How much time should you expect to spend on the WSET Diploma experience?

WSET themselves suggest 10–15 hours a week, and I think that’s a pretty accurate average. But let me be clear: when a module is running, expect more like 20–25 hours a week. It takes over your life in those periods.

Personally, I worked reduced hours throughout the entire study period to make it manageable. My study partner ran her own wine shop and had grown-up kids, while I had a 6–9-year-old at home with special needs. Everyone’s situation is different, so it really depends on what you can move around in your life — job, family, hobbies…

Most modules run for 4–6 weeks, so if you can schedule time off work during those periods, that’s a huge help. The monster module — D3 (Light Wines of the World) — runs at full intensity for about 12 weeks and then again for 2 months before the exam. You’ll feel buried in study.

We took the whole thing in three years, thanks to a pandemic that messed up the exam calendar. But you can do it in a year if you’re wild — Marianne Boss Lystrup did!

Is there group work involved?

That depends on the format you choose. I did everything online, so I can only speak for that. When I studied, only D1 had mandatory group work, and even that was limited to a shared written assignment and a couple of Zoom calls.

Most of the time, group work is optional. I was lucky to have a study buddy in the same city (Silkeborg), and we met almost every Monday to taste wine and discuss theory. Some people create online study groups — that can also be a great way to stay motivated.

How often do you need to travel for exams and tastings?

If you’re doing it online, expect to travel to London four times for exams, plus another couple of trips for tasting tutorials. D4 and D5 are usually scheduled on the same day. Due to the pandemic, we only made it to one tasting tutorial in person. But in general, the rule of thumb is: four exam trips, two tasting trips — minimum.

Note: You can also take the Diploma in places like Austria, not just London, if that’s closer or more affordable for you.

How do the exams work? Can you fail and retake them?

Yes, you absolutely can fail — and retake! The first attempt is included in your course fee, but retakes cost around DKK 1,500 (roughly €200), depending on the exam.

My advice? Budget for at least two retakes just in case. If you don’t need them, you’ll be happily surprised!

How big is the step up from WSET Level 3?

Oh. It’s massive.

To give you a sense: the Level 3 book is about 200 pages — total. The textbook for D1 (just one module of the Diploma) is also 200 pages. That sets the tone.

There’s no multiple choice. Everything is essay-based. That said, strong exam technique can take you a long way. And even if it’s hard, you learn so much.

Think of it like this: at Level 3, you become a sommelier. At Diploma, you become the sommelier’s teacher.

How long did I take? And what study format did I use?

I took three years, mostly because of pandemic delays. Most people complete it in two years. One of my friends powered through it in a year — but did literally nothing else that year!

I studied entirely online via the WSET School in London. The course isn’t “live” as such — you follow along week by week, complete assignments, and get feedback. It worked well with my schedule and budget.

I managed to pass all exams on the first try, except for the D3 Theory part. I had to re-take it, but honestly, I’m glad I did. The second time around was a completely different experience: I was calm, focused, and I knew when I handed it in that I would pass. In the end, I graduated with a Pass With Merit. Importantly: your final grade is not affected by retakes.

You receive all materials as PDFs, but I printed mine as binders and highlighted like a maniac — very glad I did that! You don’t need to source your own books, although buying a few extras for different perspectives (or for more enjoyable reading — WSET books aren’t exactly page-turners) can be helpful.

How much does the Diploma really cost?

One of the most surprising parts of my WSET Diploma experience was just how much money I ended up spending beyond tuition fees.

I’ve never had the courage to tally it all up precisely… but if I had to guess? Around DKK 100,000 (~€13,000) over the three years. Flights to London might be cheap, but accommodation and food aren’t.

Don’t tell my partner

The course fee covers materials and your first attempt at exams, but you’ll likely want to buy extra resources like:

• Wine With Jimmy videos
• Region maps
• Extra books
• Essay feedback (which I now offer via my tiny Grapey Minds business )

Oh — and of course, you’ll need to buy all your tasting wines if you’re doing it online.

What kind of wine budget should you expect for tastings?

If you take the Diploma in-person, wines are included in the tuition fee. If you take it online, you’ll need to source them yourself. Don’t worry, you don’t get a list of exact bottles to buy — instead, you’ll see something like acceptable to good Sauvignon Blanc from Loire or very good Chianti Classico.

Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

• D1: ~12 wines
• D2: ~10 wines
• D3: 50–80 wines (the beast!)
• D4 & D5: ~20 wines each (40 total)

That’s at least 112 wines. If you average €15 per bottle, that’s about €1,680. But before you panic, remember:

• Many wines can be tasted at fairs, wine bars, or by the glass.
• You don’t have to taste all the suggested wines right away — prioritize the ones you need to hand in notes for.
• Coravin is your best friend. It lets you stretch bottles over weeks or even months.
• Find a tasting group to split costs and discuss wines together.
• And yes… you’ll need to buy plenty of €5 supermarket bottles, because WSET is about wines from all quality levels!

I was lucky — I worked in a wine shop, so I often got discounts and sometimes even free bottles. My study partner owned her shop, so that also helped. But overall, budget carefully and be creative. People are usually very generous when they hear it’s for study purposes.

What are the most helpful third-party resources?

This really depends on your study style. Here’s what worked for me:

• Wine With Jimmy videos — I listened to the audio while driving, though the videos themselves are better if you have the time.
• Maps, maps, maps — I bought tons in different styles and made my own.
• Brainscape (Pro version) — Flashcards with spaced repetition; amazing for quick study bursts on the bus or in queues.
• Masterclasses with MWs — Many are free, some paid. Live ones worked best for me, because I needed the interaction to stay awake!
• WSET online workshops — These were gold. Some free, some paid. The essay-writing feedback in particular was what helped me most — and inspired me to start Grapey Minds to help others. Don’t wait as long as I did to crack the essay code!

Should you consider a physical course in London, Austria, or elsewhere?

If I had the time, money, and flexibility (dear young students without kids: I envy you!), I would absolutely have considered doing the Diploma in person. The Weinakademie in Rust, Austria, for example, integrates wine trips into the program.

That said, I loved doing it online. It gave me flexibility and still connected me to a global network of fellow students. Many travel alone to exams and tastings — don’t hesitate to reach out to others for study sessions, dinners, or just moral support. The friendships are part of the journey.

Final thoughts

Looking back, my WSET Diploma experience was challenging but absolutely worth it. The WSET Diploma is intense, humbling, time-consuming, and expensive. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I cried over it. I doubted myself a lot. But I came out of it with a “pass with merit” and more wine knowledge (and humility!) than I ever imagined.

If you’re thinking about it, feel free to reach out, either by mail or on instagram. I’m here to help!

The post What’s It Really Like to Take the WSET Diploma? My Honest Experience appeared first on Grapey Minds.

“I can buy wine for only £5 – and it tastes great! Why would I ever pay more?”

It sounds reasonable. But it’s also a bit like saying, “This toast bread is soft and square – why would I pay extra for sourdough?”

Most people know that industrial toast bread doesn’t represent what bread can be.
But when it comes to wine, the cheap version often gets treated like the standard – and that’s where the misunderstanding starts.

So let’s talk about what you’re actually drinking in that £5 bottle – and what changes when you spend just a bit more.

What You Actually Pay for in a Bottle of Wine

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of a £5 and a £10 bottle of wine in the UK:

So what’s the takeaway?
Most of the costs are fixed – taxes, packaging, shipping – whether you’re spending £5 or £10.
When you spend more, that extra money doesn’t go into glass or duty. It goes into better grapes, more thoughtful winemaking, and ultimately, better wine.

Environmental Impact: What Cheap Wine Really Costs

To make wine that cheap, producers need volume. That volume comes at a cost:

• Heavy use of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides to maintain high yields.
• Repeated spraying with copper and sulphur, which build up in the soil and damage biodiversity.
• Excessive irrigation, particularly in drought-prone areas like California and southern Australia.
• High energy usage from mechanical harvesting, chilling, pumping, and stabilising.
• Monoculture vineyards – fragile, chemically dependent ecosystems lacking natural balance.

So the wine is cheap for you, but not for the environment.

Additives and Adjustments: When Wine Is Designed, Not Grown

Industrial wine isn’t about place or tradition. It’s about predictability – and profit.
To achieve this, producers often rely on:

Cultured yeasts that add certain aromas to the wine, such as strawberry or tropical fruit. Meaning these flavors are not reflecting the grapes but the yeast.
Oak chips or powders instead of barrels. They add aroma, but no structure, integration, or age-worthiness. If you think about it when you taste the wine, it is quite obvious how the aroma is not reflected at all on the palate, instead the wine feels sort of bland, but the aroma tricks your brain into thinking it’s been aged in casks.
Additives to fix problems or adjust balance:

• Tartaric acid for freshness
• Grape concentrate for sweetness
• Tannin powder for grip
• Water or reverse osmosis to reduce alcohol

For shelf life and polish:

• Heavy sulphite additions (often above what’s needed)
• PVPP, a plastic-based powder, to strip oxidation
• Gelatine or isinglass to clarify (both animal-derived, often undeclared)

And here’s the twist:
Only the addition of sulphites must be declared on the label – even though many of these other processes impact the wine far more.
So when people worry about “chemicals in wine” and point to sulphites… they’re missing the big picture.

Who Pays the Price? The Social Cost of Cheap Wine

Cheap wine doesn’t just squeeze the grapes – it often squeezes the people too:

• Low wages and tough conditions for vineyard workers, especially in hot or developing regions.
• Minimal protections, high turnover, and seasonal uncertainty.
• Smaller, quality-focused producers who work sustainably are often priced out of the market by bulk wine.

This isn’t just about wine quality – it’s about how the system treats those who grow and make it.

What Cheap Wine Tastes Like – and What It Doesn’t

Predictable. Soft. A bit sweet. Maybe a hint of oak.

Cheap wine is designed for mass appeal:

• No rough edges, no surprises
• Nothing too acidic, too tannic, or too complex
• Just enough aroma to seem “fruity” or “smooth”

But here’s the problem:
It teaches you nothing about what wine can taste like – and offers no connection to place, grape, or person.
You can drink a lot of it because it doesn’t satisfy. It just… passes the time.

How to Get Good Wine for the Right Price

Let’s not pretend everyone can or should spend £30 a bottle.

But decent wine doesn’t have to be expensive. In Denmark, good everyday wine can start around 75–80 kr (€10).
Here’s how to make it count:

Avoid prestige zones such as: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Barolo, Chianti.

Look for high-quality, under-the-radar regions:

• Austria – especially Grüner Veltliner and Zweigelt
• Germany – amazing Rieslings at great prices
• Southern France – Rhône blends, Languedoc whites, loads of good IGP wines too
• Spain – lesser-known gems from Bierzo, Valencia, Jumilla

These places offer skilled winemaking without inflated land prices – so your money goes further in the glass.

Final Sip: What Cheap Wine Doesn’t Tell You

Cheap wine creates the illusion that this is what wine is supposed to taste like.

But just like industrial toast bread isn’t what bread is meant to be, bulk-engineered wine doesn’t reflect what wine could or should be.

Spend a little more. Not for status – but for substance.

And trust your palate: it knows the difference.

The post Why Cheap Wine Isn’t as Good as It Seems appeared first on Grapey Minds.

If you’ve just completed your Level 3, you might experience a bit of a shock as you dive deeper into grape anatomy, vine physiology, and detailed vinification techniques. Gone are the days of memorizing basic concepts; the Diploma demands a much deeper, analytical understanding. 

But fear not! With the right strategies, you can not only pass but excel in your D1 exam. In this post, you’ll find practical tips on how to successfully prepare for your WSET Diploma D1 exam:

1. Adjust Your Mindset to diploma

Diploma-level studies require you to understand not only what happens but also how and why. You’ll explore grapevine anatomy down to cellular levels, examine how weather impacts chemical changes in the grape, and understand the implications for the wine in your glass. Yes, it feels distant from tasting wine at first, but mastering this level of detail will significantly enhance your wine appreciation and professional expertise.

2. Learn to Think in Concepts, Not Just Details

A common mistake students make is getting caught up in memorizing isolated facts without understanding the bigger picture. In the vineyard, everything is interconnected—latitude, altitude, aspect, grape variety, soil type and weather patterns all interact dynamically.

• Tip: Organize your notes around concepts and main headings, showing clear cause-effect relationships. For example, consider how temperature impacts grape acidity levels and the resulting wine style.

3. Actively Engage with Your Study Materials

Simply reading and highlighting textbook pages isn’t enough. Research shows active engagement helps with retention and understanding. Worksheets or interactive study sheets—such as those we offer at Grapey Minds—help you draw connections between different chapters. For example, understanding how flowering impacts grape yield directly relates to vine training and pruning methods.

4. Time Management is Crucial (in your studies and on exam day!)

The D1 exam has a strict 90-minute limit, so managing your time wisely is critical. A useful rule: spend approximately 9 minutes per 10% of exam weighting. Better a little less than more, so you’ll have time to go over your answers a final time before the exam is over.  Practice with timed essay questions to develop concise, structured answers without lengthy introductions.

5. Avoid Common Exam Pitfalls

According to the WSET Examiners Reports, common pitfalls in the D1 exam include misinterpreting command verbs, not using technical terms the right way and poor time allocation. To write with confidence, here are some good ground rules to remember: 

• Misinterpreting command verbs:
  • “Describe” = state clear facts
  • “Explain” = state facts + how and why it happens
  • Check out the ‘Theory Guidance’ and make sure you understand the different terms and what is expected from you from each. 

• Imprecise technical language:
  Candidates often confuse terms like SO₂ and CO₂, enrichment and must adjustments. Learn the exact meaning and application of technical terms and always use them correctly.

• Incomplete or superficial answers:
  If asked about managing vineyard pests, don’t simply name pests; explain their effects, management strategies and implications for grape quality – but be careful to only answer what is asked in the question and not just rambling off all facts you know! 

• Poor time allocation:
  Allocate more time to questions with higher marks (e.g., 20% questions = approx. 18 minutes). If the question is stated as a 10% question, you can only get a maximum of 10 points (out of 100) for it, no matter how much you write! So use the 9 minutes and then move on. If you get a question and do not know the answer, remember that there are no negative marks. So better to write something and maybe get a few points for it, than leaving it blank and getting zero points. 

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Regularly complete practice essays under timed conditions. Reflect critically on your answers: Have you described AND explained thoroughly? Did you use correct terminology? Are your responses structured logically and clearly? Ask a study mate or use a service like ours, to read some of your practice essays and whether you are using the right linguistic markers to make sure you get points for explaining and not just describing. 

7. Relate Everything Back to the Wine in Your Glass

Ultimately, every detail you study—from vine physiology to climate—enhances your understanding of wine. When studying, consistently ask yourself, “Why is this relevant to wine?” Doing so will deepen your understanding and provide you with concrete examples for your exam essays.

The D1 exam doesn’t have to be daunting. With strategic study habits, focused practice, and active engagement with the material, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exam confidently and successfully.

Good luck with your studies—you’ve got this!

 Ready to Master Your D1 Exam? Download D1 Worksheets Here!

 Want extra support to stay on track?
Join our accountability program for regular check-ins and structured study sessions. Join the Accountability Program

The post How to Successfully Navigate the WSET Diploma D1 Exam appeared first on Grapey Minds.

The world of wine is ever evolving, with cool climate regions stepping into the spotlight like never before. At the Cool Climate Wine Summit 2025 held in Copenhagen last week, winemakers, industry experts, and enthusiasts gathered to explore the exciting potential of cooler European regions, including England, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Denmark.  

This dynamic event offered a mix of expert-led masterclasses by the likes of Jamie Goode, Rene Langdahl and Romana Echensperger, alongside a trade tasting featuring over 150 winemakers. For many attendees, it was a chance to rediscover Denmark as an emerging wine nation—and the results did not disappoint. 

Danish Wines

Danish winemakers have come a long way, and the wines showcased at the summit were a testament to their dedication and innovation. A highlight of the event was Barfod Winery, whose winemaker, Lise, has mastered the art of crafting wines with personality and precision. Their 2022 Pet Nat Rosé, made from Cabernet Cantor, stood out with its vibrant acidity, delicate fruit sweetness, and refreshing raspberry soda-like finish.  

White wines remain Denmark’s strength, particularly those made from hybrid grapes like Solaris and Souvignier Gris. Although Solaris is by far the most used, Souvignier Gris shows a massive potential. This grape continues to impress with its natural elegance, high acidity, and complex flavor profile, often featuring notes of acacia honey, citrus, and red apples. Danish producers are showcasing how versatile and sophisticated this grape can be, with Barfod Winery leading the way.  

One of the big surprises was that red wines from Denmark are gaining traction, with varieties like Pinot Noir Précoce, Cabernet Cantor and Cabaret Noir delivering fresh, fruit-forward expressions with balanced tannins. Producers like Gilleleje Wine and Hideaway Vineyard are proving that Danish reds have a bright future, offering impressive quality at a more accessible price point.  

However, pricing remains a challenge for Danish wines overall, as many are priced above DKK 200 per bottle. Lowering prices slightly—closer to DKK 185 (25 euros)—could attract more consumers without compromising the perception of quality.  

The Future of Cool Climate Wines

The summit highlighted the unique advantages and challenges of cool climate winemaking. Jamie Goode’s masterclass emphasized how climate change has introduced both opportunities and risks for these regions. Warmer temperatures can lead to better ripening, but challenges like false springs, disease pressure, and sustainability concerns remain significant.  

Producers need to tackle these issues with innovative practices like regenerative viticulture, resistant grape varieties and eco-friendly pest management. These approaches not only address environmental concerns but also enhance the overall quality of the wines.  

Why Cool Climate Wines Deserve Attention

Cool climate wines offer a refreshing alternative to the fuller, more robust styles often associated with warmer regions. With their vibrant acidity, refined flavors, and lighter alcohol, they’re perfectly suited to today’s consumer preferences for balance and elegance.  

Denmark’s wines, in particular, are entering a new era, with producers combining traditional techniques and modern innovations to craft wines that are both authentic and forward-thinking. The dedication of winemakers like those at Barfod Winery, Gilleleje Wine, Guldbæk Vingaard and Hideaway Vineyard suggests a bright future for Danish wines on the global stage.  

Ready to discover the exciting world of cool climate wines? Let us know your favorite Danish wines in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the rising stars of winemaking together!

The post Discovering Cool Climate Wines: Denmark’s Emerging Winemakers appeared first on Grapey Minds.

1. Manage Your Time Like a Boss

The theory section gives you 45 minutes with each question showing a percentage of how much time you should spend. Think of it as a recipe—stick to the timing, or you’ll end up with a half-finished essay or a meltdown. Here’s an overview of what that means in minutes:  

– 30% = 13-14 minutes

– 20% = 9 minutes  

– 10% = 4.5 minutes

Pro Tip: Use1-2 minutes less per question than the allocated time. Save those minutes for reviewing your answers later or giving yourself a mental high-five.  

Golden Rule: Always answer every question. You can’t lose points for a wrong answer, so even if you’re not sure, write something—you might pick up a few marks!  

Oh, and double-check that you’ve seen all the questions. Sometimes a sneaky one hides on the back of the page. Don’t let it catch you off guard!  

2. Do The Tasting Section First

Start with the tasting section of the exam, but limit yourself to 30 minutes instead of the full 45.  

– Your palate is freshest at the start, and by keeping it short, you’ll give yourself extra time for the theory section.  

– If needed, you can come back to the tasting section at the end to review your answers.  

3. Read the Question Like a Detective

Misreading a question is one of the biggest errors students make, and an error the Examiners Report shows occurs a lot more than you might think! To avoid this, read the question carefully, underline the key words, and figure out what the examiner really wants.  

Understand The Command Verbs: 

“Describe” or “Outline”: Stick to the facts—no deep analysis here.  

  Example: “Describe how lees aging impacts sparkling wine.”

    – “Lees aging contributes autolytic flavors like bread and brioche, enhances texture with creaminess, and improves complexity.”

“Explain”: Here you need to link facts to reasons or outcomes.  

  Example: _”Explain how lees aging impacts sparkling wine.”

    – “Lees aging breaks down yeast cells, releasing compounds that add autolytic flavors (bread, brioche) and creaminess to the texture, enhancing the wine’s complexity and quality.”

Of course you have to write more than this but this should give you a general idea of the difference between the what is asked from you. 

Spot the Keywords:

For a question on growing environment, focus on elements like climate, soil, altitude, or pests—not winemaking. Use WSET’s Theory Guidance Document to identify what belongs in each category, so you stay laser-focused.  

4. Structure Your Answer

WSET loves structure. It helps the examiner grading your answers and it helps you stay focused. Here’s how to do it:  

Use headlines along the way! Make small headlines especially for the longer questions. This makes it clear what you are answering if the question contains multiple parts, gives you a structure, makes sure you are answering all parts of the questions and that you don’t go back and fort between your arguments. 

For some types of questions the Theory Guidance gives you very clear instructions on how to structure your response: 

Comparing Topics:

– Use the headings “Similarities” and “Differences” dealing with all the similarities first, then the differences. No jumping between them. If you feel its necessary and you have time you can add a short conclusion. 

For Pros and Cons:

– Group all advantages first, then all disadvantages. Again, you might feel like you want to discuss them but this is not what is asked and you do not have the time. Follow the structure WSET asks for.  

5. Nail Style, Quality, and Price 

When discussing these topics, focus on the essentials—this isn’t the time for a full SAT tasting note – nor is it what is asked from you! 

Style:  Highlight the wine’s defining features.  

  – Example: “Champagne is high-acid, dry, with aromas of green apple, lemon, and autolytic notes like bread.”

Quality: Use WSET terms like acceptable, good, very good or outstanding.

  – Example: “A traditional method sparkling wine with balance, autolytic complexity, and a long finish is typically very good or outstanding.”

Price: Categorize wines as inexpensive, mid-priced, premium or super-premium.

  – Example: _”Prosecco, made using the tank method, is often inexpensive, while Champagne is premium or super-premium due to longer aging and higher production costs.”

No need to panic if you forget exact figures. Keep it simple and stick to what matters—your understanding of how style, quality, and price link to sparkling wine production

6. A Final Pep Talk 

This exam isn’t easy—far from it. But you’ve already made it this far, and that’s an incredible achievement. You’re working hard, and every bit of effort you put in now is going to pay off.  

When you’re in the exam room, just remember:  

– Manage your time.  

– Stay focused on the question.  

– And trust in all the preparation you’ve done.  

I’m cheering for you every step of the way! 

If you’d like more support, don’t forget to check out my D4 Practice Quiz or D4 Short Essay Feedback Program to sharpen your skills further:  

Start Practicing

Get Feedback

You’ve got this. Good luck—you’re going to crush it!  

The post Essential Tips for Excelling in the D4 Theory Exam  appeared first on Grapey Minds.

In the world of wine, few titles carry as much prestige and allure as “sommelier.” But what exactly does it mean to be a sommelier? Do you need formal certification to claim the title, and how do qualifications like WSET Level 3 compare? Whether you’re an aspiring wine professional or a curious enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sommeliers, wine certifications, and how to navigate the industry.  

What is a Sommelier?  

A sommelier is a wine specialist working in the restaurant industry. Their primary role is to manage the restaurant’s wine program, which includes curating the wine cellar, crafting the wine list, setting prices, and helping customers select the perfect wine to complement their meals based on taste and budget.  

In addition to this, sommeliers often conduct wine tastings and lead educational sessions for restaurant staff. These efforts ensure that everyone on the team understands the nuances of the wine list and can enhance the dining experience.  

To excel in this role, a sommelier must have a deep understanding of global wine regions, grape varieties, and wine-making techniques as well as a profound knowledge of the wines of the restaurant.  They need expertise in pairing wine with food to create harmonious combinations that elevate both the dish and the beverage. Business knowledge is also essential, as they must manage inventory, set prices, and optimize the restaurant’s wine offerings for profitability. Equally important are communication and customer service skills, as a sommelier’s job often involves creating memorable dining experiences.  

Despite the prestige associated with the title, the term “sommelier” is not legally protected. There are no universal qualifications or standards for becoming a sommelier, which means that anyone working as a wine expert in a restaurant setting can claim the title. Traditionally, sommeliers have been associated with restaurant roles, but the term has now expanded to include wine experts in retail, education, and other areas of the industry.  

Is WSET Level 3 a Sommelier?  

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is widely recognized as a comprehensive wine qualifications. Although it is not specifically a sommelier certification, the knowledge it provides is comparable to what is expected of a professional sommelier.  

The WSET Level 3 program focuses primarily on theoretical knowledge. It covers topics such as grape growing, winemaking, and the characteristics of key wine regions around the world. It also emphasizes structured tasting techniques, helping students learn to analyze and evaluate wine in a professional context.  

However, WSET Level 3 does not include training in the practical service skills traditionally associated with sommelier roles. Skills like decanting wine, pouring correctly, and managing customer interactions are not part of the curriculum.  

For those already working as sommeliers, earning a WSET Level 3 certification can deepen their understanding of wine and serve as a stepping stone toward the prestigious WSET Diploma (Level 4). Even for those outside the restaurant industry, holding a WSET Level 3 certification can justify using the sommelier title, as it demonstrates a high level of wine expertise.  

Top Skills Every Sommelier Needs  

To succeed as a sommelier, a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills is essential. First, a sommelier must have a thorough understanding of wines and wine regions from around the world. This includes knowing how different grape varieties, climates, and winemaking techniques influence the characteristics of a wine.  

Equally important is the ability to taste and analyze wine accurately. Sommeliers must be able to identify key flavor components and assess a wine’s quality. Additionally, they need to understand how the flavors of wine can change when paired with different foods, ensuring that they recommend combinations that enhance both the dish and the wine.  

Customer relations are another critical aspect of the role. A sommelier must be able to engage with guests, understand their preferences, and guide them to choices that suit their taste and budget. Finally, a good sommelier is always curious. The wine world is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with new trends, regions, and producers is an ongoing part of the job.  

Do You Need Certification to Be a Sommelier?  

The title of sommelier is as mentioned not legally protected, so certification is not a requirement. Anyone working as a wine waiter in a restaurant or wine bar can be considered a sommelier. For those who are self-motivated, there are plenty of resources available to build wine knowledge independently. Books, wine magazines, producer websites, and online videos offer a wealth of information for anyone eager to learn more about wine.  You can find some great online ressources right here.

For some, the best way to gain expertise is by diving into the industry and learning through hands-on experience. Many successful sommeliers have built their careers by starting in entry-level roles and growing their knowledge on the job.  

However, formal wine education offers several advantages. Certification programs expose participants to a wide range of wines, including those they might not typically encounter. They provide structured learning about global wine regions, grape varieties, and wine laws, and they teach a systematic approach to tasting. Students receive professional feedback, helping them refine their tasting skills and calibrate their palate. Certifications can also open doors to professional opportunities and provide access to a network of like-minded wine enthusiasts. If you are a neurodivergent, taking a certification can help you with staying on track with your goals. Read more about good study approaches for people with ADHD here.

How to Become a Sommelier  

Becoming a sommelier is more accessible than many people realize. Simply working in a restaurant as a wine waiter is enough to claim the title. However, for those seeking formal recognition, there are many certification programs available.  

Certified Paths to Becoming a Sommelier  

Many countries have national sommelier certification programs. Researching the options in your region is a great place to start. Each program may have unique features, so it’s worth comparing them to find one that aligns with your career goals.  

For those interested in internationally recognized certifications, two of the most prominent options are:  

• Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS): This program emphasizes both wine knowledge and service skills, making it ideal for those who want to work in fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants.  

• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): This program focuses heavily on wine theory and is particularly well-suited for those interested in roles like wine retail, distribution, or education.  

Both CMS and WSET offer multiple levels of certification, allowing individuals to advance their expertise gradually.  

Is WSET or CMS Better for Becoming a Sommelier?  

The choice between WSET and CMS depends on your career goals. If you’re passionate about wine service and aspire to work in a fine dining environment, the CMS pathway is likely the better fit. It emphasizes practical skills such as decanting and pairing wine with food.  

On the other hand, if your interests lean more toward the theoretical side of wine—such as working in wine retail, education, or distribution—the WSET program is a better choice. Its in-depth focus on wine theory provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of wine as a product.  

There are also other specialized programs, such as those offered by the Wine Scholar Guild, which focus on regional certifications like French, Italian, or Spanish wine.  

Why Take a Wine Education?  

Enrolling in a wine education program can expand your understanding of wine in ways that self-study cannot. These programs force you to step outside your comfort zone, exposing you to wines from regions and styles you might not typically explore.  

You’ll learn about every aspect of wine, from how grapes are grown and harvested to how wine is marketed and sold. Structured tasting techniques will help you analyze wine systematically, and professional feedback will refine your skills.  

Wine education also teaches you the language of wine, allowing you to describe and evaluate wines with precision. This calibration of your palate helps you understand key characteristics like tannins, acidity, sweetness, and quality. Beyond knowledge, these programs provide networking opportunities, connecting you with others who share your passion for wine.  

While certification can enhance your resume, the true value lies in the knowledge and connections you gain.  

Final Thoughts  

Whether you aspire to work as a sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant, become a wine educator, or simply deepen your expertise, the wine industry offers endless opportunities. The path you choose—whether through self-study or formal certification—should align with your personal interests and career goals.  

Are you ready to begin your journey? Start exploring the world of wine today, and who knows—you might just discover your next great passion.  

The post Guide to Sommeliers and WSET Certification   appeared first on Grapey Minds.

If you’re preparing for a tasting exam like the WSET Level 3 or the WSET Diploma, Level 4, adjusting your approach can be crucial, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Here’s how to optimize your tasting strategy to help you pass your WSET tasting exam with confidence.

Dopamine and Focus in the WSET Tasting Exam

For ADHD minds, the key to passing the WSET tasting exam—whether for Level 3, Diploma Level 4, or other certifications—is to manage your dopamine levels carefully. During study sessions, dopamine is your ally. Enjoy learning, experiment with tasting techniques, and use methods that engage your unique learning style as you can read about in this blog post.

However, during the actual WSET tasting exam, you have to shift your focus: now, dopamine is the enemy! Keep your exam mantra simple: “Dopamine is the enemy!” This mindset can help you focus more effectively during the high-stakes setting of a WSET Level 3 or Level 4 tasting exam.

Avoid the Temptation to Chase the Right Answer

There’s plenty of advice on “how to pass the WSET tasting exam” with techniques for guessing a wine’s grape, region, or country. While these tips can be useful for neurotypical students, they can distract neurodivergent minds by introducing excitement and a luring dopamine rush. This focus on “getting it right” can way to easily divert your attention from the actual analysis needed to pass a WSET tasting exam.

Instead, approach the WSET tasting exam as a technical exercise, focusing solely on completing the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). Treat each wine as a technical subject to analyze, filling out the SAT form systematically. Everything you need to pass is in the glass—no tricks or hidden challenges.

Use Structured, Systematic Notes

To pass the WSET tasting exam and oppress the dopamine, keeping your notes systematic is essential. Approach them as a checklist, and don’t let dopamine disrupt your flow.

• Aroma Notes: Record aromas detected on the nose and transfer these notes directly to the palate section. When tasting, focus on structure and consistency, only adding aromas to the palate if they enhance your notes on the nose.
• Group Aromas Effectively: Always pair aromas. For instance, if you detect “apple,” add “pear”; for “lemon,” add “lime.” This structure will make sure you don’t miss out on an easy point! For example, use phrasing like, “Citrus fruits such as lemon, lime; orchard fruits like apple, pear; stone fruits like apricot, nectarine, and peach”. Just remember, naming the cluster such as ‘Citrus’ gives no points, you have to add the actual aromas!

Use the BLIC Framework for Quality Analysis

The BLIC (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity) framework is a great tool for the WSET tasting exams:

• Balance is a top priority in any wine quality assessment. If a wine lacks balance, it won’t rank above “good” in your tasting analysis.
• For each BLIC criterion, assign “points” to the wine. Scoring 3–4 points generally indicates outstanding quality.
• Remember, most wines you’ll encounter will be rated as “good” to “very good.” As wine lovers we are so used to drinking high quality wines that it can be easy to forget that the exam is about all wines in all levels. So even supermarket wines will often be either ‘good’ or even ‘very good’!
• Write in clear sentences, explaining why the wine qualifies for its rating and which attributes were lacking for higher scores.

Using this approach aligns your tasting notes with the SAT, helping you pass the tasting component of your WSET exam.

Stick to the Technical, Resist the Guesswork

The WSET tasting exams (especially WSET Diploma) assess your ability to analyze the wine, not guess its origin or grape accurately. Focus on filling out the SAT form as technically as possible. If you have time at the end, you can glance back at your notes for any hints toward grape variety or origin, but avoid this during the main analysis to prevent misinterpretation.

Your SAT form is the primary tool for achieving a high score in the WSET tasting exams. Many students pass—and even earn “distinction”—without guessing the grape or region correctly. The SAT analysis is what counts most.

Final Advice for WSET Success

So fellow neurodivergent students preparing for the WSET Level 3 or Diploma tasting exams: stick to the structured SAT approach, control the dopamine, and focus on filling out the SAT form accurately. This focused, systematic approach will help you pass your WSET tasting exam with confidence.

The post How to Pass the WSET Tasting Exam as a Neurodivergent appeared first on Grapey Minds.

Timed or not

For almost all kinds of writing practice essays, I would recommend doing it timed. No matter which of the following approaches you choose, doing it timed helps you to learn how limited time is in the exam. For D3 essays it means approximately 40 minutes per essay. Either give yourself a little less time to account for the examnerves or other questions taking up a little more time – or give your self a little extra time as you want to practice structure. Try doing the essay under time first – then go away for a while and come back and look at it with fresh eyes – what would you like to change? Revise the essay and write down what to focus on next time you do a practice essay! 

If the exam is very far away and you are just getting into writing the examformat essays and reading the book, then it can be fine to do a few essays without time restraint. Then focus on the essay as a way to revise a topic and what structure is expected from you. 

Open or closed book? 

Open book

Writing essays with the book open is especially great in the beginning of your studies when the exam is far away. You can use the essay to revise the chapter and help you to put what you just read into different contexts of essay questions. It can also be beneficial if you are revising before the exam and haven’t read about the topic in a while, so instead of panicking that you can’t remember anything about it, use the book and revise this way. 

When doing the practise-essay with open books, you can focus on the structure of the essay instead of the information. Practicing the structure many times for different essay formats will really help you in the exam situation. If the structure is already in your spine, you can focus on remembering factors and writing a brilliant essay! 

Even though you have the book and can get all the information you want from it, then try to be realistic about what level of detail you will be able to remember in the exam. And not only remember – the exam is written under quite a time pressure and hand-written, so there is a limit to how much information you will have time to add to your essay. So even though you could write 2000 words with all the details in this practice-essay, try to write a ‘standart’ of what you want to be able to write in the exam – how many words can you write in 40 minutes? And will you be able to remember the exact mm of rainfall per year in a region or rather that its low, adequate or high? 

Closed book after revision 

Whether you are just starting your studies or are close to the exam, revising the chapters and then do a practice essay is always a good option. 

If you are close to your examdate, it can be used to polish your structure and exam technique as you won’t stress so much about recalling information from the book. So focus on how you would structure the essay – what are they asking? Are there any hints on how to structure the essay or how the different parts of the question is weighted? 

If the exam is still far away in the horizon, this method can help you revise the information from the book – doing the essay with the book closed after revising it, will help your brain to storage the information as it has to actively recall what you just read. The more you force yourself to recall information, the more it will move from short term memory and into long term memory – and this is what we want! 

This approach will also give you a more realistic picture of what you would be able to do in the exam setting in terms of remembering factors. Even though you just read it, details such as exact yield numbers might already be forgotten. Focus on the impact of the details instead of the detail itself. Its more important to remember that rainfall in Bordeaux is high and this is why spraying is needed (the spray against fungi is literally called ‘Bordeaux Mixture’!). 

Closed book 

Doing the practice essays completely closed book is of course the most exam-like setting. 

I recommend doing a bunch of these before the actual exam to help you feel confident about the time restraint, how much you will be able to write and how much information you can recall. 

Of course this is great to do right before the exam, getting your minds ready for the exam. If you find there is something you struggle with in the essay, either recalling info or structure, then finish the essay anyway under time and then revise after. 

Even if the exam is far away, doing an essay or two completely closed book can help you set a marker on where you are at the moment and getting a clearer understanding on what you are expected to be able to do in terms of time restraint, memory and structure. It might be a little scary! Try doing the exact same essay two months later, and compare to the first essay. Look at how far you have come and how much better your structure and knowledge of the topic is!

So whether you do the essays open book, closed book or in between, the important part is that you are doing the essays! This will help you immensely towards feeling confident and passing the D3 exam – and this is our goal! 

The post Different approaches to writing a WSET Diploma D3 practice essay appeared first on Grapey Minds.

• A sense of urgency or external motivation
• Novelty and play 
• Challenge – but the exact right amount! 
• Interest

All these factors can be used to give your brain some much deserved dopamine and get you through your studies. Ideally they will all come into play at the same time, but more likely you will switch between them as you go. Lets look into how you can use them. 

A sense of urgency or external motivation

For the smaller exams with a shorter study, the exam date luring in the horizon will often be enough to give you some adrenalin and dopamin and get you to your desk. But for the big exams it won’t be enough to pass if you only sit down and study when the adrenalin kicks in a few weeks before the exam. At least not if you want to pass the exam. So how do you activate this sense of urgency although you have 5 months left to study? 

If you are lucky enough to have a local study group you can meet up with, giving each other tasks every week that the others actually rely on can be very helpfull. If the others rely on you to present a topic or to have made maps or flashcards to the group, this will create an external motivation for you to get the studying done. If the deal is only that you all read the chapters and then meet up and discuss, this might not be enough for you to activate dopamine. So try adding assignments that the others expect you to do! 

For many winestudents, a local study group is not an option. Try to find an online on and it might work for you. For me it can become to overwhelming with an online study group, with organizing meet-ups cross timezones and schedules and talking with people with very different goals, possibilities and forces. If you are struggling to remember just the grapes in Chianti it can be stressfull to study with people panicking they can’t remember the exact soiltypes or grafting materials… remember, we are all on different journeys and have different forces and challenges. But, if it works for you, awesome!! 

While an online study group doesn’t work for me, discovering online body doubling and accountability was really what got me through the D3 exam! There are many different programs and sites, I use the one called Flow Club that I have written about in other blogpost too. Having an external timeframe of 30/60/90 minutes, someone working along side me although not in the same room, and checking up on me when the time has gone, really activates my brain and gives me a good dose of dopamine both while working and when finishing the work-session. Bonus: it works for all kinds of tasks not just studying, I’ve used it to help me finally tackle that pile of laundry that had to be folded! 

If you are doing an online-course, you’ll probably have some deadlines of turning in mock-exams and practice essays. But the rest of the time, no one really holds you accountable for your studies until the exam. Having some one checking up on you, seeing if you did the studying you planned to do, can really help you get the studying done even when its hard to get started. Maybe a friend can help you, a study partner or an accountability-program like the one we offer. There are many ways to Rome, what is important is to break the grand deadline of the exam into smaller deadlines but still feel the same urgency towards all those mini-deadlines as if it was the real exam. 

Novelty and play 

While moving through the chapters of the books might give a sligt hint of novelty, using different methods of learning is much more effective in sense of adding motivation. Reading the books, writing your notes is great for learning, but it also becomes somewhat monotone and repetitive. Good news is that its really easy to add some fun and play into learning! 

You might already be using flashcards to repeat grapes and regions and this can be a great way of studying while waiting for the bus or just repeating a chapter you just read. Down the same road, how about a wine trivia night with a study group or just some wine-nerdy friends? Or make a Jeopardy-game with your self an evening (may we suggest wine as a reward for correct answers?) In apps such as Brainscape you can find really good flashcards for most wine certifications, so no need to make those your self. If you want to make some, then try focusing on factors and not facts, e.g. how does the fog in California affect the wine styles. 

While it probably isn’t financially recommendable to do all the time, going to a nice coffee shop and study can also bring some novelty to your study sessions. Order a big coffee and have one but just one big task you want to do while sitting there. Maybe reading 10 pages or writing a practice essay. This gives a sense of timelimit, novelty from the new work station and dopamine-treat from ordering something nice. 

Drawing maps is perfect way to help you visualize the wine regions and the important factors. Try replicating the maps from the books onto paper and add the information you are focusing on – the grapes, the styles, the climate and so. Not only do you activate your visual senses but also your tactile senses, which is very effective when learning new things. And the best part is you can have fun with it! Use the good color pensils, treat your self to some new ones, makes different maps for the same region, try making one that looks pretty and one that is full of info, use watercolors if you want, make small ones in your notebook and maybe a few large ones you can hang on your wall. This is even something you can do while spending time with your kids. 

The point of these things is to add layers in your knowledge of the subject you studies. Some mental hooks to hang more information on. If you just read the book and then read it again and again, you will not only be immensely bored, you will also have a harder time learning it all, than if you add in the information in different ways; for instance remembering that you painted Sta. Ynez in green on your map because of the cooling influences. Then next time you read about that region, you already remember that it’s green in your map, so it must be cool, and why it is this and how is the cooling created and what it means for the wine styles is now a lot easier to understand and remember.

So add some fun and play, not only to stay motivated throughout your studies, but to learn better! 

Challenge – but the exact right amount! 

Challenging your self is a great motivational factor. But if it becomes too big a challenge, you might stop studying and come to a standstill. One way to adapt to this, that might seem a bit controversial, is to postpone your exam. Not forever and for it to work you have to decide exactly when you’ll do instead so you don’t just postpone it for infinity. I did it with one my modules in my WSET Diploma. I was supposed to take the exams for both D4 anf D5 (sparkling wines and fortified wines) but I was struggling with balancing starting a new job, taking care of my family, looking after myself and studying for two exams at the same time. I was miserable and procrastinated a lot as the studying felt overwhelming. One month before the exams I decided to postpone D5 and focus only on sparkling wines for now. Suddenly the challenge was possible to do and it gave me a ton of energi and motivation knowing the study burden had just been cut in half for the moment. For some of the big wine exams, like the Light wines of the World in WSET Diploma, the time from the module starting to the exam is quite short for the amount of material you have to learn. If you have another exam finishing just before starting the big module, beginning to study earlier might not be possible. But postponing the exam 6 months right away will give you more time to study, to actually learn the material and to take care of work, family and your self while doing it. 

If overall time isn’t the issue, there are other great ways to use challenge as a motivational factor. Using external accountability like handing in essays to your teacher or a feedback service like ours, can help you keep the motivation going. Not only do you get to tic off what you have accomplished, you’ll have someone keeping you accountable for it! 

A great way to give yourself the right amount of challenge is to shift focus on improvement instead of results. This is especially good if the exam in itself is starting to feel like too big a mouthful to deal with. But even though passing the exam seems impossible where you are at, it doesn’t mean you haven’t learned anything or improved in knowledge and exam practices. So to focus on your improvement there are different things you can do. For instance you can challenge yourself to write a practice essay of a topic with the book closed and wait 2-3 months until you have repeated the topic again. Try write the exact same essay again in the same way. Compare the two essays, how much more did you remember the second time? And what do you still need to work on? If you don’t want to wait that long, you can also go back and find a practice essay you did earlier. It doesn’t matter it was 3 weeks or 3 months ago you wrote it. Read through your own essay and improve it! I bet you know even just a little bit more now about how to structure the essay, how to answer the question, how to distribute the different sections. Then look at the old essay and the revised one – hopefully its clear that you are better now than you were before. So keep focusing on how much you have improved, how much you have learned, even if it still isn’t enough for the exam. 

When challenging yourself to take a high level of wine certification, it can also help you a lot to set the bar the right place. What is your goal with the exam? And what surcumstances helps you or prevents this? If your goal is to be the winner of the WSET Vintners Cup (the person with the overall highest grade), it might be beneficial to have done other high level certifications like Wine Scholar Guild or similar, to have abundant time, to not have small children at home, to be very structured and good at keeping up motivation. If it doesn’t sound like you, then well first of all you are not alone! Second, maybe revise your goal? Maybe just passing the Diploma is a great accomplish, especially considering how low the pass rate is? Maybe even taking a year more to do the certification is still challenging enough? 

It is not about quitting or being lazy, it is about setting the challenge the exact right place where you feel the dopamine-rush of the challenge without drowning under an impossible task. 

Interest

When all the grapes of Italy starts sounding the same and you wish you only had to focus on nebbiolo (because I mean, Barolo you guys!!), its time to add some interest-dopamine to your study sessions. There are a number of ways you can make the exam material more interesting. 

First of all it can simply help to shift your focus from facts to factors. The many grapes of Italy are essentially not important for your exam if you don’t understand the factors that drive viticultural and vinification practices. So forget about the grapes for a while, what is way more interesting is WHY they are grown where they are? WHY do they need irrigation or why not and it is allowed? WHY are the vinification practices different? Not only is this a lot more interesting to focus on (you can learn the names of the grapes another day) it will also help you write better essays in the exam where you are tested on how well you understand how the work in field and cellar results in wines of different price, quality and style. 

Another way to add some interest is to combine your studies with something else that interests you. Just reading the book over and over again will not only bore you to death but will also limit your understanding. So if you love painting or drawing, why not try to paint the factors influencing a specific area? Or listen to a podcast about a region while walking, watch a movie taking place in a wine region, hang out with a friend and tell them all about a grape (my neighbor got a long lecture on Argentinian wines just before my final exam, I got to hang out with a friend and revise my knowledge!) And of course, drink some wine from the area you are studying at the moment! Not just tasting practice with a SAT formular, but try to just find some really nice wine from the region and enjoy it while you are studying. This can help you find some interest in the local grapes and winemaking techniques or if nothing else, give you a little buzz and make the reading more fun. 

One of the advices you get a lot as a student that has never worked for me, is to make a plan and follow it, to be consistent in your studies and make the same kind of notes to all the chapters… I always get exited at first and follow it, then get bored and either do nothing or something completely else. So my new practice is that the plan is to shift plans! Yes! So from the beginning I will say that not only is it okay to change notesystem or study method, changing it is the plan! So some chapters I will write detailed notes about, others I will read the book and then just do a million flashcards, others I will draw ugly maps of, others I will try a lot of wines from and mainly just research how they where made. This keeps my motivation going and helping me to maintain interest, without a bad conscience or feeling guilty about not being able to follow a strict plan. 

And of course – use the other motivational factors to keep you going! If you can’t find any interest in the subject, maybe you can find it in the challenge of knowing all the italian grapes mentioned in the book? Or in the novelty of a new chapter and then go back later to the one you are struggling with? There is no right journey to follow, do what works for you even if others are doing something else. And remember, you don’t have to it all on your own! Use your study group, your teachers or mentors or get some extra essay feedback or accountability from us. We are here to help you thrive in your studies!

So have some fun and crush the exam! 

The post How to motivate the ADHD-Brain (and really any brain) – PART 2 appeared first on Grapey Minds.

The ADHD brain processes dopamin in a different way than a neurotypical brain. It lacks dopamin, wants dopamin, but receive dopamin in a smaller scale and different way than the neurotypical brain. So where another person will find satisfaction in making a plan, sticking to it and reach their goal and receive a dopamin reward – the ADHD brain will make the plan, love the idea of the plan and get some dopamin reward the first few days of the plan, then get bored, walk away and forget the plan ever existed. You can read a lot more about this on official sites about ADHD. 

So how do you motivate your ADHD brain? If you want to complete a difficult education like the WSET Diploma, you have to activate the brain into studying somehow! 

There are many different ways to formulate the factors that can activate the ADHD-brain. I’ve tried to boil them down to 4 main points so its easier to get a sense of the overall ideas. Of course these factors works for many a neurotypical brain too! The difference is, the neurodivergent brain will ONLY do things if these factors are at stake where the neurotypical brain can benefit from these but also from lots of other factors. 

So to motivate the ADHD-brain one or more of these factors should be there:

• A sense of urgency or external motivation
• Novelty and play 
• Challenge – but the exact right amount! 
• Interest

Makes sense already? Let’s dive into them and how they relate to wine studies.

A sense of urgency or external motivation

You had a week to clean your house, plenty of time, but somehow you only do it 30 minutes before your guests arrives… The sense of urgency came to the rescue! When it is the absolute last chance to do something, maybe even a little to late, your hyperfocus will kick in and help you get it done. Tips for your guests, don’t arrive too early Besides urgency, an external motivation will help activate your brain. Getting that certificate, completing that race, getting to tell people you got the job. For others their own internal motivation is enough, but for the neurodiverse brain, the external motivation can really kick in and help you to stay on track.

For wine exams both factors are at play but you might need some help moderating them. The examdate will create an external motivation and a sense of urgency, but if the exam is 6 months away and actually requires you to study for 6 months (yes im thinking of the lovely D3 exam in the Diploma course!), getting a sense of urgency for either all 6 months or only the last 6 days are not helpfull for passing the exam or maintaining a good mental health. 

So how do you use these factors in a good way? Ill show you at the end! 

Novelty and play

Doing the dishes is something that has to be done every day. Taking the dishes out and put them away, fill up the washer again and start it. Wait and do it all over again… im falling asleep just thinking about it… but uh, a new dishwasher! That sounds fun! For a day or two… uh deep cleaning the dishwasher so its shiny and smells nice, also fun! Fill it up with dishes? No thanks. 

The novelty of something gives your brain some lovely doses of dopamin but of course the novelty will wear off quickly. Endless routine-work is the worst (and yes the dishes are my personal sisyfos). But new gadgets, the brand new calendar that will finally change your life, the new book that you just bought although you haven’t finished the one you are reading yet, even the new cleaning task you finally remembered even if you just pulled everything out to do another task. Novelty is fun and provides sparkles of dopamin!  

While even the word ‘task’ is boring, a ‘game’ sounds fun! Doing a translation assignment sounds a bit dull, but do it in Duolingo with everything set up as a game and with both sound- and visual rewards when you get it right – fun and dopamine-sparkles! 

When you start a wine course or even a new part of it like a new module of the WSET Diploma, the novelty factor kicks in and you get all exited and want to study. But an education like the Diploma takes between 1 1/2-2 1/2 years so the novelty wears off… and those textbooks are definitely not written in a fun and playfull way! So while the joy of the novelty will help you get started – you need to add some other types of novelty and playfulness to make you continue! 

Challenge — but the exact right amount!

Going for a walk is good for your mind and body. It is also very boring. At least for me. But I love running! I start a running-program, make a plan and each week I can see my self improving and beating my old times. The challenge-dopamine kicks in and makes it fun. I can set the barrier to the exact right amount to keep me going and feel that challenge of seeing if I can run just a little further or a little faster than last time. That is, until at some point I get a small injurie and then can’t run and starting from the beginning of the program seems impossible and I just give up and don’t run for 6 months until I remember that I do love it. The challenge became too much so I walk away from it. 

For some people competition against others is great for dopamine. But I can also become mentally unhealthy so I prefer to challenge myself. And what’s better than wine exams for this? You set the barrier when choosing which program to take, some even have a build in latter you can follow like WSET 1, 2, 3, Diploma so you can follow your own progress. The challenge is fun and gives you lovely dopamin to get started, but… what happens when you are 3 months in, still don’t have a clue how to pass the exam or get all the reading done, or if you fail the the exam and have to do it again? The challenge can seem impossible and it can feel so much easier to walk away. 

So how do you stay on track and find a good way to keep challenging yourself? 

Interest

In high school I had to take two years of French as my 3rd language. In total I have had 5 years of French-lessons. I still don’t speak French…. But I really wanted to learn Italian. They didn’t have it in my school, but I managed to convince my school to let me take italian lessons at an evening school instead but still have it count in my high school exams. For 3 years I went 1-2 nights a week into town after school to do my italian lessons. After one year of lessons I spoke way better italian than French after 5 years of French… why? They are quite similar languages. But I love Italy and the language and the food and the country and the people. So i learned it. Even went above and beyond to learn it, while my poor French-homework layed untouched on my desk. Not that I made the actual homework for my italian lessons most of the time. But I listened to italian music, read novels, spend my summers in Italy doing language school in the morning and then spending the evening in the local bar just talking a lot and slowly learning it. The interest kept me going! 

If you are doing a wine certification I’m betting you love wine. And love reading about wine. And tasting it. But taking the higher certification means you’ll have to deep dive into all sorts of subjects within wine. One of my old study mates imports Grower Champagne. He has an immense knowledge of vintages, producers, terroir and production in Champagne. When he saw that the ‘Sparkling Wines of the World’ module in Diploma only contained about 5 pages on Champagne, he was almost in chock. But the world of sparkling wines is so much bigger that just French bubbles. And if you want to pass that module you have to get to know the wines from all over the world. 

Learning about wine in the general knowledge educations, you have to read about regions you might never even heard of. Learn different soil types and their impact on the vines. The chemistry of fermentation and the range of faults that can occur. The weird system of wine-commerce in the US.  And although you love wine, it won’t all be within your field of interest.  But a few tricks can help you keep you interested and help provide a source of dopamin for your brain. 

Want to learn the tricks? Read more here or book a free online meeting to hear how I can help you with your studies!

The post How to motivate the ADHD-Brain (and really any brain) – Part 1 appeared first on Grapey Minds.