Main image: Jane Scott, WSET CEO Michelle Brampton, and Chris Scott
At the recent International Wine Challenge, two of our course providers were celebrated as Consumer Educator of the Year and Trade Educator of the Year. These awards celebrate UK-based course providers who go above and beyond to offer the best experiences for students, whether they are wine enthusiasts or work in the trade.
First up we’re sharing some industry insights from the IWC Consumer Educator of the Year ThirtyFifty, but check back soon to learn more from Bibendum, the IWC Trade Educator of the Year.
Read now: Educational insights and innovations from Bibendum Wine.
London-based tasting experts ThirtyFifty offer wine tastings for private groups as well as corporate entertainment in a range of formats, from WSET qualifications to tailor-made special occasions. Jane and Chris Scott shared their career development and education secrets with us.
If you're looking for a course provider in your area, head to our Where to Study page.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of your institution and its journey to becoming a leading WSET course provider?
Back in 2002, we started ThirtyFifty with the aim of demystifying wine through fun, down-to-earth tastings in people’s homes. This unique approach allowed us to share our passion for wine and cater to a growing curiosity about the world of grapes. Before starting the business, Chris and I trained with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). That was when we discovered that having some wine knowledge could significantly increase your enjoyment of wine, and realised that a mix of education and entertainment was key to making wine more accessible. Our home tastings quickly became popular among groups of friends who wanted to be entertained and educated.
From these intimate home tastings, we expanded to corporate events and wine appreciation courses, eventually becoming an Approved Programme Provider for WSET in 2013. Establishing a WSET school in London with some of the country’s best tutors has been a rewarding journey but also highly competitive, so being recognized as the IWC Consumer Educator of the Year is a fantastic validation of our efforts.
What does this award mean to you and your team?
We are extremely proud of our team, who do an excellent job at educating, from fun, private events up to the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. The IWC judges' comments affirmed our progress and dedication:
"Their dedication to education knows no bounds, and their innovative approach to fostering community within the school is truly commendable. One aspect of ThirtyFifty that never fails to impress is their diverse use of tools and platforms. From formal courses to engaging corporate events, they have mastered the art of educational delivery. What sets ThirtyFifty apart is their ability to adapt and innovate. They constantly explore new avenues for delivering educational content, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the industry."
The award gives our team a real sense of pride. One of our team members, Anissa, summed this up, saying “I truly enjoy being part of this great team of passionate and fun wine educators! This recognition not only enhances our credentials but also highlights Chris and Jane's tireless efforts to expand wine knowledge and build a community of wine lovers”.
Robert, who has been with us for 19 years, highlights the professionalism and best practices we've maintained throughout: “Working in an environment with fellow wine professionals and at the highest level has allowed me to deliver knowledge , education and, in many instances, fun through learning to hundreds of wine enthusiasts and students”.
Our newest team member, Clare, said the award highlights the training and support ThirtyFifty offer to the team, to ensure every event is equally informative and enjoyable, both for the consumer AND the educator. “It’s a great model, ensuring consistency across the varied ThirtyFifty offering and one which I am very proud has been recognized by the IWC”.
Team ThirtyFifty
How do you support your students throughout their WSET journey?
Supporting our students goes beyond education - it’s more about coaching them. We provide clear guidance on effective study methods, using a variety of tools and our tutors to support students inside and outside the classroom, for example using WhatsApp group chats for ongoing help and discussion. Our Study Points system tracks progress and motivates students with clear goals and a Pass Guarantee scheme. We also offer hybrid classes, live-streaming in-person sessions for flexibility and providing recordings for students to recap any of the content. Our approach ensures that students always have the resources they need and, importantly, have the confidence in themselves to believe they can succeed.
Any standout success stories or testimonials from your students that you would like to share?
Our students’ success stories are a testament to our approach. Here are a few testimonials:
Richard: "The quality of teaching material at Thirty Fifty is first-rate. Chris and Jane Scott have developed a systematic yet compelling approach that complements the WSET content perfectly. The wine curriculum has given me a tremendous foundation to taste, discuss, and explore wines and wine regions."
Agne: "Thank you so much! I am over the moon to have passed both courses with distinction. Before joining Level 2, my wine knowledge was non-existent. Abbie's engaging and supportive teaching made all the difference."
Rachel: "Despite being virtual, the WSET L3 course was incredibly engaging. The flashcards, practice exams, and wine samples were invaluable. Your programme's thoughtfulness and dedication were evident, and I loved the convenience of not having to commute."
A page from the textbook for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your wine education journey?
Our inspiration comes from outstanding communicators such as Oz Clarke, who can tell meaningful stories to bring wine to life. A pivotal memory for Chris is volunteering to work behind the bar at a comedy club in his 20’s. He watched gigs for free, learning from comedians who perfected their sets over multiple nights. This experience taught him the importance of crafting a message with structure and impact.
As a husband-and-wife team, we rely heavily on each other. We’ve always seen ourselves as innovators in wine education, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our students build their own careers in the wine industry, and on occasion look to us and the wider ThirtyFifty community for mentorship and inspiration.
Finally, do you have any exciting future plans in the pipeline for ThirtyFifty?
We are continuously upgrading our study materials and exploring opportunities beyond just wine, including beer and spirits, as the WSET expands its offering. Embracing technology, we aim to further enhance the student experience so that ThirtyFifty remains at the forefront of wine education. Watch this space!
To find out more about the WSET Awards in Wines, Spirits, Beer, and Sake, visit our qualifications page.
