 2 Knowledge

   • The importance of entering Level 3 with a firm grasp of Level 2 material can’t be overstated. It’s foundational and necessary.

4. Class Participation Requires Preparation

   • Level 3 isn’t a lecture—it’s interactive. Students need to come prepared and speak up, because participation cements understanding.

5. They Didn't Understand the Importance of Linking Concepts Early

   • Many didn’t realize until halfway through that everything ties back to climate, geography, and production methods. Grasping this early makes the course far more manageable.

Joanne reminds us that the WSET Level 3 pass rate hovers around 57%—and that’s simply not good enough. The tools, structure, and mindset to succeed are available, and this podcast (along with the Launchpad course) is designed to help students walk in the door better prepared.

• A review of a brand-new tasting kit Joanne and Nancy tried

• An honest look at aroma kits: are they worth the money?

• More practical tools and strategies for wine students

Have a topic you want Joanne to cover? Send her an email at joanne@wineeducate.com — she’d love to hear from you.

• Join Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Website: wineeducate.com

• Instagram: @wineeducate

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

You’ve done the studying, now it’s time to focus on how to walk into your WSET Level 3 exam rested, clear-headed, and confident. In this episode, Joanne shares exactly what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do—in the 24 hours before your exam.

Drawing from her experience guiding hundreds of students through WSET Level 3, she breaks down the habits and decisions that can make or break your performance, from sleep and snacks to managing your nerves and packing your supplies.

Whether you’re preparing for an in-person exam or sitting the remote version, this episode will help you take control of your final hours and give yourself the best possible shot at success.

Sleep > Cramming

• Why sleep is non-negotiable the night before your exam

• The research-backed benefits of getting 7+ hours of sleep

• Diminishing returns of late-night studying

Environment Matters

• Why staying with friends (no matter how lovely) isn’t ideal

• The value of booking a hotel room to control your space and routine

• Planning your route to the exam location to avoid last-minute stress

Nutrition & Hydration

• Avoid sweets, mouthwash, and orange juice that dull your palate

• Go for neutral, savory options for breakfast

• Hydration tips (and a reminder to listen to Episode 10!)

What to Pack

• Pens, pencils, ID, water bottle, snacks (yes, almonds count)

• Don’t forget to review your flashcards for a low-stress refresher

• Prioritize a light review of sparkling and fortified wines

Palate Calibration

• Should you taste wine before the tasting exam? Maybe.

• Tips for using wine to get your palate tuned without overwhelming your nerves

Managing Nerves

• Test anxiety is normal—build a routine to keep yourself grounded

• Use tasting acronyms (like SABIB) to stay structured and reduce errors

• Listen to Episode 30 if you’re unsure what to expect on exam day

You’ve already done the hard part—now your focus should be on taking care of yourself. Good sleep, hydration, a calm mindset, and knowing your environment are far more valuable than any last-minute cramming.

As Joanne says:

“Level 3 doesn’t have anything to do with luck. It has everything to do with being prepared.”

Need help getting prepared?
Check out wineeducate.com/launchpad to join the next session of our Level 3 Prep Course.

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

With a global pass rate of only 57%, you’re certainly not alone if you didn't pass the theory portion. Joanne discusses why students often struggle with the written exam — and why tasting exams typically have a much higher success rate. More importantly, she shares a compassionate but clear message: don’t give up.

This episode outlines common pitfalls (straight from the examiner’s reports) and gives you a step-by-step plan to regroup, study smarter, and retake the exam with confidence.

• Understanding the WSET Level 3 pass/fail statistics

• Why the theory portion is so challenging (and how it’s different from Level 1 and 2)

• Common reasons students don’t pass, including misreading questions and lack of answer structure

• Requesting feedback from WSET and key deadlines to know

• Setting a realistic timeline for your retake

• The importance of study groups and staying accountable

• How retakes work for theory and tasting portions

• Grading rules for retakes (and how it impacts distinctions and merits)

• How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can support your success

Failing the theory exam doesn't mean you're not capable — it just means you might need a different strategy. Joanne encourages you to stay committed, recalibrate your study approach, and know that success is absolutely within reach.
And remember: if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.

If you’re looking for extra support, check out our Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course to help guide your next steps.

Have any questions or need personalized advice? Reach out at joanne@wineeducate.com — we're here to help!

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

• Resources & Links

  • Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

  • Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

  How to Contact Us

  • Website: www.wineeducate.com

  • Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

  • Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

In this episode, Joanne Close addresses a common concern among WSET Level 3 students: the difference between testable and non-testable wines. If you’ve ever second-guessed your tasting notes or stressed over wines that don’t match your expectations, this episode is meant to put your mind at ease.

Joanne explains what makes a wine “testable” for exam purposes—wines that show clear, predictable characteristics and represent textbook styles, like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are great for calibrating your palate and practicing structured tasting.

But not every wine poured in class is meant for the exam. Joanne discusses why it's important to include wines that may not be considered “testable” but are still valuable learning tools. Examples include wines that teach about lees aging, oak influence, regional styles, or variation within a grape variety—like a Pinotage or a Chianti Classico Riserva.

She reminds listeners that only about 20% of wines are truly “testable,” and the rest are included for context, discussion, and exposure to the real diversity of the wine world.

If you’re preparing for the Level 3 exam, check out the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course, which includes a list of ~20 testable wines for SAT practice—even without the bottle in front of you.

• Episode 17: Tasting Walkthrough – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

• Episode 20: Tasting Walkthrough – Oaked Chardonnay

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate