What education is needed to become a sommelier?
What education is needed to become a sommelier? Becoming a professional wine taster requires more than just a good palate and a passion for wine. It is a journey of continuous learning that covers various aspects of wine knowledge: from viticulture to oenology and technical tasting. For those interested in following this path in Barcelona, ​​a city with one of the richest winemaking traditions in the world, here are the most relevant details if you want to study and achieve excellence in the art of wine tasting.
What do you study to become a wine taster?
Viticulture and Oenology Studies
The first step in training as a wine taster is to gain a solid understanding of viticulture and enology. Viticulture focuses on grape cultivation and includes topics such as geography, climate, soil, and growing techniques. Enology, on the other hand, deals with the science of winemaking, covering everything from fermentation to aging and bottling. Many aspiring tasters choose university programs or specialized courses that offer comprehensive training in these areas.
Certifications and Training Programs
Obtaining internationally recognised certifications is crucial for those seeking a career in wine tasting. Institutions such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Court of Master Sommeliers have programmes at different levels covering all aspects of wine, from basic knowledge to the most advanced. These programmes not only provide in-depth knowledge of wine, but also certify the taster’s competence, something highly valued in the industry.
Development of sensory skills
An essential part of wine taster training is the development of sensory skills. This involves learning to accurately identify and describe the aromas, flavours and textures of wine. Technical tasting courses teach students to use all their senses to evaluate wine objectively. Regularly practising tasting a wide variety of wines is what allows these skills to be perfected.
Knowledge of wine regions
To be a competent taster, it is almost imperative to have a broad knowledge of the world’s major wine regions. Each region has its own geographical and climatic characteristics, determining factors for the style and quality of the wine. Studying these differences allows tasters to better understand the wines they taste and appreciate the subtleties of each. Traveling to these regions and experiencing their wines and production methods firsthand is perhaps the best way to gain experience.
Continuing education and updates
The world of wine is constantly evolving, with new trends, techniques and discoveries emerging regularly. Therefore, ongoing training will make the difference between a good taster and an excellent one. Attending seminars, workshops and wine fairs, as well as keeping up to date with specialist publications and scientific literature on oenology and viticulture, will make all the difference when it comes to keeping up with advances in the field.
What you need to study to become a wine taster | A unique opportunity
The job of a wine taster is a demanding art, and training is a multifaceted process that requires dedication, study and practice. From understanding viticulture and oenology to developing sensory skills and knowledge of wine regions, each aspect contributes to the ability to evaluate and appreciate wine in all its complexity. Aspiring tasters have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this fascinating world and achieve excellence in the art of wine tasting.
Start acquiring knowledge
We know that if you were wondering what you need to study to become a wine taster, it’s because you’re interested in being part of this world. The path begins with a step. By doing a wine tasting Barcelona you will be able to experience this magnificent world. Acquiring knowledge and knowing what a wine taster should know is a fundamental aspect of tasting a good wine. Join us today and do our tasting.
