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The WSET wants more women to work in the drinks industry

The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) has partnered with Women of the Vine & Spirits to encourage more women to work in the drinks trade.

The mutual alliance aims to “improve the visibility of progression paths and opportunities for women in the wine and spirits industry,” according to the WSET’s statement.

Women of the Vine & Spirits is a lobbying body which provides scholarships and awards to women so that they can advance in their careers in the food, wine, spirits, hospitality, or viticulture industries.

Members of the organisation can also purchase discounted tickets for round-tables, panel discussions and talks with industry leaders and firms which have corporate memberships with Women of the Vine, such as Champagne house Krug, whose CEO Maggie Henríquez is due to speak at an event in San Francisco on 31 May.

The WSET — the largest academic network in the drinks trade — will become a corporate member of Women of the Vine, offering access to its education materials and events.

In return, Women of the Vine & Spirits will also become WSET’s 49th Corporate Patron, following the path of companies such as Berry Bros & Rudd and Sainsbury’s which provide funding to the WSET so it can further develop its courses and qualifications, as well as maintain and advance its online global campus and professional membership body for graduates.

WSET Diploma students and alumni will be entitled to 20% off Women of the Vine & Spirits membership. In addition to membership benefits, members of Women of the Vine & Spirits are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.

the news comes after a scientific study which found that women are actually more discerning wine tasters than men.

Deborah Brenner, founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits, said that education is “vital to empowering women.”

“We value and recognise the benefit that higher knowledge gives to an individual seeking to progress their career. We are thrilled to be working with WSET as a leader in the field and are excited for the new prospects our alliance will create for a successful future.”

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