Congratulations to Andrew Lincoln, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar program with highest honors!
About Andrew:
Like many, the embarkment of my wine career was unorthodox. I graduated cum laude from UC Davis with a degree in Evolutionary Anthropology. While I respected the wine industry, I didn’t drink in college (we all make mistakes in life!). Upon graduation, and while contemplating graduate school, I found a random job at a wine-centric BBQ restaurant. This was rather ironic as I was a teetotaling vegan. While working there I realized that the cultural history and artistry of wine appealed to my academic side. Within a year I transitioned to a tasting room job at Artesa Vineyards and Winery. My passion for wine exploded and I was fortunate enough to become their “Wine Education Lead”. I work the floor as a host and wine educator and am the main go-to person for wine-related questions. I also conduct educational tastings and presentations for my coworkers, which is my favorite aspect of my job!
I was fortunate enough to pass my Spanish Wine Scholar exam with highest honors. I also hold a WSET Level 2. The depth of information and context provided by FWS exponentially enhanced my understanding of French wines. When I think about my level of knowledge before and after this program, I’m amazed at just how much I’ve learned and how much I’ve grown as a wine professional.
I am looking to enroll in WSET Level 3 and then move forward with the Diploma. The value of the FWS program can’t be understated. My expanded breadth of knowledge endowed to me through both my FWS and SWS studies has enhanced my life. Not only has it made me better at my job and more prepared for future wine-certifications, but it has deepened my love of wine. There’s something magical about opening a bottle and really knowing the social and geological history that went into it. Wine is a profound beverage and I feel that the more you know, the more profound it becomes.
The WSG has created a model for wine education excellence. I firmly believe that learning should be a joy and the WSG have created programs that maintain intense academic rigor with engaging study material that makes the process both enjoyable and rewarding. As I look to further my education and hopefully teach one day, I want to take this concept and apply it to my own professional life.
