I've finally done it! I've set up my business
Just in time for a last minute Christmas present, my first online wine course is here!
[here it is!]
It’s been nearly 3 years since I started thinking about the gap in the market for high quality, casual wine education online.
Sure, if you want to spend significant sums of money and commit to weekends or evenings with strangers then there is nothing better than WSET - and it’s done me well over the years as a wine professional, having finished all of their courses and qualifying as a WSET educator. And, if you want to be entertained by a friendly but not particularly officially educated online influencer, there are plenty of those and they’re great to watch on Instagram or Tik Tok.
But how about proper, decent content delivered informally, without exams, online and at an affordable price? Nothing that really whet my whistle, so to speak.
I knew I was a perfectly placed to do it but moving to France, renovating an old farmhouse, and having our little girl put the breaks on.
Now, nearly two years after our move, I am finally ready to launch.
What is it?
The platform I have chosen is called Teachable. It’s great for mobile users because you can download the app (for free) and watch incredibly easily online. For people wishing to log in on laptops it’s seamless. And it’s even easy to connect up your phone or your laptop to the TV so you can enjoy the courses on a big screen.
The idea is to have a series of mini courses, so that you can pick and choose your own wine education journey like building blocks.
Whilst each course is slightly different, the principle will be the same. Video content in short(ish) sip-size videos as well as downloadable ‘cheat sheets’ that will serve to help you as you continue your wine journey.
I will be releasing these slowly, as and when I create them, indefinitely. So you can stack them one on top of the other at your own pace - if you wish!
What is the first course?
To give you a flavour of the kind of thing to expect throughout the course, I can talk you through the first one, which I released just last week.
For each course, I’ve included a video of ‘How to Taste’ which is the introduction to each and every course, and recommended before you start and of the videos.
As my lovely readers, I’ve give you first access, free, as a sample :)
After that, the first course is ‘Grape Fundamentals: 9 Most Important Grapes’
The course includes the videos, downloadable cheat sheets and wine lists (details below) for the nine most important international grape varieties in the world:
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio
Riesling
Pinot Noir
Grenache
Syrah
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Is wine included?
I’ve intentionally not included wine kits, for now. Whilst I’ve been working with sample packs for nearly 5 years, they’re not the most cost effective solution if you would rather spend less on wines. It would also not be very helpful if I showed you a whole host of ‘excellent examples’ that were impossible to find at your local shop.
Instead, I have given a list of wines, organised by retailer (for now this includes, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Majestic and The Wine Society) so you can choose your own price and your own place to buy. You are also not obliged in any way to buy all the wines, you could simply buy a bottle of the right grape.
IMPORTANTLY: You do NOT need to even taste a wine to get value out the courses! They’re designed to be able to be watched on the tube with a coffee, on the sofa with cup of tea, or even sneakily at your desk with a glass of water.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone with an interest in wine.
For a total beginner, they might find watching the video a few times more helpful. For someone who has already taken a course or read up on wine then might find some videos require one watch and other varieties they’re less familiar with might need it twice.
It would suit anyone who wants a bit more confidence when opening a wine list or out doing the shop.
It’s also IDEAL for:
People who don’t have a local wine tasting school
People with young children as an ‘activity’ that doesn’t require a babysitter
People who need to improve their wine knowledge to entertain clients or eat out with colleagues
People who can’t commit to the same time each wine for a longer ‘live’ wine course
People who have adult children and want to enjoy an activity together
Can I give it as a gift?
Absolutely! It’s a brilliant gift and the teachable platform make it easy to simply buy it and send it via email to the recipient :) My parents have bought some as Christmas presents this year and they have also bought a case of 9 wines - one of each variety - for the extra special people.
Why did it take you so long?
Well, not only did I decide to take on an international relocation, the French bureaucracy, a job change and a house renovation; we welcomed our little girl in July (the week I had planned to record the first series of videos!)
But also, my wonderful sister Helen, who just so happens to be an award winning documentary maker, forced me to get my arse in gear. My husband looked after the baby whilst we spent several days crammed into a make shift studio in my cellar and then weeks editing the videos and making sure all the maps and charts were in the perfect spots. She’s a champion.
When is it available??
NOW!
https://anna-spooner-wine.teachable.com
Anything else?
Just to say a VERY VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
And, if in doubt, always open the more expensive bottle at Christmas ;)