The Wine and Spirit Education Trust

For the past 30 years the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (commonly referred to as WSET) has provided vocational training for the UK wine trade. Their various levels of qualification are accompanied by courses and a comprehensive syllabus. Recently they have focused more and more on opening these courses and qualifications to the wine-loving public, and to expanding their horizons outside the UK. Their site has a lot of information regarding these products and it is presented in a fairly dry and factual style, but it is clear and contains all the detail necessary for you to choose an appropriate course.



Much of the information on the site is fairly static, though there is a News and Events section which is mainly deployed in announcing WSET events.



Navigation is fairly straightforward and easy to use. Links to the site's half dozen main sections are provided at the top of every page. Within sub-sections, the bottom of the page also features a link back Home, and to the sub-section's main index page.


SPECIAL FEATURES


WSET School The school is one of the main sections of the site, and one of the main activities of the WSET. Here you will find all the detail you need to decide if one of WSET's training courses is of interest to you. You will also find timetables for all scheduled training courses in London, contact information for regional training centres and details of home-study options, including a newly launched CD-ROM-based version of the basic Certificate course. The opportunity to purchase materials or sign-up for courses is provided via on-line forms. These link to a secure server, so payment can safely be made by credit card.


News and Events A whole range of tutored tastings, seminars and special public events is also organised by WSET, and dates and details of these can be accessed from the home page. Once again these can be booked online using secure server forms.


WSET Awards This area of the site is for the WSET's corporate business, and the information here is aimed mostly at WSET tutors and those in the trade. However, it does include a directory of qualified Certificate and Higher Certificate tutors arranged by geographical location which might be handy if you are looking for a course in your area.


WSET Memorial Lecture The entire text is given of the most recent lecture delivered by a luminary of the British wine scene. Past speakers have included Jancis Robinson MW and Hugh Johnson: no lightweights, and so the standard and entertainment value is high.


OTHER FEATURES


There is a links section, mainly to other professional wine bodies and colleges and some of the better wine information sites.