I have received a number of inquiries from fellow WSET Diploma candidates about their studies. As I suspect that these students are not alone in their questions, I am sharing the following advice.

Unit 2 (Viticulture and Vinification) is the first unit presented and a prerequisite for moving ahead with the other units. Your knowledge on this unit is evaluated by a multiple-choice exam that is very challenging. You really need to study and prepare to recognize and understand detailed information to pass this exam as the answer choices provided do not lend themselves to easy guessing.

If possible, I would suggest that you take Unit 3 (Light Wines of the World) before Units 4, 5, and 6 so that you can complete this most challenging unit before moving on. Do NOT study for Unit 3 at the same time as you study for Units 4, 5 & 6 unless you are masochistic, unemployed or are just plain crazy : )

Units 4, 5 and 6 can be taken concurrently, although you may find it a little easier to balance your study load if you take only two of the three at the same time. Unit 4 (Spirits) is generally more challenging than Unit 5 (Sparkling) or Unit 6 (Fortified), but everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I think that it is helpful to keep in mind that these units differ from Unit 3 in that they focus heavily on differing production methods. If you take these exams in November, start studying in the summer to provide yourself with a lengthier study period.

The format for Unit 1 (Coursework Assignments) is being revised. If you are working under the previous format, I would suggest that you submit only one paper at first so that you can use the feedback provided from that paper to guide you in completing the other assignments.

As for hints, study aids, etc. , I suggest the following:
1) Review questions from all of the past exams (see WSET website – DWS student section) – this will familiarize you with the types of questions you will find on the exams and you can use them as practice questions while you study. These are essay exams, so you should also practice writing out answers under simulated exam conditions (closed book and timed).

2) Review the annual Examiner’s Report from past exams (see WSET website – DWS student section) – This will provide you with some idea as to what kind of an answer they are looking for, along with information on how to answer the tasting portion as well. This also helps you identify what traps to avoid as the Report comments on mistakes made by students, many of which are repeated time and again, much to the chagrin of the examiners.

3) Comparative taste as much as possible, preferrably under blind conditions. For example, I was a self-study student for Unit 6, so I purchased 8 different fortified wines and tasted them all blind in a single tasting session. The study guides have suggested wines with which you should become familiar.

4) Participate in the DAPS program if it is available to you (they will send you practice questions, which you answer under exam conditions and send back for feedback).

5) Review the questions and answers in the study guide – they just might show up on an exam.

6) If possible, find a study group and meet weekly to taste flights of wine as well as to review information, clarify points of confusion and keep you focused.

7) Commit the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting to memory, so you make sure you comment on all aspects of the wine and don’t lose points on the exam. I would suggest that you take all of your wine notes in this fashion between now and then to practice, especially since you need to get this down to 5-10 minutes per wine.

8) Organize your notes on index cards and carry them with you whenever possible. You can then review your notes while waiting for elevators, commuting on public transportation, standing on line, etc.

9) Do not wait to the last minute to study. There is too much information, especially for Unit 3, so you really need to be studying and reviewing the material over several months.

10) When in doubt, always return to the 6 factors (climate, soil, annual weather, grape variety, viticulture and vinification) + legal & trade structures and market issues.