• Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for weekly study tips and course updates

• Learn more about Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course

• Check out upcoming trips and classes www.wineeducate.com

In this episode, Joanne tackles one of the most stressful parts of the WSET Level 3 exam: the tasting portion. As someone who has graded many exams, she walks through the five most common mistakes students make when writing their tasting notes—and explains how to avoid them.

This episode is packed with clear, practical advice to help students approach the tasting exam with structure and confidence.

• Why the tasting section feels intimidating, and why you shouldn’t panic

• The importance of using specific SAT vocabulary—no wine poetry

• Why guessing the wine and building your note around it can lead to failure

• The difference between aromas and flavors, and why you must list both

• Why omitting key words like “lemon” or “dry” can cost you

• The mistake of using “medium plus” for alcohol and how to get that point back

• Why memorizing the SAT order is crucial (you can’t use the card during the exam)

• The value of creating your own “anagram” to structure your note under pressure

• A reminder that calibration matters—know your instructor’s tasting style

We’ll move on to the theory portion of the WSET Level 3 exam and discuss the top five most common mistakes students make in their written answers.

• Learn more about the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course

• Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for weekly tips & updates

In this episode, Joanne explores one of the most effective tools for success in WSET Level 3: the study group.

If you're on the fence about joining or starting a study pod, this episode covers the research, real-world results, and how to make it work for you. Topics include:

• Why collaborative learning can significantly improve retention and exam scores

• A real-life example where 100% of a study group passed the exam

• The science behind peer teaching and active learning

• Accountability and how group structure reduces procrastination

• Tips to set up a focused, well-run group—without wasting your time

• Why disorganized pods fail, and how to avoid common pitfalls

Joanne also shares how the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course includes built-in support for connecting with others—whether you're attending in-person or online.

Email Joanne@wineeducate.com with any questions about the course.

In the next two episodes, Joanne will break down the top 5 most common (and preventable) mistakes students make in both the theory and tasting portions of the WSET Level 3 exam. Stay tuned!

Resources & Links:

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course
• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter

How to Contact Us:
Email: joanne@wineeducate.com
Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Joanne breaks down one of the biggest predictors of success in WSET Level 3: early preparation. While Levels 1 and 2 can be approached with minimal advance study, Level 3 is a different story. Joanne shares how giving yourself a longer runway—starting prep weeks or even months before class—can transform your experience and lead to both success and enjoyment in the course.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why early starters tend to outperform more experienced peers

• The common mistake of waiting until the course begins to start studying

• How underpreparing affects your ability to engage and retain information

• The benefits of building small, consistent study habits over time

• A recommended timeline for revisiting Level 2 material and reading the Level 3 textbook

• How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can help you build a custom plan

• Why Level 3 is entirely passable—with the right tools in place from the start

Next Episode:
Tune in for Episode 33, where we’ll explore the importance of study pods—what they are, how to find one, and why they’re so helpful during Level 3.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Never miss an episode—subscribe to the Wine Educate Podcast and follow Joanne on Instagram @wineeducate for weekly study tips, class updates, and more.

• Free WSET Level 1 Flashcards

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course – Our four-week study support program to help you stay on track

• Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up here for tips, tools, and new episode updates

If you're preparing for WSET Level 3, you're probably wondering: How many hours do I actually need to study? In this episode, Joanne walks through the official guidance from WSET, breaks down the numbers for Levels 1, 2, and 3, and shares her honest take on what it really takes to succeed—especially if you're aiming for a distinction.

From understanding “Total Qualification Time” (TQT) to reverse engineering your study plan, this episode will help you assess where you are and how to make a realistic plan for the months ahead. Whether you're a seasoned wine pro or brand new to wine studies, you'll leave with a clear idea of what to expect and how to pace yourself.

• What WSET’s Total Qualification Time (TQT) actually means

• A look at study time recommendations for Levels 1, 2, and 3

• Joanne’s real-world suggestions: why 84 hours for Level 3 might not be enough

• Study hour estimates for passing vs. achieving distinction

• Factors that affect how much you need to study

• How to break your study timeline into three phases:

  • Phase 1: Reading and review

  • Phase 2: Focused study and application

  • Phase 3: Review, mock tests, and exam prep

• Why it’s essential to start planning early and how Launchpad can help

• A personal story about one tough (but unforgettable) teacher

Next Episode:
Why You Need a Long Runway to Prepare for WSET Level 3
(Coming Thursday!)

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - Next Start Date

In this episode of Wine Educate, host Joanne Close takes the mystery out of the WSET Level 3 exam. She explains exactly how the tasting and theory sections are structured, how grading works, and what to focus on to earn the most points—whether you’re aiming to pass or go for that distinction.

Joanne shares practical advice from her years of administering exams and guiding students, including common pitfalls to avoid and how to make the most of your exam strategy.

What’s in This Episode?

1. Understanding the Tasting Exam
   You’ll evaluate two wines—one red and one white—in 30 minutes.
   WSET provides general parameters, and your instructor selects the wines.
   The red wine carries 21 marks (tannin adds an extra point), and the white 20.
   You must use WSET Level 3 SAT formatting and vocabulary to earn full marks.

2. How Tasting Is Scored
   Marks are awarded, not taken away—so write down what you smell and taste.
   Stick to language found on the SAT card to align with the official answer key.
   Develop a system to avoid forgetting basic but essential points (like dryness).

3. What to Know About the Theory Exam
   This two-hour exam includes 50 multiple choice questions and 4 short written answers.
   Both sections are in the same exam paper—plan your time accordingly.
   One essay will be on either sparkling or fortified wine, so study both.

4. Grading & Passing Requirements
   You must score at least 55% in both tasting and theory to pass.
   To pass with merit, you need 65–79%.
   To pass with distinction, you need 80% or more in both sections (and no section below 65%).

5. How Retakes Work
   If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion.
   If you fail both, you must retake the entire exam.
   Even if you pass both sections on separate sittings with distinction-level marks, the highest overall grade possible is “pass with merit.”

Need Additional Support?
Joanne offers in-person and online WSET Level 3 tasting workshops and prep resources year-round.

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - Next Start Date

Next Episode – Episode 31
Joanne breaks down how to create a realistic study schedule for WSET Level 3 and how much time you really need to allocate toward your studies.

Connect with Wine Educate
Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate

Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates

Thanks for listening.

Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - May 11th | Wine Educate

In this episode of Wine Educate, host Joanne Close helps you get ready for WSET Level 3 with a practical, encouraging guide to prep—without the panic. Whether you’ve already signed up or you’re just thinking about it, Joanne breaks down exactly what to focus on before the course begins.

From reviewing your Level 2 materials to creating a realistic study plan, she shares mindset strategies and tactical tips to build confidence and avoid overwhelm.

What’s in This Episode?

1. Mastering Level 2 Knowledge
It’s assumed knowledge for Level 3—review it thoroughly.
Flashcards, textbook content, and key terms like carbonic maceration and traditional method should be second nature.
Don’t try to learn Level 2 and Level 3 content at the same time.

2. Download and Use the Specification
The WSET Specification is your guide to what will be tested.
Print it out and use it to create your own study guide.
If something’s not listed in the specification, it won’t be on the exam.

3. Get the Book Early
Order your Level 3 textbook as soon as possible, even if your course is months away.
Read it once straight through without taking notes—just get familiar with the structure and content.
Tip: Have the book spiral bound so it lays flat and is easier to use.

4. Create a Realistic Study Timeline
Plan your study time in advance, especially if you work long or irregular hours.
Be honest with yourself about when and how often you’ll be able to study.
Consistent effort over time is key to avoiding last-minute stress.

5. Mindset for Success
This course requires a steady, long-term approach.
Identify how you learn best—visual, comparative, solo study—and use those tools.
You may feel lost in the early weeks, but by class 4 or 5, things usually start to click.

6. Be Patient with Yourself
You don’t have to understand everything right away.
Keep showing up and trust the process.
Learning how to study again takes time, especially if you’ve been out of school.
Give yourself permission to take it slow and steady.

Need Additional Support?
Joanne offers online WSET Level 3 prep courses throughout the year, including Zoom sessions and structured guidance.

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - May 11th | Wine Educate

To find out about upcoming prep courses, email joanne@wineeducate.com

Next Episode – Episode 30
Joanne explains how the WSET Level 3 exam is organized and graded, and what you should focus on to earn the most points.

Connect with Wine Educate
Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate
Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates

Thanks for listening.

Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates.

Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate
Email: Joanne@wineeducate.com
Newsletter: Sign up for exclusive content!

Thinking about taking WSET Level 3 but not sure what you're signing up for? In this episode, host Joanne Close walks you through how the course is structured, what the exam includes, and how different course formats (in-person, online, accelerated) might affect your learning experience.

If you’ve been on the fence or want to know what’s expected before you enroll, this episode will give you a clear picture.

What’s in This Episode?

1. What the Course Covers
Deeper exploration of viticulture and winemaking
Key grape varieties and wine styles
Major wine-producing regions and how natural and human factors impact wine
Expanded SAT tasting technique with more complexity
Focus on interconnecting concepts for essay writing and tasting

2. Course Formats and Scheduling
Standard Format: One 2-hour class per week for 15 weeks
Accelerated Format: Two classes per week over 8 weeks
Online Option: 9-week online modules with an in-person tasting calibration and exam

3. Exam Structure
Tasting Exam: 30 minutes to assess two wines (white and red)
Theory Exam: 2 hours with 50 multiple choice questions and 4 short essay-style questions
Written portion is in-depth—expect around eight printed pages
You must take the exam in person due to the tasting component

4. Why Preparation Before Class Matters
Regardless of format, students need to prepare before the first class
Trying to catch up between sessions can create panic and stress
Students are often surprised by how quickly the course moves

5. The Importance of Class Participation
Level 3 is discussion-heavy—expect to speak and be questioned
Instructors act more like coaches, guiding you through analysis and critical thinking
You’ll be asked “why” constantly to build your ability to explain and connect concepts

6. Understanding vs. Memorizing
Level 3 success is about comprehension and application, not just rote memorization
The more prepared you are ahead of time, the more you’ll get from the in-class experience

Next Episode – Episode 29
Joanne shares practical strategies for preparing for WSET Level 3 without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how to set yourself up for success before the course even begins.

Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate
Email: Joanne@wineeducate.com
Newsletter: Sign up for exclusive content!

Thanks for listening.

Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates.

Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate
Email: Joanne@wineeducate.com
Newsletter: Sign up for exclusive content!

Episode Summary:
In this first episode of a brand-new series, Joanne dives into what makes the leap from WSET Level 2 to Level 3 so significant—and why it often catches students off guard. With a global pass rate hovering around 50%, Level 3 is a challenging course, but it’s completely doable with the right preparation and mindset. Joanne shares key insights on the differences between Levels 1, 2, and 3, and explains why early study habits and clear structure can make all the difference. Whether you're prepping for Level 3 now or just beginning your wine education journey, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay focused and motivated.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is such a challenge
  
  

• How each WSET level builds on different types of learning:
  
  

• • Level 1 = What
    
    

  • Level 2 = How
    
    

  • Level 3 = Why

Recap:

• The exam is passable if you understand the expectations early on

• The course is comprehensive and structured—but you’ll need time outside of class to absorb and review

• • How to prepare - we will talk about that next week.

  • Subscribe so you don't miss it.

• What makes Level 3's exam format more demanding (hello, essays and tasting!)
  
  

• Common pitfalls students face—and how to avoid them
  
  

• Why structure, feedback, and community are key to success
  
  

• Encouragement for all wine students: these lessons are helpful even if you're not at Leve 3

Next Week:
In Episode 28, Joanne breaks down exactly what to expect from the WSET Level 3 course itself—so you can walk in with confidence. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate
Email: Joanne@wineeducate.com
Newsletter: Sign up for exclusive content!