• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

With a global pass rate of only 57%, you’re certainly not alone if you didn't pass the theory portion. Joanne discusses why students often struggle with the written exam — and why tasting exams typically have a much higher success rate. More importantly, she shares a compassionate but clear message: don’t give up.

This episode outlines common pitfalls (straight from the examiner’s reports) and gives you a step-by-step plan to regroup, study smarter, and retake the exam with confidence.

• Understanding the WSET Level 3 pass/fail statistics

• Why the theory portion is so challenging (and how it’s different from Level 1 and 2)

• Common reasons students don’t pass, including misreading questions and lack of answer structure

• Requesting feedback from WSET and key deadlines to know

• Setting a realistic timeline for your retake

• The importance of study groups and staying accountable

• How retakes work for theory and tasting portions

• Grading rules for retakes (and how it impacts distinctions and merits)

• How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can support your success

Failing the theory exam doesn't mean you're not capable — it just means you might need a different strategy. Joanne encourages you to stay committed, recalibrate your study approach, and know that success is absolutely within reach.
And remember: if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.

If you’re looking for extra support, check out our Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course to help guide your next steps.

Have any questions or need personalized advice? Reach out at joanne@wineeducate.com — we're here to help!

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: Newsletter Signup | Wine Educate

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - May 11th | Wine Educate
  

In this episode, Joanne Close addresses a common concern among WSET Level 3 students: the difference between testable and non-testable wines. If you’ve ever second-guessed your tasting notes or stressed over wines that don’t match your expectations, this episode is meant to put your mind at ease.

Joanne explains what makes a wine “testable” for exam purposes—wines that show clear, predictable characteristics and represent textbook styles, like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are great for calibrating your palate and practicing structured tasting.

But not every wine poured in class is meant for the exam. Joanne discusses why it's important to include wines that may not be considered “testable” but are still valuable learning tools. Examples include wines that teach about lees aging, oak influence, regional styles, or variation within a grape variety—like a Pinotage or a Chianti Classico Riserva.

She reminds listeners that only about 20% of wines are truly “testable,” and the rest are included for context, discussion, and exposure to the real diversity of the wine world.

If you’re preparing for the Level 3 exam, check out the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course, which includes a list of ~20 testable wines for SAT practice—even without the bottle in front of you.

• Episode 17: Tasting Walkthrough – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

• Episode 20: Tasting Walkthrough – Oaked Chardonnay

• Sign up for the newsletter

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course:

• Email Joanne: joanne@wineeducate.com

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the top five mistakes I regularly see students make on the theory portion of the WSET Level 3 exam—and how you can avoid them. Because let’s be honest: it’s not just about knowing the material. Success comes from knowing how to take the exam.

We cover:

• Why having a game plan going into the exam is essential

• The danger of misreading essay questions

• Why more is not better when it comes to your answers

• The section of the syllabus you cannot afford to ignore

• And the importance of handwriting practice (yes, really!)

If you’re studying for Level 3, this episode will help you get focused, save time, and maximize your score on the written portion of the exam.

• The ideal time breakdown between multiple choice and essay questions

• How to identify the “action words” in each essay prompt

• Why over-answering can actually hurt your score

• The one essay topic that’s always included—and how to prepare for it

• How writing essays by hand now will give you a real edge on exam day

Got a question about the WSET or wine education in general? Reach out any time:
joanne@wineeducate.com

• Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for weekly study tips and course updates

• Learn more about Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course

• Check out upcoming trips and classes www.wineeducate.com

In this episode, Joanne tackles one of the most stressful parts of the WSET Level 3 exam: the tasting portion. As someone who has graded many exams, she walks through the five most common mistakes students make when writing their tasting notes—and explains how to avoid them.

This episode is packed with clear, practical advice to help students approach the tasting exam with structure and confidence.

• Why the tasting section feels intimidating, and why you shouldn’t panic

• The importance of using specific SAT vocabulary—no wine poetry

• Why guessing the wine and building your note around it can lead to failure

• The difference between aromas and flavors, and why you must list both

• Why omitting key words like “lemon” or “dry” can cost you

• The mistake of using “medium plus” for alcohol and how to get that point back

• Why memorizing the SAT order is crucial (you can’t use the card during the exam)

• The value of creating your own “anagram” to structure your note under pressure

• A reminder that calibration matters—know your instructor’s tasting style

We’ll move on to the theory portion of the WSET Level 3 exam and discuss the top five most common mistakes students make in their written answers.

• Learn more about the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course

• Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for weekly tips & updates

In this episode, Joanne explores one of the most effective tools for success in WSET Level 3: the study group.

If you're on the fence about joining or starting a study pod, this episode covers the research, real-world results, and how to make it work for you. Topics include:

• Why collaborative learning can significantly improve retention and exam scores

• A real-life example where 100% of a study group passed the exam

• The science behind peer teaching and active learning

• Accountability and how group structure reduces procrastination

• Tips to set up a focused, well-run group—without wasting your time

• Why disorganized pods fail, and how to avoid common pitfalls

Joanne also shares how the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course includes built-in support for connecting with others—whether you're attending in-person or online.

Email Joanne@wineeducate.com with any questions about the course.

In the next two episodes, Joanne will break down the top 5 most common (and preventable) mistakes students make in both the theory and tasting portions of the WSET Level 3 exam. Stay tuned!

Resources & Links:

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course
• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter

How to Contact Us:
Email: joanne@wineeducate.com
Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Joanne breaks down one of the biggest predictors of success in WSET Level 3: early preparation. While Levels 1 and 2 can be approached with minimal advance study, Level 3 is a different story. Joanne shares how giving yourself a longer runway—starting prep weeks or even months before class—can transform your experience and lead to both success and enjoyment in the course.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why early starters tend to outperform more experienced peers

• The common mistake of waiting until the course begins to start studying

• How underpreparing affects your ability to engage and retain information

• The benefits of building small, consistent study habits over time

• A recommended timeline for revisiting Level 2 material and reading the Level 3 textbook

• How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can help you build a custom plan

• Why Level 3 is entirely passable—with the right tools in place from the start

Next Episode:
Tune in for Episode 33, where we’ll explore the importance of study pods—what they are, how to find one, and why they’re so helpful during Level 3.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:
Never miss an episode—subscribe to the Wine Educate Podcast and follow Joanne on Instagram @wineeducate for weekly study tips, class updates, and more.

• Free WSET Level 1 Flashcards

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course – Our four-week study support program to help you stay on track

• Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up here for tips, tools, and new episode updates

If you're preparing for WSET Level 3, you're probably wondering: How many hours do I actually need to study? In this episode, Joanne walks through the official guidance from WSET, breaks down the numbers for Levels 1, 2, and 3, and shares her honest take on what it really takes to succeed—especially if you're aiming for a distinction.

From understanding “Total Qualification Time” (TQT) to reverse engineering your study plan, this episode will help you assess where you are and how to make a realistic plan for the months ahead. Whether you're a seasoned wine pro or brand new to wine studies, you'll leave with a clear idea of what to expect and how to pace yourself.

• What WSET’s Total Qualification Time (TQT) actually means

• A look at study time recommendations for Levels 1, 2, and 3

• Joanne’s real-world suggestions: why 84 hours for Level 3 might not be enough

• Study hour estimates for passing vs. achieving distinction

• Factors that affect how much you need to study

• How to break your study timeline into three phases:

  • Phase 1: Reading and review

  • Phase 2: Focused study and application

  • Phase 3: Review, mock tests, and exam prep

• Why it’s essential to start planning early and how Launchpad can help

• A personal story about one tough (but unforgettable) teacher

Next Episode:
Why You Need a Long Runway to Prepare for WSET Level 3
(Coming Thursday!)

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - Next Start Date

In this episode of Wine Educate, host Joanne Close takes the mystery out of the WSET Level 3 exam. She explains exactly how the tasting and theory sections are structured, how grading works, and what to focus on to earn the most points—whether you’re aiming to pass or go for that distinction.

Joanne shares practical advice from her years of administering exams and guiding students, including common pitfalls to avoid and how to make the most of your exam strategy.

What’s in This Episode?

1. Understanding the Tasting Exam
   You’ll evaluate two wines—one red and one white—in 30 minutes.
   WSET provides general parameters, and your instructor selects the wines.
   The red wine carries 21 marks (tannin adds an extra point), and the white 20.
   You must use WSET Level 3 SAT formatting and vocabulary to earn full marks.

2. How Tasting Is Scored
   Marks are awarded, not taken away—so write down what you smell and taste.
   Stick to language found on the SAT card to align with the official answer key.
   Develop a system to avoid forgetting basic but essential points (like dryness).

3. What to Know About the Theory Exam
   This two-hour exam includes 50 multiple choice questions and 4 short written answers.
   Both sections are in the same exam paper—plan your time accordingly.
   One essay will be on either sparkling or fortified wine, so study both.

4. Grading & Passing Requirements
   You must score at least 55% in both tasting and theory to pass.
   To pass with merit, you need 65–79%.
   To pass with distinction, you need 80% or more in both sections (and no section below 65%).

5. How Retakes Work
   If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion.
   If you fail both, you must retake the entire exam.
   Even if you pass both sections on separate sittings with distinction-level marks, the highest overall grade possible is “pass with merit.”

Need Additional Support?
Joanne offers in-person and online WSET Level 3 tasting workshops and prep resources year-round.

Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - Next Start Date

Next Episode – Episode 31
Joanne breaks down how to create a realistic study schedule for WSET Level 3 and how much time you really need to allocate toward your studies.

Connect with Wine Educate
Website: www.wineeducate.com
Instagram: @wineeducate

Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

Wine Educate Newsletter – Sign up for exclusive content and class/trip updates

Thanks for listening.