loader from loading.io

61. WSET Level 3 Success Starts Here: Your Complete Prep Checklist

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Release Date: 07/24/2025

86. What Is Beaujolais Nouveau? History, Release Day Rules, and Carbonic Maceration show art 86. What Is Beaujolais Nouveau? History, Release Day Rules, and Carbonic Maceration

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter How to Contact Us Episode Summary In this episode, Joanne dives into Beaujolais Nouveau and why the third Thursday in November is one of the most unique days in the wine world. She explores what Beaujolais Nouveau is, how it originated, how it is made, and why it became one of the most recognizable wine traditions in the world. From Parisian celebrations to American Thanksgiving tables, Beaujolais Nouveau is more than just a wine. It is a global moment of shared release, tied to history, marketing, and...

info_outline
85. Exploring Five Key Southern Rhône Crus: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and Tavel show art 85. Exploring Five Key Southern Rhône Crus: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and Tavel

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Resources & Links Newsletter Sign-Up: Receive weekly Level 2 quizzes, Level 3 essay questions, study tips, and podcast updates. How to Contact Us Email: Website: Episode Overview In today’s episode, Joanne wraps up the Rhône series with a deep dive into the Southern Rhône appellations, focusing on the Crus and how they differ from the broader Côtes du Rhône wines. This region is warm, Mediterranean, and heavily dominated by Grenache-based blends, though rosé and white wines also play a meaningful role. Joanne also shares a quick story about last night’s nine-wine Barolo...

info_outline
84. The Southern Rhône: Climate, Grapes, and Winemaking show art 84. The Southern Rhône: Climate, Grapes, and Winemaking

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

The Southern Rhône: Climate, Grapes, and Winemaking Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter (Weekly study tips, essay questions for Level 3 students, class announcements, and upcoming wine trips.) Visit: Email: Episode Overview Hello, and welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast and YouTube channel. This is Episode 84, and I’m your host, Joanne Close. In the last few episodes, we’ve been exploring the Rhône Valley — first the Northern Rhône, and now turning our attention to the Southern Rhône. While they...

info_outline
83. The Northern Rhône, Part 2: Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage & Cornas show art 83. The Northern Rhône, Part 2: Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage & Cornas

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

The Northern Rhône, Part 2: Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage & Cornas Resources & Links 📬 Sign up for the newsletter: 📧 Contact Joanne: Episode Overview Hello, and welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast! This is Episode 83, and I’m your host, Joanne Close. Today we’re continuing our Northern Rhône series and diving into the middle and southern parts of the Northern Rhône—covering Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cornas. It’s late October here in New Orleans, and after a long hot stretch, it’s finally cooling off just enough to think about...

info_outline
82. The Wines of the Northern Rhône: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu & Château-Grillet show art 82. The Wines of the Northern Rhône: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu & Château-Grillet

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Wine Educate Podcast: Episode 82 Title: The Wines of the Northern Rhône: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu & Château-Grillet Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter https://www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Episode Overview In Episode 82, Joanne explores the northernmost part of the Northern Rhône, home to some of France’s most prestigious Syrah and Viognier wines. This is the first of a two-part look at the region, focusing on three key appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Château-Grillet. Building on last week’s episode about the Mistral wind and Rhône...

info_outline
81. Rhône Overview and the Mistral Wind Explained show art 81. Rhône Overview and the Mistral Wind Explained

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Wine Educate Newsletter — Your Weekly Wine Study Boost! If you are studying wine or just love learning, this is your home base for smart, friendly study help. I keep it clear, useful, and welcoming so you actually look forward to it. Each Tuesday you’ll get Level 2 multiple choice questions you can answer in minutes Level 3 essay prompts with simple pointers on where to aim Class news, events, and trip updates Short quizzes and tasting tips to keep skills sharp Join us here: Episode 81 — Rhône Overview and the Mistral Wind Explained Host: Joanne Close Focus: A clear...

info_outline
80. Provence, France’s Rosé Powerhouse: Regions, Grapes, and Styles show art 80. Provence, France’s Rosé Powerhouse: Regions, Grapes, and Styles

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Links and resources Newsletter sign up for weekly quizzes and class news: Information on upcoming trips and classes What this episode covers Provence is more than postcards and pale pink wine. In this episode, Joanne unpacks the landscape, climate, history, grapes, and key appellations that define Provence today. You will hear how a region famous for rosé has invested in research, navigates fierce winds, and still makes serious reds and characterful whites along a very glamorous coastline. Quick highlights Provence produces about 90% rosé. Classic style is very pale, light to...

info_outline
79. Roussillon Wines Explained: Grapes, History and Travel Insights show art 79. Roussillon Wines Explained: Grapes, History and Travel Insights

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Resources & Links Sign up for the newsletter: Learn more about Wine Educate trips and sign up for the upcoming Zoom info session: Episode Overview Welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast! In this episode, Joanne Close takes us into the wines of the Roussillon, a region often described as “rugged” and one of the sunniest in France. Surrounded on three sides by mountains and on the fourth by the Mediterranean, Roussillon has a unique climate, rich cultural identity, and a fascinating wine history that sets it apart from its neighbor, the Languedoc. Joanne shares travel tips for...

info_outline
78. Languedoc Wines Explained: PDO vs IGP and Why Languedoc Is France’s Most Underrated Wine Destination show art 78. Languedoc Wines Explained: PDO vs IGP and Why Languedoc Is France’s Most Underrated Wine Destination

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Resources & Links If you have questions about our upcoming trips to The South of France, we are hosting a Zoom info session on October 15th. Get the Zoom link here: If you want to learn more about our upcoming trips, visit: To receive study tips, quizzes, and information on upcoming classes, sign up for our newsletter: Hello friend, and welcome to Episode 78 of the Wine Educate podcast! I’m your host, Joanne Close, and today we’re diving into the Languedoc, a region that is near and dear to my heart. As some of you know, my parents bought a vineyard here 25 years ago, so this has...

info_outline
77. Super Tuscans 101: Tuscany’s Bordeaux Blends and the Sassicaia Story show art 77. Super Tuscans 101: Tuscany’s Bordeaux Blends and the Sassicaia Story

Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep

Description: In Episode 77 of the Wine Educate Podcast, Joanne Close explores the fascinating rise of Super Tuscans—wines that broke Italy’s traditional rules and became some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. In Tuesday’s episode, we covered Chianti and Chianti Classico. Today, we’re heading about 75 miles southwest to Bolgheri, the coastal home of Super Tuscans. Though close in distance, Chianti and Bolgheri couldn’t be more different in climate, grape varieties, and wine styles. We’ll dive into: What makes a wine a “Super Tuscan” (hint: it’s all about those...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Resources & Links
www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

How to Contact Us
joanne@wineeducate.com


Show Notes:

School is back in session, and today I’m tackling a question I get all the time from Level 2 students: “What should I be doing to prepare for Level 3?” Whether you're eager to keep the momentum going or just beginning to explore what’s next, this episode is for you.

Here's what we cover in Episode 61:

1. Get the Level 3 Book
Your first step is to get the WSET Level 3 textbook in your hands. You don’t have to register for the class right away—just ask your local provider if you can purchase the book or the full study pack (which includes the textbook, workbook, and SAT card). If you do buy it separately, remember to mention that when you enroll so you’re not charged twice.

2. Listen to Episodes 27–39
These episodes were designed to prep you for Level 3. I cover what makes Level 3 more challenging, how to study smarter, and what to expect. They’re packed with tips and context that I simply don’t have time to cover in class.

3. Choose Your Format and Timing
Think about how you learn best.
– Do you want to take the class in person, or does online work better for your schedule?
– Do you need a slower pace, or does a more condensed schedule keep you focused?

Wine Educate offers a few different options, including a new condensed format that cuts class time in half by offering two classes per week. It's not a full one-week intensive, but it’s faster than the 15-week version. Choose what works best for your learning style.

4. Consider Taking the Launchpad Prep Course
This is our Level 3 prep course designed to help bridge the gap. It’s available in two formats:
Live Launchpad for real-time support and motivation
Evergreen Launchpad for flexible, go-at-your-own-pace prep

Both formats include all the materials and guidance you need to feel ready when class begins.

5. Explore the Level 3 Bootcamp Trip
For those looking for a deeper, immersive experience, we offer a springtime Bootcamp trip at my family’s vineyard in the South of France. This course focuses on the essay portion of the exam, which many students find challenging, and provides hands-on vineyard learning. If you're a visual, experiential learner, this option can be transformative.

Need help figuring out what’s right for you?
Reach out! Email me at joanne@wineeducate.com or simply hit reply on the newsletter. I’m always happy to answer questions and help you build the path that works best for your study goals.

Until next time—cheers, and good luck on your WSET journey.