Introduction
In August 2011, I moved down to Crystal Palace in London to start a new job and a new life. I was 26 and had returned from living and working as a teacher in Taiwan.
Discovering a new path
While working in rural Shropshire my plans to become an art teacher were derailed by funding cuts and even a course cut. I found myself at a loss and took this as a firm sign from the universe that I was destined for a different path. I started to explore new careers, and I eventually stumbled upon the Majestic Wines graduate scheme.
Did I want to learn to run a business?
Learn about retail?
Learn about wine?
Entering the World of Wine
Now, while I loved drinking wine, but I knew NOTHING about wine. After more reading and researching, I realised that I could become qualified in wine with the Wines and Spirits Education Trust (WSET).
Hang on....
If I could LEARN about wine, then there are people that teach about wine.... perhaps this could be my way to teaching!
So, with that I filled in an application form and gave it my all in the interviews filled with this new excitement for my potential future career. I knew I loved to learn, was keen to try new things and had an unwavering confidence that life would work itself out, but that I just had to be a part of it.
Joining Majestic Wines
A few months later I was offered a job! Despite telling them that I loved South African Riojas!
I took a job offer with Majestic Wines to start my new career in the wine industry.
First Days at Majestic Wine Warehouse
On a sunny Sunday in August, I moved to London with a car full of stuff, and a lot of excitement. The next day, I walked through the doors of Majestic Wine Warehouse in Greenwich and started my new career. Later that day, I was sent out to do my first deliveries with a van full of wine and a MAP (yes! A map, NOT SAT NAV - it 'would be good experience for me').
Two days later, and all the wine had been put away (no mean feat!), I was pulled to the wine tasting counter to embark on my first wine tasting experience.
THIS. WAS IT... I WAS ABOUT TO BECOME A WINE EXPERT.
The Assistant manager and the other trainee manager gave me my first glass.
"Swill the wine like this" ..... I copied, spilling some of the wine on the floor. They laughed.
"Smell the wine like this" .... I copied.
"Now, you taste the wine like this".... I copied.
They stood back. expectantly. They waited, while I thought it through.
"SO, what does it taste like?"..........
I thought about it, I was doing what I was told....but could I say it?!.... NO, don't say it to them...
"SO??? What can you taste?
Don't SAY IT!
"UUUuuummmm, it just tastes like......... WINE."
They were gobsmacked. Disappointed. Inhaled some air and ..... laughed.
That is where I was. At the VERY very start of my wine journey.
Diving into Wine Education
After this experience, I threw myself into the job, stacking wine, buying wine, tasting wine and reading about wine. I started 'revising' for my WSET Level 3 in Wines and Spirits alongside working long hours in the shop. I did what I could, but in all honesty, I did not quite understand the mountain that I was taking on. I was learning science, geography, law, languages, taste profiles all from a book and it was quite overwhelming.
The team in the store took me under their wing and tired to help me on my journey to pass my exams.
But I needed to know EVERYTHING.
All of the regions, sub regions, rules, regulations, how to taste, what that meant, how it was made, from still wines, to sparkling to vodka to Cognac!
I was paralysed to be honest.
Facing Failure and Resilience
So, it was 5 months later that I entered the exam room.
I struggled.
I failed.
Not something I have ever been proud to admit. I was devastated. But in truth, I was struggling. It was a lot to take on and I really didn't know where to start. And I was living in London, living 'the fun young London Life'. One up side was that I passed the tasting part of the paper, so I wouldn't have to redo that part.
Second Attempt and Success
This shook me, and after a while, with the support of new industry friends I was inspired me to pick myself back up.
I had to pass the exam.
This time I really gave it my all. I studied before work, at work, after work. Any time I could. My notes were so beautiful as I colour coded everything and drew map after map, discovering more about my learning style.
The day came and I opened up the exam....
WELL.... now it was, dare I say it, EASY! I loved that exam (madness to say as I had never enjoyed exams) but I genuinely found it fun as I had put so much hard work in it was a fun way to test that newly found knowledge.
I passed, with Merit (I know it would have been a distinction but I was penalised for the past failure) but it didn't matter, I had now passed and I was cementing my career in wines and spirits. This experience certainly taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and hard work.
A New Passion and Career
Best of all I discovered a passion for wines and spirits that would lead to a rewarding career. The journey ahead was uncertain, but I was excited to explore new opportunities.
Transition to Enotria Wine Cellars
In 2013, the time came to leave Majestic Wine and I moved to Enotria Wine Cellars, as it was known then, into their design team. By the end of the year I moved into their Training team where I embarked on my new adventure as a wine and spirits trainer. I soon became a certified WSET Educator, passing first time!
My goal of teaching was realised as I educated adults about wine and spirits. Teaching was now an absolute blast, and I felt fulfilled in my career. I even took on the task of rewriting/ restructuring and rebranding their award winning wine education course 'Serving Wine with Confidence' pulling on all my experience and journey into wine from total novice.
Embracing Wine Simplicity
One important lesson I learned was that sometimes, wine really does 'just taste like wine', and that's perfectly fine! It is made to enjoy on every level whether you geek out or you simply want to enjoy a good chat with a friend while drinking something delicious.
Cheers to New Beginnings and Unforgettable Adventures
My journey from "It just tastes like wine" in 2011 to a career in wine and spirits has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Embracing change all those years ago and later wholeheartedly pursuing my passion has not only led me to a fulfilling career in the world of wine, but has also introduced me to remarkable individuals and allowed me to explore exceptional brands along the way. It has also lit a new passion and love for discovering inspiring stories. Stories that I want to share with you through my new business, The Liquid Education Studio.
Here's to another new beginning, many more challenges and many more stories to discover!
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