25. WSET Level 3 Bootcamp - Lessons from the Vineyard (Part 1)

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WSET Level 3 Bootcamp - Trip Details

In this episode of Wine Educate, host Joanne Close shares insights from the WSET Level 3 Bootcamp in the South of France. After an incredible week at Château Camplazens, Joanne reflects on key vineyard lessons that bring WSET theory to life.

She explores how studying viticulture in the field helps Level 3 students prepare for essay questions, how natural factors like winds, soil, and climate impact grape growing, and why experiencing a vineyard firsthand can be a game-changer for wine students.

She also announces the 2026 WSET Level 3 Bootcamp, set for April 6–11, and explains why it’s moving to the spring instead of February.

What’s in This Episode? 1. Why Vineyard Learning Is Essential for WSET Students

• Seeing viticulture concepts firsthand makes studying more effective.

• Visiting any vineyard near you can help cement key WSET principles.

2. The Mediterranean Climate & Organic Wine Production

• Château Camplazens sits in a warm Mediterranean climate, which impacts grape growing.

• Key learning: Low rainfall and strong winds reduce disease pressure, making organic viticulture easier.

• Essay Question Example: Why is a Mediterranean climate well-suited for producing organic wines?

3. Observing Soil Variation from the Tower

• The bare vines in March revealed the vineyard’s different soil types (limestone, clay, gravel).

• Different soil parcels are harvested separately to increase complexity in the wines.

• From the tower, students could see the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean, and the Black Mountains, reinforcing how geography impacts wine.

4. Understanding Frost Risk & Vineyard Site Selection

• Even in a warm Mediterranean climate, frost can still be a risk in low-lying vineyard areas.

• Lesson: Cold air sinks, and certain vineyard sections are more frost-prone.

• Essay Question Example: A vineyard is being planted in a frost-prone area. Name two things that can be done during vineyard layout and planting to help mitigate frost.

5. Climate Change & Heat-Resistant Grapes

• Winemakers in Roussillon are experimenting with new heat- and drought-resistant varieties.

• Example: Assyrtiko, a grape from Greece, is being trialed in the South of France.

• Essay Question Example: How are vines trained in La Mancha, and why?

Upcoming WSET Level 3 Bootcamp – April 6–11, 2026

• Next year’s Bootcamp is moving to April (instead of February) for better weather and longer daylight hours.

• Limited to 12 participants for a more immersive experience.

• Learn more and reserve your spot WSET Level 3 Bootcamp - South of France 2026 | Wine Educate

Final Thoughts

• Studying vineyards on-site helps Level 3 students apply WSET knowledge to real-world scenarios.

• The next episode (Part 2) will dive deeper into more vineyard lessons from the trip!

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