This week, the latest graduates of Sydney Wine Academy’s WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits were announced. The course is the most recognised and well respected in Australia, taught by the industry’s leading experts, providing students with an in-depth understanding and sound knowledge of both categories.

Held at Fix St James in Sydney, the graduation ceremony was attended by industry titans and teachers, including Course Director Clive Hartley, Ms. Lyndey Milan OAM, AIWS International Development Director Ms. Jude Mullins, M.W. Alison Eisermann, WCA Chair Angus Barnes and 2015 Legend of the Vine Rob Hirst.

To graduate from the diploma, students must display their ability to professionally evaluate wine and spirits through a number of sensory and written examinations.

The course is suitable for people within the industry either working in or wishing to progress into management roles, as well as those wishing to build on knowledge gained at advanced level and acquire expertise in wine tasting.

This year, 11 graduates were successful in completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits, each now recognised as trusted industry experts in their fields, entering back our into a range of sectors, including retail, front of house, wholesale and consultancy, among a number of others.

2015 graduates include:

Benjamin Hasko

Kirsty Hill

Koert Grobler

Sabine Duval

Yuko Frost

Cameron Moore

Adam Walls

Abby Moret

James Rouse

Gill Sykes

Kate Swain

 

In addition, two graduates also received awards in recognition of their high achievements during the course.

Kirsty Hill, as the “top taster” of this year’s diploma was presented with The Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show Associate Judging Award. Kirsty was recognised for receiving the highest score during tasting examinations and will now join the 2016 Sydney Royal Wine Show panel – to be held in August instead of February next year – as an Associate Judge.

Tom Warrell, a graduate from the previous year, was the second student to receive an additional award as the highest achiever throughout the course in 2014. Tom was presented with the Fine Wine Partners Scholarship, receiving $1,000 to put towards further education, $1,000 of wine from the Fine Wine Partners cellar and a grade Spiegelau decanter. The Fine Wine Partners award is presented to the highest achieving student from the diploma in Australia and this year the award went to a student from the Sydney Wine Academy, testament to the academy’s quality in education.

Sydney Wine Academy is also set to launch Australia’s first ever course on sake in the next week. For more information, visit www.nsi.tafensw.edu.au/swa.