A passion for wine, a love of travel, and the desire to reconnect with hospitality – for Martha Braide, the WSET® courses at the Académie du Vin were more than just an intellectual challenge. They were the beginning of a new chapter that transformed her retirement plans.
As she approached the end of a long and successful career in financial services, Martha Braide began reflecting on how she wanted to spend her retirement. With a background in hotel and hospitality management earlier in life, she found herself drawn back to that world. This time, with a focus on storytelling and sharing her love for travel, food and wine as she explored the globe.
Her curiosity and commitment led her to the Académie du Vin in Zurich, where she enrolled in WSET® Levels 2 and 3. «I had always thought of myself as a fairly knowledgeable wine enthusiast,» she says. «But the Académie du Vin took my understanding to a new level.»
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Real-world Experiences
Through lectures, tastings, and an excellent online program, Martha gained insight into viticulture, winemaking, and sensory evaluation. She found herself diving deep into the nuances of vineyard practices and winemaking decisions – and how they affect what ends up in the glass. «I started reading Jancis Robinson’s tasting notes, and exploring how winemakers describe their own processes,» she recalls. «It helped bridge the gap between the theory I was learning and the real-world experiences I was having.»
A Passport to the Wine World
Since graduating in May 2022, Martha has embraced wine exploration with open arms – and open notebooks. She’s visited vineyards across Spain, Portugal, France, and New Zealand, always with curiosity and questions at the ready. And wherever she goes, the training pays off: «When sommeliers or winemakers hear that I’ve completed WSET® Level 3, the tone shifts. Suddenly I’m being shown parts of the cellar not open to the public, or they have a special wine for me to try.» She adds: «It feels as though I’ve joined a special club.»
Writing, Tasting, Translating
Martha has also pursued extended culinary programmes in London and Tokyo and is now writing about her global adventures, often spotlighting food and wine. In addition to writing, she’s been invited to host wine tastings, consult for events, and even translate materials for a wine organisation. What’s next? Possibly WSET® Level IV – the pathway to becoming a Master of Wine. «Thanks to my time at the Académie du Vin,» she says, «I know I’ll be well prepared.»