The Graduation Ceremony of WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

I attended to the graduation ceremony of WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits, which was much awaited after I had got the final result of Unit 1 case study in last August. I finally decided to attend to it after thinking over matters of my peers in Osaka whose passions and supports are indispensable for my achievement. Even though I felt a bit of vacuum in my heart with them all absent, it was a tremendously big moment in my wine experience to join the graduation ceremony. The following is about the information that I got there and what I felt through the experience there.

Before mentioning my personal idea about things such as whether it is worth for some thousands of dollars which may be spent to go there from Japan,  the following is a quick overview of the alumni of WSET Diploma who are spread around the world. 

【Overview of Diploma holders】

According to the data provided,

 ● More than 14,000 people now hold the qualification of WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

 ● The total number of graduates who passed the exams in fiscal 2018/2019 is 667 including ten from a Japanese approved programme provider(APP).

(Personally I was in seventh heaven when I heard some people from Osaka have got the green light for the certification this year!)

 ●Personal comments

The great advantage of achieving Diploma is that it gives access to the reputable circle of DipWSETs who are covering ever-expanding parts in the world. A bit of how&when the advantage works is explained later. In the academic year of 2018-2019, no fewer than 17 countries and regions produced holders of the qualification, revealing the scale of impact the graduates hold in the worldwide markets.

Hereafter let me mention some personal reviews about attending to the graduation ceremony. Although it takes some time before my mind is made, joining the graduation was definitely an amazing experience. Just being permitted as a gurest to such a place of historical importance was a precious thing that I dreamed about. Exchanging views on the wine industry is another precious thing concerning the competence of the attendees. It is also the best opportunity to not only communicate but also to build a network with people with deep insights and talents. Apparently giving graduates a chance to interact with each other was something that was put an significant importance by the host. 

After spending one of the most intellectual dinners with some graduates at the night, I visited wineries in Alsace and Baden regions. A guide who helped me with great skills of organization, time management, intimate connection with local producers was also qualified as DipWSET. I was surprised as I noticed how the network of the alumni may work for the benefit of each one in the circle immediately after the graduation ceremony.. 

With sincere appreciation toward all the supports and kindness that I have received (from the producers, guide and even taxi-driver, hotel manager...etc), I will write some articles about them later on. Anyway, I believe achieving the qualification and traveling with the understanding of wines that one would acquire through the process are truly unforgettable and remarkable.