Lydiane: How did WSET inspire her to launch her business?

I have always seen WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) as a true springboard to boost my career in the wine and spirits industry, but I never thought the Diploma would change my professional life…

After completing WSET Level 3 with the WiSP team in 2019, I dreamed of taking Level 4 to deepen my knowledge of various vineyards and wines around the world, but also, and above all, to refine my tasting skills. The Diploma, however, scared me a little. Why? Because studying for 2 years and absorbing so much knowledge makes you wonder if you’re capable of it, especially while working and with a young child.

I finally embarked on this crazy adventure with WiSP in January 2021!

In addition to all the knowledge and the wonderful virtual journeys that this course offers, the methodology and the structuring of your thoughts, which are essential for passing the exams, are real assets. Indeed, each fact stated often needs to be linked to a consequence or impact on the wine produced. In tasting, every element mentioned becomes an indicator for determining the type of wine being tasted… In the Diploma, nothing is left to chance!

Although I was supported by top professionals, whether it was the WiSP teaching team or all the lecturers, most of whom are Masters of Wine, the journey was sometimes challenging. The hardest part for me was the long wait for exam results and, of course, accepting that I had to retake an exam I thought I had passed (being off-topic can happen quickly…). To succeed, you must never stop believing in yourself and your abilities. You must not lose confidence, no matter the challenges you face. The Diploma is tough, but perseverance will be your best ally.

Three years later, once I had the Diploma in hand, I wanted to give a new boost to my professional career.

In addition to regaining my confidence and the joy of having earned this world-recognized Diploma, which seems impossible for many, it was the desire to put all the knowledge I had acquired to use, along with this new systematic approach to tasting, that motivated me to start working as an independent consultant.

Marketing, communication, and wine sales are essential to the success of a vineyard (as highlighted in the second module on Wine Business). This is why I now offer support to producers, vineyards, and cooperatives to help them develop sustainable and tailored strategies by outsourcing tasks they cannot manage themselves.

Whether it’s creating a website, producing technical sheets specific to the wine industry, developing communication materials, or auditing wine ranges… For each need, I provide a solution

Check out Lydiane’s website to learn more.

So, if you too want to give a new direction to your career or even change your professional life, never forget what Nelson Mandela taught us: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

A big thank you to Lydiane for her testimony. Discover the DIPLOMA program here.