Testimonials

Joëlle Désy & James Nicholson - Halifax, Canada

As two food & wine enthusiasts not directly involved in the hospitality or wine industry, we were interested in furthering our knowledge of wine and spirits. We found the WSET curriculum and the course levels offered by Autour du Vin to be very appealing. Since Septembre 2014, we have taken both the Level I and Level II WSET courses offered through Autour du Vin. We found the quality and professionalism of the courses presented by Tracy Dobbin and her team to be excellent. Tracey’s passion for wine and spirit education is infectious and all participants benefited from both her tremendous knowledge and passion for these courses.    

Dr. Richard Smart - International viticulture scientist and consultant

I met Tracey Dobbin at an educational weekend I ran in September 2013 at a vineyard near Bristol...Tracey and I decided to run a repeat course over one day in Bordeaux, to correspond with a scheduled MW course...Tracey capably managed the event for me, and helped keep my students happy throughout the day...Tracey has my full support and confidence in her ambitions to establish a business with wine education and wine events. She is a very competent and enthusiastic person.    

It was a pleasure, first class Level 3 !! and Thank you!! we had a lovely experience learning with you, you are a great teacher.

It was a pleasure tasting all those amazing wines and advancing our knowledge together.  I would love any opportunities to taste wines again with this group.

Nathan Pryor, Managing Partner, - Mainbrace International Ltd. - Halifax, Canada

Just wanted to say thanks again for your great instruction in the class this past week.  You made the experience approachable, fun, and of course educational.  I am not sure if I will pursue level 4, but I feel this experience was tremendously worthwhile...I knew I needed help with my tasting technique.  This course provided that in spades.  I will definitely recommend you to any interested parties.

Cheryl Doherty - Old Triangle Restaurant - Halifax, Canada

Thank you so much for all of your assistance. Your enthusiasm is infectious and you have made me a better taster, skills I would like to continue to develop. I am interested in pursuing Level 4.

Megan McDonald - Raymonds Restaurant - Halifax, Canada

I learned so much from you throughout the course. I since have been asked to train as a junior sommelier at Raymonds. I'm super motivated to learn more and hopefully start level 4 in the new year! Thank you for everything!!!

Lee Clarke - Newfoundland Liquor Corporation - Canada

I had the pleasure to take the WSET (2/3) course(s) offered by Tracey and Autour Du Vin. Tracey teaches with a laid-back passion. It is with this passion that she approaches her classes in comfortable and exciting way to learn about and experience wines. There is no ego in her teaching. As a student/learner it is very important for me to feel calm, interested and part of the process. Tracey is able to achieve this balance with her style and energy in the learning environment. Tracey is very approachable, be it, in the classroom or outside the classroom. She is always willing to answer questions. I would recommend Autour Du Vin and the courses to anyone whether it is an introduction to wine or an in depth look into the world of wine.  

Karen Nause - Halifax, Canada

As a student of Autour du Vin I wouldn't hesitate to recommend classes to anyone, whether it be someone in the trade or an enthusiast looking to learn more. Tracey has a way of using her personal experience and knowledge that not only makes the training fun but also adds a higher level of value. Tracey and her team at Autour du Vin make an already enjoyable topic even better. Sante!    

Wei-Ting Su - France

Tracey is a passionate and patient teacher. With her, I learned how to taste a wine professionally and figured out what can interest a wine buyer. With her, I improved my tasting skill and wine knowledge. A great learing and sharing experience !

Helga Natas - Sovex Grands Chateaux - Export Manager

Sitting in Switzerland by lake Geneva and sipping some local gamay, swirling and checking out red fruits and acidity :)) omg your class was soooo interesting and I am so impressed how knowledgeable you are! And inspiring!! You have a talent for transmitting your knowledge, I'm so happy I started the wset with you! I have already recommend it to colleagues and friends in the trade. There were things I were familiar with, but I never had such a methodological approach to tasting! Chapeau bas to you!! I finished the book and I can't wait till next Friday!

Priscila Frausto Torres - Project Manager Vinos y Vinos - Monterrey, Mexico

Tastings guided by Tracey Dobbin, are always a complete experience. With deep and detailed information of the theme in matter, great wine selection chosen carefully to give a full vision of the theme, and caring so much about the satisfaction of each student. Tracey possesses the greatest wine knowledge; she’s a great teacher and one of the most passionate wine professionals in the field. Thirst of wine knowledge was always satiated in Tracey’s tastings.

Kaitlin Lanthier - London

I had the privilege of taking some private tasting sessions with Tracey over the course of a year.  Each tasting was themed to focus on a particular region, and each class began with a detailed introduction of the region and the styles of wine we could expect to taste. I looked forward to my weekly sessions with Tracey.  Her immense passion for wines shines through.  I have never seen someone so happy to be teaching.  She is eager to share her knowledge and takes pride in her students.  Tracey has taught me so much, and you'll be hard pressed to find someone better!

Benedicte Helvershou - Product Manager - Norway

Tracey is the best teacher I have ever had. She is amazingly patient and she refuses to let go before she has found the proper way to explain to me the things I don't understand, using different metaphors, approaches and angles until I get it. Her wine enthusiasm is contagious and has definitely made me much more dedicated to learn about wine. Her knowledge is profound and to me she is like an encyclopaedia when it comes to questions regarding wine. Tracey is also an excellent wine taster, if only I can ever reach her level!! Thanks for everything you taught me and the passion for wine you awoke in me!

Davide Agus - Wine Consultant - Italy

Tracey's tutoring wine guided tastings are a combination of high standards and a practical, fun approach. The wines selected and tasted communicate her passion for discovering and presenting wines both for didactic reasons and for pleasure.

Genevieve R. - USA

Tracey is an excellent instructor. Not only is she highly knowledgeable, but her passion and enthusiasm for wine manifests itself in her teaching style. Her classes are fun, engaging and bring the subject matter to life. Tracey's courses provide students with a sound understanding of technical concepts and terminology but also ensure that they are able to effectively communicate about wine with a broader audience. I believe that people at all levels can benefit enormously from Tracey's classes.

Isabella Ankarberg - Assistant Product Manager - Sweden

Tracey is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who does her uttermost to make sure everyone is involved and understands what she is talking about. Her extensive knowledge about wine makes her a trustable teacher

WSET® Certifications

WSET® represents the world reference for wine training. Spread over three successive levels, the course offered delivers internationally recognized diplomas at each stage. WSET® education is for everyone, amateurs and professionals alike.

» Learn more about WSET® certifications

Testimonials

  • Tracey is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who does her uttermost to make sure everyone is involved and understands what she is talking about. Her extensive knowledge about wine makes her a trustable teacher

    Isabella Ankarberg
    Assistant Product Manager - Sweden

  • I met Tracey Dobbin at an educational weekend I ran in September 2013 at a vineyard near Bristol...Tracey and I decided to run a repeat course over one day in Bordeaux, to correspond with a scheduled MW course...Tracey capably managed…

    Dr. Richard Smart
    International viticulture scientist and consultant -

  • Tracey is the best teacher I have ever had. She is amazingly patient and she refuses to let go before she has found the proper way to explain to me the things I don't understand, using different metaphors, approaches and…

    Benedicte Helvershou
    Product Manager - Norway

  • As a student of Autour du Vin I wouldn't hesitate to recommend classes to anyone, whether it be someone in the trade or an enthusiast looking to learn more. Tracey has a way of using her personal experience and knowledge that not only makes the…

    Karen Nause
    - Halifax, Canada

  • I had the privilege of taking some private tasting sessions with Tracey over the course of a year.  Each tasting was themed to focus on a particular region, and each class began with a detailed introduction of the region and…

    Kaitlin Lanthier
    - London

  • Tastings guided by Tracey Dobbin, are always a complete experience. With deep and detailed information of the theme in matter, great wine selection chosen carefully to give a full vision of the theme, and caring so much about the satisfaction…

    Priscila Frausto Torres
    Project Manager Vinos y Vinos - Monterrey, Mexico

See all testimonials »