Arizona’s modern wine industry began in the 1970s, when Dr. Gordon Dutt, a soil scientist at the University of Arizona, proved that high-altitude desert regions—particularly Sonoita and Willcox—could produce quality grapes. His research and later
Arizona Wine Schools Read Post »
Ohio’s wine and grape industry has grown alongside the state’s rich viticultural history—especially in the Lake Erie region and northeast “fruit belt.” As wineries expanded, so too did demand for education in grape growing, winemaking,
New York’s wine scene has long roots — from the vineyards of the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes to the vibrant wine-hospitality culture of New York City. As the industry expanded and professionalized, formal training
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New Jersey’s wine story begins long before modern schooling. Colonial growers were cultivating grapes here by the mid-1700s, earning praise from Britain’s Royal Society of Arts for their early experiments. But for much of the
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Oregon’s modern wine industry began in the 1960s, when a handful of UC Davis graduates planted Pinot Noir vines in the cool hills of the Willamette Valley. Their gamble paid off: by the late 1970s,
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For decades, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has been treated as the gold standard in wine education. The organization boasts that its qualifications are “respected globally” and that the Diploma equips students with
WSET’s Wine List Scandal: The Analysis Read Post »
When WSET published its 2025 Diploma exam wines, it gave us a rare window into the inner workings of their teaching philosophy. What we found is troubling. If the Diploma is meant to train professionals
How WSET’s Exam Wines Undermine Their Credibility Read Post »
When the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) released its exam wine list for 2024/25, it should have been a moment of validation. After all, the Diploma is marketed as one of the highest levels
WSET Doesn’t Offer Reliable Sommelier Credentials Read Post »
Each year, SOMM highlights institutions that illustrate important trends in wine education. In 2025, our editorial team chose to spotlight the Wine School of Philadelphia for the distinctive path it has taken in building a
Editorial Spotlight: Wine School of Philadelphia (2025) Read Post »
This is an investigative research paper on current trends in the hospitality industry. Much of the research was conducted in New York and Chicago in 2025. I. AbstractIn the past decade, the American restaurant industry—especially
To deepen their appreciation of this age-old elixir, wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts are turning to wine tasting classes. You’ll get to refine your palate, learn about different wine varietals, and learn about the world of
Wine Tasting Classes Across America Read Post »
In a digital age where learning can be done in the comfort of one’s home, online sommelier courses have seen a surge in enrollment. These programs offer wine enthusiasts and aspiring sommeliers a chance to
Best Online Sommelier Classes Read Post »
