Wine certificates and education programs

[We Heart Wine]

Hi everyone! We are new on here, so bear with us:) My boyfriend and I have started a blog http://www.weheartwine.com documenting our journey as we study for the CWE (Certified Wine Educator) certificate through the Society of Wine Educators. The blog is meant to be a learning tool for us and others. I'm curious how many of you have received this certificate or others and what your thoughts were on the program you went through. Any opinions on which is the most helpful? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you and feel free to leave comments on our blog as well, we welcome all feedback.

[Larry O'Brien]

Welcome to AoW and good luck as you prepare for the CSW and CWE examinations. I applaud your desire to learn more about the endlessly fascinating world of wine. Like so many others in the wine trade you appear to be turning your avocation into your vocation. Education plays a vital role in this transition and provides credibility to your CV. The 3 most important programs available in the U.S., The Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine and Spirits Education Trust & The Institute of Masters of Wine, and The Society of Wine Educators all offer well-regarded, challenging and influential certificates and titles that can greatly aid the pursuit of a career in the wine trade. Obviously each is quite different and in order to answer your question about which is the most helpful I would need to know which direction you would like to take in the wine world. I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Larry