How to become a wine critic

How to become a Wine Critic

There are no strict educational requirements for becoming a wine critic, and individuals can take various paths to enter the field. However, certain educational backgrounds and qualifications can be beneficial:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Gain Basic Knowledge and Experience
Begin by developing a fundamental understanding of wine. Read books, take some introductory courses, and attend wine tasting events to familiarize yourself with different grape varietals, wine regions, and basic wine terminology.

Educate Yourself on Wine Criticism
Read wine critiques. Familiarize yourself with the work of established wine critics. Study their writing styles, approaches to evaluation, and the criteria they use for assessing wines.

Formal Education
Enroll in a recognized local or online wine education program, covering oenology, viticulture, wine appreciation and the wine business, to receive foundational training via structured curricula, classes, and exams.

Consider earning a degree in journalism or the communications field. These credentials are quite common among wine critics as a significant part of their work is often focused on writing wine reviews and critiques and communicating their evaluations and insights.

Degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, business, or business administration are also valuable as they can provide a broader understanding of the wine and related industries.

Gain Industry Experience
To become a wine critic, practical experience in the wine industry is essential. Look for internships or apprenticeships and on-the-job-training opportunities via the following paths:

• Winery experience – Intern or work at a winery or vineyard to learn about winemaking, viticulture, and the production side of the industry.
• Work in wine retail – Start as a salesperson in a wine shop or liquor store to learn about consumer preferences and sales and marketing techniques.
• Restaurant experience – Work as a server or bartender in a restaurant with a strong wine program to gain hands-on experience with wine service.
• Distributor or importer – Seek employment with a wine distributor or importer to understand the supply chain, distribution, and negotiation processes.

Network in the Wine Industry
Build a network of contacts within the wine industry. Attend industry events, wine tastings, and trade shows to meet wine producers and other professionals in the wine and hospitality field. Networking can open doors to collaboration and potential job opportunities.

Wine Tasting and Wine and Food Pairing Skills
Develop your wine palate and evaluation skills. Practise blind tastings, learn to articulate flavors, bouquets (aromas), characteristics, and nuances of different wines, and become proficient at wine analysis. Understand the principles of pairing wine with food. Experiment with different combinations to develop a sense of how flavors interact and complement one other.

Create an Online Presence
Embrace social media. Build an online presence by creating a professional website or blog where you can write and publish wine reviews, hone your communication skills, and share your knowledge, experiences, and recommendations. These platforms can serve as a portfolio of your work and help you engage with a broader audience and connect with other wine enthusiasts.

Seek Professional Opportunities
Freelance for publications. Pitch your services to wine publications, magazines, or websites. Many wine critics start as freelancers, contributing articles and reviews to build their reputation.

Be Patient and Persistent
Remember that becoming a wine critic is a gradual process, and building a reputation in the field takes time. Stay curious and be persistent in pursuing opportunities to share your passion for wine.

Develop a Unique Voice
Differentiate yourself by developing a unique voice and perspective. Whether it's a focus on specific regions, grape varieties, or winemaking styles, having a niche can help you stand out.

Stay Informed and Keep Learning
The wine industry is continually evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, emerging practices, wine releases, and market developments. Subscribe to industry publications, follow wine blogs, and attend wine seminars and workshops.

Pursue Certification
Depending on your goals, consider pursuing certifications from reputable organizations. Certifications, which are often expected by both industry partners and wine review readers, can help establish your expertise and make you a more credible and reputable wine critic. These are some recognized organizations and credentials available in the field:

• Wine Location Specialist (WLS) – Offered by the Center for Wine Origins, the WLS certification focuses on the geographical origins of wine. It is designed for professionals in the wine industry who want to deepen their understanding of the importance of location in winemaking.
• Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) – WSG certification programs are divided into four levels, covering wine regions, grape varieties, production methods, and winemaking traditions. Essential programs cover French Wine Essentials, Italian Wine Essentials, Spanish Wine Essentials. Scholar programs award the French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar, and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications. Masters programs include Bourgogne, Champagne, and Bordeaux Masters. WSG also offers specialty courses: the Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (CSWS) and Sommelier Secrets.
• Certified Sommelier – Offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), this is the first level of their certification program. It covers wine theory, wine service, and tasting skills.
• Advanced Sommelier – This is the second level in the Court of Master Sommeliers program. The Advanced certification entails a more comprehensive and challenging examination, testing advanced knowledge in wine theory, service, and tasting.
• Master Sommelier – This is the highest level of certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. The Master designation is extremely prestigious and challenging to achieve. It requires in-depth expertise in wine, service, and tasting. There are only a few Master Sommeliers worldwide.
• The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – The WSET offers a range of wine and spirits certifications, including Level 1 (Introductory), Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 3 (Advanced), and Level 4 (Diploma). The WSET Diploma is a highly respected credential for wine professionals.
• The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) – SWE offers several certification programs: ¬the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE), Certified Spirits Educator (CSE), and Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC). These educational programs are internationally recognized and highly regarded in the wine and spirits industry.
• Specialty Certifications – Some organizations offer specialty certifications, such as certifications in spirits, cheese, or food and wine pairings. These can also be valuable for wine critics.

Also providing support to the wine and wine critic community are these organizations:

• International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
• Circle of Wine Writers
• Wine Media Guild
• United Nations World Tourism Association (UNWTO) – Gastronomy and Wine Tourism
• North American Sommelier Association
• Association of Wine Educators (AWE)
• Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
• GuildSomm International
• International Sommelier Guild
• SommCon Annual Conference and Expo
• American Sommelier
• American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE)
• Wine Business Institute (WBI)
• National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR)
• National Restaurant Association
• Culinary Institute of America
• American Institute of Wine & Food
• International Wine & Food Society (IWFS)
• United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG)
• Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS)
• American Wine Society