WSET Diploma distance learning

With only one essay submission left before my Diploma is finished, I've been considering whether choosing the distance learning option was the right one.

The advantages for me have been;

• it's cheaper, about half the cost comparing it to attending classes
• it's been more flexible. I've not had to commit to classes which was important to me when I started as I was working in Baltimore when I started the program and the classes were either in London or at Plumpton!

But I recognise there are disadvantages;

• there is no-one to talk to or share your questions and ideas with
• you are not exposed to the lecturers who are working in the industry and thus have current knowledge and enthusiasm for their subjects
• you don't get the chance to taste so many wines

However I joined a tasting group in the last 3 months before Unit 3 and that made all the difference. I think that made up for the disadvantage of not being exposed to wines in the classroom. I also attended lots of trade tastings to train my palate.

On balance however if I was to start all over again I'd think I'd choose the distance learning route again. I'd certainly say the keys to success doing the Diploma as a distance learner (he says confidently not knowing if he has passed yet) are;

• plan and review how you are doing against the plan and keep revising your plan
• join a tasting group. If you can't form one yourself. Wherever you are it doesn't take many like minded people to form a useful core for tasting
• use the internet as a research tool

The last point I'd make is that I didn't realise when I started working part time for Oddbins how useful it would be. Sub-consciously being exposed to all that wine and consumer questions you build up a bigger store of wine knowledge than you think. So I suppose my final recommendation would be to try and work in the industry occasionally even whether it's wine shop, at an event or picking grapes during a harvest.

Oh, why the picture of the Berlucci Cellarius brut 2004? It was what I drank (not tasted) when I got home after my exam. I don't know where I got it from but it was in my rack. I was a little disappointed as, made by the champagne method and with a little age to it, I would have expected more autolytic characters. And the cat's name is Smudge.