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Graduation to Weinakademiker and DipWSET
I am very pleased to inform that I have now concluded my graduations and became a Weinakademiker. I followed two and a half years of very intense studies. Prior to this, I received the Diploma of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (DipWSET) in London. The DipWSET qualification is a prerequisite for becoming a Weinakademiker.

The studies included viticulture and winemaking, and wine business (each of them with a written exam at the end). An exam (written and tasting) on sparkling wines followed. Another aspect of the diploma studies related to fortified wines. To conclude, I passed a very intense exam on “wines of the world”. This included essays and wine tastings. I also carried out an independent research, the topic of which was “regenerative viticulture”.

The Weinakademiker syllabus included writing another thesis. The topic of my thesis was “The Brazilian Wine Market – Navigating the Seven Hurdles to Market Access”. I shall try to obtain authorisation from the Weinakademie österreich to publishing the thesis. If allowed, I shall publish the thesis on this website. Following my submission of the thesis, I passed an oral exam with three examiners of the Weinakademie. I concluded this with part of the entire process with “distinction”.

Welcome to Tastings by Michael! This is my project of creating a website that will publish my various tasting notes of wines. Wines from different countries that I have tasted over the years. Before the COVID pandemic, I have regularly attended the PROWEIN fare. There, thousands of wine producer present their wines from all over the world. This type of event is a great forum to create first contacts. I participated in tasting groups, for instance in the ABS-RJ, the Association of Brazilian Sommeliers in Rio de Janeiro. There, I have learned to systematically analyse and evaluate a wine. (Check here to see how I evaluate the wines!) I also regularly attend tasting events and I frequently visit wineries in different countries, which gives allows me to get to know the wines in the different regions better. There may also be other relevant matters that will hopefully be interesting for my readers.

Having visited hundreds of wineries and tasted thousands of wines, I felt the need to have all my experience gathered in one place. And in doing so, why not share this experience with wine lovers? Some of my notes have been published on my Instagram profile or on Tastingbook. Ideally, my readers will get an idea of what to expect from a given wine because I am describing the wine as such, but also background information. I will explain the philosophy of the winery – for instance, how they are working in the vineyards, whether they apply organic or biodynamic principles. Other information, for instance about the terroir, will also be provided. So enjoy, and Welcome to Tastings by Michael.