WSET holds first virtual graduation for AY19/20 WSET Diploma Graduates

This year, for the first time, we are holding a virtual graduation ceremony to recognise the achievements of graduates who completed their WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines in 2019/20.

The virtual graduation, which takes place today, is hosted by WSET CEO Ian Harris with addresses from last year’s Outstanding Alumni Award winner Ferran Centelles and new Honorary President Paul Symington, together with congratulatory messages from WSET’s Diploma Centres across the world. This year sees a total of 252 new WSET Diploma graduates honoured from 26 Diploma Centres across 30 countries worldwide. The 2019/2020 cohort of graduates is considerably smaller than in previous years, as exams could not take place in many countries due to COVID restrictions. There are now over 11,000 WSET Alumni globally.

Ian Harris, WSET Chief Executive, said, “Our annual graduation ceremony is a focal point in the WSET calendar. While it is disappointing that it cannot take place in-person at the Guildhall in London this year, we are happy to be able to celebrate our recent graduates’ success virtually - as we are embracing digital platforms in all areas of our business. We are striving to make our organisation more inclusive in every way, so in future, we have decided to stage a virtual ceremony every year - alongside the in-person event. This will make it accessible to the maximum number of graduates.”

Following the opening speeches, there will be a virtual roll call to recognise every student’s achievement. Due to COVID restrictions, only one prize was awarded this year – The Vintners’ Cup. This award is sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Vintners and awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall mark across all units of the Diploma in each academic year. This year’s winner is Mary Wright. Mary completed her WSET Diploma at WSET School London and works for Liberty Wines as Sogrape Iberia Estates Ambassador. Mary comments, “I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Vintners’ Cup and Scholarship and am really grateful to The Vintners for their very generous study grant. I'm looking forward to a trip to the vineyards of South America, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.”

You can join the graduation ceremony live at the following regional times by clicking here.