The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET and WSET Awards) is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader.

WSET students learn to taste in a logical, systematic, and above all professional manner during their WSET course. A Systematic Approach to Tasting was designed to build individuals' skills progressively through the different qualification levels.

Fine Vintage, the course provider, delivered a program following the WSET systematic approach which took participants on a vinous journey around the world, packed full of exceptional quality wine tastings and food pairing exercises. Topics included:

• How to taste and describe wines

• How to pair food and wine

• The characteristics of the classic grape varieties

• Grape growing, terroir and winemaking

• Storage and service

• Champagne and Port

• Tips on buying wine

Collin MacInnis, Foreman at the Bee & Thistle Winery, along with our Winery Assistant, Geraldine Green, participated in the WSET Level 1 course held in Calgary, Alberta in January, 2020. The knowledge gained through the course will be invaluable when educating the wine drinking public on the various nuances one should look for when selecting wines.