Specialized faculty member, Libby Lewis, was recently certified as a WSET Level 3 in Wine.

Libby brings over 20 years of hospitality experience ranging from Hotels to Restaurants to the classroom. She has worked for independent operations as well as corporations such as Walt Disney World and Hilton Hotels. In addition to Florida State University, she has taught in several higher education institutions such as The Art Institute of Atlanta and Wesleyan College.

Q: What is the WSET certification?
A: An advanced level qualification for wine educators and professionals working in the beverage industry. The WSET Level 3 qualification shows a mastery of the detailed understanding of grape growing, wine making and tasting. (The tasting component includes assessing wines accurately and explaining wine style and quality.)

Q: How does this help you in your current role?
A: This most recent wine certification has taken me on a deep dive into the of role of terroir, wine-making practices, and wine tasting. I am most excited to bring new methods of wine tasting to our students. Each semester as the students and I take our wine journey, my newfound wine-tasting skills will translate to a more meaningful experience that will set a strong foundation for a lifetime of tasting wine.

Q: What are your next steps?
A: I am now looking forward to moving on to WSET’s Level 4 Diploma in Wines. This is a two-year certification process with a recommended 500 hours of study time.

A huge thanks to RNDC for providing Libby with both the course and exam.