Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
There has been an increase in demand for wine knowledge in all sectors of the business. Whether you are a sommelier striving to improve your extensive comprehension of the world of wine, a server aiming to provide guests with a more personalized wine experience, or a simple customer that is curious about learning the basics; wine can be explored and enjoyed by anyone. Despite this, understanding where to begin in the wine world can be extremely intimidating. There are countless books, articles, and infographics available to the average wine enthusiast, but the intensity and quality of information varies dramatically. Furthermore, people who wish to pursue a career in the hospitality or wine industry have to face several challenges regarding which organization to follow. The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and Wine Folly are the most recognizable wine associations. However, these organizations provide uniquely constructed information for their students. Each organization’s wine tasting lexicon, and corresponding aroma terminology, will be analyzed based on structure, organization, simplicity, and specific criteria used in the evaluation process. The purpose of this study is to analyze what makes the CMS, WSET, and Wine Folly uniquely remarkable. The history, examination classifications, and credibility of content will be evaluated. In addition, the accessibility of course materials will be discussed. All of these components will be considered to determine the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring wine knowledge through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, and Wine Folly. Supplemental documentation will be provided to create the context in which these organizations will be assessed.
Keywords: wine, tasting, lexicon, wine educators, wine enthusiasts, enophiles
Repository Citation
Dumford, Angela, "Approaching the Wine Tasting Lexicon" (2026). Honors Theses - Providence Campus. 77.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/student_scholarship/77
