Because It's There

In the entire world, 277 individuals can claim the distinction of Master of Wine. I am not one of them.

In fact, I’m sure I’ll never reach that level. Still, I would like to advance my wine qualifications. To that end, I have signed up for the WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits. (For those of you who tuned into my very first post, you may recall me saying that I’d be heading in that direction.)

With a milestone birthday coming my way soon, I thought I should get this three-year certification process underway before my brain loses what little absorbency it has left.

What is this diploma, you ask? Here’s how the International Wine Center (where I will be completing my class work) describes the credential:

“The Diploma Program is a rigorous course of study that covers in great depth the world of wine and spirits from a business, theoretical and gustatory standpoint. The Diploma is viewed universally as the stepping-stone to the ultimate qualification, the Master of Wine.”

So, if I have no expectation of pursuing the Master of Wine, why do I feel compelled to subject myself to this endeavor?

The world of wine is an ever-growing mountain of scientific, agricultural, historical, geographical, legal and cultural information. I attempt to climb it simply because it’s there. Wish me luck.

Tags: wine | master of wine | Sue Guerra