Back in lockdown (2020), I thought learning about wine (rather than just drinking it) could be fun.  WSET level 1, 2 and 3 rolled by with ever more intensity and yes, it was fun.  Meeting passionate people across a new industry was inspiring. Life changing. So much so I quit my day job to take a deep dive into wine.

Being a little older, female and new to the industry, imposter syndrome soon set in. I thought adding letters to the end of my name may add credibility. So a two year plan to tackle the WSET Level 4 Diploma was put in motion.  Its low pass rate and warnings of a mountain of work only made me want it more.

In January 2024 I found out I had passed the final D3 theory and tasting exams - shock and relief followed. Tension from months of studying ebbed away knowing I didn’t have to resit the monster.

Here are my top 10 tips on how I managed to get through the diploma. If you’ve also gone through this, I’d love to hear your tips!

1. Get your friends, family and work buddies on side, you’ll need them

2. Find a mentor - I was lucky to have two. Thank you to Anne McHale MW, her Diplomatherapy sessions were a lifesaver. And to the fabulous Wendy at Ambriel Sparkling for cheering me on

3. Hangout with people who know more than you. Listen to podcasts. Watch webinars. Join the worldwide diploma Facebook. Special thanks to Kelly1000glasses for her daily breakfast questions!

4. Find a WSET L4 tasting group. Blind taste every week. Under exam pressure

5. Make a plan. This is a marathon. Don’t read the D3 book. You won’t have time. Use it as a reference. Answer past questions, use mnemonics (the naughtier the better) and take your flash cards everywhere

6. Taste the recommended wines - that you don’t know

7. In the exam write write write.  Get every point you can. Practice writing (claw hand is real)

8. Visit wine regions if possible. Meet producers. Work a harvest

9. Put yourself out there - do wine tastings for friends. Become a wine nerd. Talking is the way to find out what you don’t know

10. In the weeks leading up to the final exam put your favourite fizz in the fridge and stare at it every day. It’ll taste so good when you’re done (stole this tip from Anne McHale MW)

Good luck if you’re doing the Diploma exams, commiserations if you have to re-sit them and I bow down to you with huge congratulations if you’ve passed.