Faking It

Approximate course and exam fees in US dollars. They vary by country, provider and year, so check with the provider before you book, and tell us if ours are wrong.

WSET · Level 1 Award in Wines

~US$200–300

WSET · Level 2 Award in Wines

~US$600–900

WSET · Level 3 Award in Wines

~US$1,300–2,000

Court of Master Sommeliers · Introductory Sommelier

~US$700

Court of Master Sommeliers · Certified Sommelier

~US$600–700

ITHQ (Québec) · Sommellerie programme

Varies by programme; check ITHQ

1. 01Why I'm a fraudComingI run a natural-wine site and I can't actually taste. Here's the plan to fix that, and what it costs.One line to use at a bar tonight: “I'm still learning. What would you pour someone who likes it fresh and a bit wild?”
2. 02How to taste without sounding annoyingComingLook, smell, sip, and say what you notice in normal words. No swirling contests.One line to use at a bar tonight: “Something light and bright, please, nothing too heavy.”
3. 03Natural vs conventional, blindComingGlasses in black cups. Can I tell which is which? Probably not every time, and that's the point.One line to use at a bar tonight: “Who made this one?” The producer is a better question than the grape.
4. 04A night on the floor at a proven venueComingA service shift with the staff at a venue already proven on isitfunky: what they notice, what guests get wrong.One line to use at a bar tonight: “What's open by the glass tonight?” Open bottles are what staff want to pour.
5. 05Visiting the producerComingOut to the vines and the cellar: the farming, the choices, and why the bottle tastes the way it does.One line to use at a bar tonight: “Is this one farmed organically?” A fair question, asked without a lecture.
6. 06Exam dayComingThe first exam, pass or fail, on camera.One line to use at a bar tonight: “Thank you, that was great.” Still the best line at any bar.

18+ only. We never give away alcohol. Want the lessons? Follow the journey at Funk University.