Congratulations to Amy Karasavas, SWS, for passing the Spanish Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About Amy:
Wine was a passion well before it was a profession. In 2018, I took the plunge and became a certified sommelier with the Sommelier Society of America. Soon after, I launched my wine events and education company, That Pour Woman. I also work part-time at the historical and gorgeous wine shop Pasanella & Son in South Street Seaport. The goal is to expand my business and eventually open my own shop.
In 2021, I took my WSET Three exam and passed with distinction. That bolstered my confidence to continue with WSET and I’m currently a Diploma candidate. I passed my D1 and D2 exams in 2022 and recently took the D5 exam, focused on fortified wines.
The SWS program helped me prepare for Diploma by presenting a holistic view of a single country. Needing to know the details of history, topography, viticulture and viniculture helped me study at the same level for WSET.
I don’t think wine education programs are necessary to excel in this industry, but they work for me. I have ADHD and it’s incredibly helpful to have the structure and accountability that a class provides. I’d like to see wine education become accessible to more people, particularly where cost is concerned.
The SWS program help me specialize. As I spend more time in the industry, I’m drawn to particular grapes and regions. Right now my focus is on Spain, Portugal, and native U.S. varietals. Those are the wines that make me happy. Those are the wines I’m excited to talk about.
