Kathryn Arceneaux
I worked for 21 years as a counselor and social worker. It was a fulfilling career, but in 2018, I decided I needed a change, one that would allow me to meet new people and embrace my passion and love of wine. I started like most, working in tasting rooms and describing wines. My guests always commented that they enjoyed my engaging manner of explaining winemaking styles, the wine itself, and how I unpretentiously answered any questions they asked. In Fall 2019, I decided to pursue certification as a sommelier, and registered to take the Level 1 Master Sommelier Exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers in San Francisco. With a scheduled date of May 2020, I had almost a full year to prepare. I think you know what happened next: Covid postponed my exam. But not just once- three times. It was agonizing, but I always try to make the best out of things. And in this case, I gained extra time to study. So I made lemonade out of lemons by reaching out to the WSET exam and requested special permission to jump the first two levels. I studied intensely every day for three straight months and on December 13, 2020, drive from my home in Pismo Beach to Las Vegas to take the exam. The gamble I took in 2018 paid off on February 27, 2021 when I learned that I not only passed my exam, but passed with merit. I take great pride and joy in my achievement as a certified Level 3 Sommelier, but most of all it is now my pleasure to share with others my knowledge of wine from around the world.
Sommelier, Wine Spirits Education Trade (WSET) Level 3
Sommelier, Wine Spirits Education Trade (WSET) Level 3
