45 Years of WSET

This week sees the 45th birthday and anniversary of the Wines & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). For the last 45 years, WSET has been providing world class quality training and education in all aspects of wines and spirits, and has become very well respected in the industry. Top industry professionals either have, or employ those who do have, qualifications from WSET, or training with them.



The story of the last 45 years for WSET has been one of industry excellence, and in earning a very prestigious and respected reputation through their high standards, and quality training. Mentioning that training, some 48,000 people went through WSET training in 2013, and sat their professional exams. Being a sommelier, or a wine expert, used to be very much up to the individual’s own experiences in the industry. With WSET, a gold standard arose for such experts and professionals. The effect has been to the advancement of wine standards and knowledge, and to the undoubted benefit of trained wine experts and the industry as a whole.

Over the last 45 years, WSET has not just managed to impress and get the industry on board. It has also navigated the serpentine ways of the UK government’s awarding and qualifications body, the QCA. As a result, it qualifications and exams are government accredited, and meet the necessary standards of the government’s exams regulator. That in itself is quite an achievement, given the highly technical and ‘unique’ nature of a wine qualification.

The first 45 years have shown WSET going from strength to strength. Admittedly, no institution or academic body is perfect, with WSET being no exception; however it has become a benchmark for the industry as a whole.

So, let us raise a glass of the finest Italian Pinot Grigio, or New Zealand Pinot Noir, to WSET. Happy 45th Birthday- and may the next 45 years see WSET go from strength to strength!