Episode 100: How to Use the Wine Educate Podcast for WSET Study

Host: Joanne Close
Episode Length: 7 minutes 8 seconds
Release Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

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Episode Description

Episode 100 is a milestone. Joanne takes a moment to reflect on what this podcast is, what it's not, and most importantly, how to use it as a study tool for your WSET certification.

This isn't a substitute for WSET classes. It's a supplement. A way to flesh out the textbook material, tie concepts into history and context, and reinforce what you're learning in class. Some episodes are direct lessons for specific WSET levels. Others are what Joanne calls "lagniappe," something extra that helps put everything together.

If you've been listening since episode one or you just found the show, this episode explains how to make the most of it at every stage of your wine education.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

About the Podcast

• What the Wine Educate Podcast is and what it's not
• How to use the podcast alongside your WSET classes
• Why wine is "infinitely fascinating" and part of the humanities
• The difference between core lessons and lagniappe content

How to Use This Podcast for WSET Study

• Listen along with your WSET class for reinforcement
• Go back and re-listen when topics come up again in class
• Use it to flesh out textbook material that feels dry or confusing

The Newsletter as Your Study Hub

• Level 1 students get guidance on building tasting vocabulary
• Level 2 students get weekly multiple choice questions
• Level 3 students get essay questions for exam practice
• Weekly wine tips broken down by level

Why the Newsletter Matters

• Social media shows content to only a fraction of followers
• Newsletter delivers directly to people who want the content
• Best way to communicate with the Wine Educate community
• Updates on upcoming classes and resources

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"Wine is infinitely fascinating. I often refer to wine as one of the extensions of the humanities. It covers history, science, geography, geology, art, food pairing. All those things are included in this gorgeous, delicious, fascinating beverage."

"This podcast is not a substitute for these classes. This podcast is meant as a supplement, a study supplement."

"It is difficult just sitting alone with your textbook reading the same paragraph over and over again. Sometimes it's very helpful to flesh that out, tie it into a bit of history, and that is how you learn these concepts."

"At this stage, if it's not fun, I don't want to do it. And every Tuesday when I gather my thoughts and sit down to organize these podcasts, it's joy. It is great fun."

Resources Mentioned

• Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter
• Wine Educate Website: wineeducate.com
• Summer wine trips to France: https://youtu.be/R-wVjMEAeyI?si=yd2Yu2x_cktTghnF

Coming Up Next Week

Episode 101: German, Austria & Alsace Series Begins

Joanne starts a new series covering German, Austrian, and Alsace wines.

Subscribe so you don't miss any episodes in this series.

About Wine Educate

Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.

Watch on YouTube

Since Episode 84, all podcast episodes are now available in video form on YouTube with slides and images to help you follow along visually.

Watch Episode 100 on YouTube: youtube.com/@wineeducate

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Episode 100 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate