As I have chronicled previously, I have been pursuing the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s rigorous course of study leading to the Diploma of Wine & Spirits (DWS). This two-year program comprises 6 units, which essentially covers all aspects of the wine and spirit industry from production to sales and marketing.

In April, I submitted my final two papers — one on the history and current outlook on wine co-operatives and the other on the supply and demand issues regarding Champagne. Since the papers are submitted for a specific deadline and are then sent to London to be graded with submissions from students from all around the world, the turn-around time is a bit long.

Finally, I received notification last week that I had earned a Pass with Distinction on my co-opertives paper, which included a case study on Nicolas Feuillatte, and a Pass with Merit on my Champagne paper. Then, earlier this week, I received a second letter acknowledging my successful completion of the full credential and my right to use the post-nominal, DWS, after my name. I am one of 6 to have completed the Diploma this cycle and one of 20 for the year (within the U.S.).

I am proud of my accomplishments and, while I will not rest on my laurels — the world of wine is always changing and thus requires continuous study — I am looking forward to taking a break from formal study. However, I do anticipate a return to pursue the Master of Wine credential at some point in the future.

~Tracy Ellen Kamens, Ed.D., DWS