All the TV shows and movies featuring the arch rival, the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), seem to be having an effect. The Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) has hired Wagstaff Worldwide, a multinational PR firm.
I wonder how a nonprofit education company can afford a billion-dollar PR firm? Guess sommelier certification is big business.
They aren’t the first. The Court of Master Sommeliers hired the American firm KL Strategies back in 06. Somm (Movie, 2012) and Uncorked (TV Show, 2015) featured the Master Sommelier exam, which the CMS runs. After that publicity, the interest in becoming a Master Sommelier jumped into the stratosphere.
The biggest loser seems to be the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. They offer the competing Master of Wine Exam, and interest in their exams has reportedly fallen off dramatically. No wonder they have pulled out the big guns!
Both sommelier agencies seem to be pitted in a PR battle royale. Let’s see if the National Wine School jumps into the fray, as well.
As you know, the world of wine, spirits, and sake is intoxicating… and intimidating! To help you keep your drinks knowledge straight, Wagstaff is excited to announce its newest client in the drinks world: The acclaimed Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) is an award-winning organization dedicated to providing best-in-class education about wine, spirits, and sake.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, where it was first founded in 1969, WSET has a network of Approved Program Providers (APPs) that offer its courses in more than 70 countries and 25 states across the United States. WSET courses will teach you everything you need to know about such topics as how to navigate a restaurant drinks menu to impress your boss, friend, or in-laws; what’s the difference in sake styles; whether you might prefer rye or bourbon, and so much more.
We look forward to connecting you with this rich source of knowledge on all drink topics, putting you in touch with course instructors or WSET graduates, to help you with future stories. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Thank you,
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wagstaff worldwide
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