Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
What is this?
Less
More
6 contributions to Study for Your Brain
👇 What’s YOUR study nemesis?
We all have one. That ONE topic that is your absolute study nemesis. The one you struggle to remember. The one you hate studying. The one you conveniently keep pushing to the bottom of your study list because literally anything else sounds better. Maybe it’s German wine law. Maybe it’s Bordeaux classifications. Maybe it’s sake. Spirits. Beer. Fortified wines. Geography. Soil types. Producers. Whatever it is… 👇 What’s YOUR study nemesis? Drop it in the comments. And if you see someone name a topic you actually feel confident in, jump in and share your best tip, trick, mnemonic, or way of remembering it. Let’s use this community to make everyone’s nemesis a little less terrifying.
1 like • 23d
For me it was keeping track of aging requirements - Rioja especially. There are so many styles and rules for each level I could almost never keep them all straight.
1 like • 20d
@Jessica Waugh no but that’s a great idea! I typically only studied with my own written notes and flashcards - wasn’t using as many spreadsheets back then!
Staying Motivated
I’ve worked in many large and midsized markets (SF, Houston, DC). Now I’m in a very small city in southern New Mexico where the only wine tasting group is community of retirees. If any of you are in a smaller market or have experience- how do you stay motivated without a community of wine professionals to work with? I’d love to hear any and all advice y'all have!
0 likes • Aug 25
How did you find these groups? I have plenty of friends who study for various levels - I just haven’t been able to commit myself.
0 likes • 30d
@Autumn Gilliam thank you! I’d love to learn more for sure!
What’s on the syllabus this week? 📚🍷
What are you studying, reviewing, or trying to finally get to stick this week? Drop it in the comments 👇 Tell us: 📖 What certification or exam are you working toward? 🧠 What topic has your attention right now? 😵‍💫 And what’s giving your brain a run for its money? Whether you’re deep in Burgundy, battling spirits production, memorizing maps, working on tasting, or just trying to remember all. the. things.… we want to hear it. Bonus points: If you see someone studying something you’ve already tackled, jump into their comment with a tip, resource, or little encouragement. Let’s study smarter together. 🍷🧠
0 likes • Aug 20
@Jessica Waugh I used to love memorizing and having a structured study session. The highlighting important grapes versus names of vineyards versus producers. Now I feel like it’s more about real life experiences, sharing with guests and my staff.
0 likes • Aug 21
@Jessica Waugh taking CWE is something I’ve aspired towards since taking CSW October of 2014 and since then it was on the back burner. If there was a study group I could join or even mentor I think that would help!
What is the Way You Wine?
My name is Megan - I am currently based in New Mexico but I was born and raised in northern California. After passing the Advanced Sommelier exam I began a research project in 2020 interviewing wine professionals across our industry. I asked a series of questions targeting how people entered the industry and what have they experienced since. One of the questions is what bottle or producer first sparked their interest - “the wine that got them into wine.” For me, it will always be Seth Kunin Syrah from Santa Barbara. I had only been working in the wine industry for a couple of months and I didn’t realize grapes tasted differently based on where they’re grown (such a mind blowing moment). His Syrah was both peppery and smoky, unlike the fruit forward wines of Paso Robles. Then I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life 🍇 It’s a question that I feel most of us have an answer to - and I would love to know yours! Please comment and let me know what your first wine was 🍷
0 likes • Aug 4
@Jacob Conn I love this answer! Maybe you just haven’t had “that wine yet” 🥂my favorite answer will always be Jancis Robinson’s from Somm 3: 1959 Les Amoureuses pinot noir from Burgundy.
1 like • Aug 19
@Jessica Waugh wow that is such an incredible memory! How did it evolve? I have never had Massetto.
Study Space
Hello, everyone! I’m going through the class about creating a productive study environment, and it got me curious about what has helped you along the way. Do you have any favorite study playlists? A particular tool you use to organize your study space? Something that helps you stay engaged while studying? I almost always keep a fidget gadget with me when I’m reviewing theory.
1 like • Aug 5
When I was getting through the Expert Guides on GuildSomm, I liked listening to “I’ll drink to That” episodes while taking notes. I found that it mirrored background noise and I either focused on the episode or what I was writing. It kept me engaged with the study material.
1 like • Aug 8
@Jessica Waugh wow I could write to this for hours! Thank you for sharing!
1-6 of 6
Megan Bauer
2
11 points to level up
@megan-bauer-6456
Originally from California and in love with wine since 2013. I passed Advanced in March 2020 - passionate about sharing my knowledge with others.

Active 20d ago
Joined Aug 3, 2026
Powered by