I see no point in keeping courses and education limited to an elite group of people working in the wine trade. It just doesn’t make sense. The more the merrier!

Years ago when I suggested to the Wine Development Board that they give courses to consumers I was eaten alive. When I then suggested that consumers be invited onto the ‘trade exam’ courses I was spat back out again as something that was more than a bit disagreeable.

All courses should be open to everyone. The big players in the Irish wine trade closed the WDB courses down simply because the finances of the WDB depended on attracting bums onto seats; and the trade wasn’t providing enough bums. Let’s hear it for the enthusiastic Irish wine consumer. First you weren’t allowed into the WDB. Then you were keeping it open. Finally you ware all kicked out again!! Does the Irish wine trade have any idea what it’s up to? Does it care?

You ‘loved learning’. That’s enough for me.

Yep Maurice,
it was a great mix of people and good craic. A very enjoyable reason to escape for a few hours on a Tuesday. Enough of that guff, you know you were much better than me with the theory and tasting!

I think non-trade people should be welcomed into the WSET courses too. As if organisations can turn away money these days! And, as you correctly said, educated consumers are far more likely to buy more expensive wines. Or, to put it another way, someone who knows zero about wine will see no reason to spend above a very low amount on a bottle.