We believe one of IWC’s greatest strengths is our instructors.
Over the years, we have built a team of knowledgeable and passionate educators to ensure our students receive the best possible instruction. Each one is an expert who holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines & Spirits. The same care and hard work that they applied to their studies is evident in their teaching. And, above all, they share our common ethic here at IWC that the student is very important to us, and we really want every student to succeed.
Anne Cox, DipWSET
How long have you been teaching at IWC?
Since 2016.
Before you were an instructor at IWC you were a student; tell us about your experience.
IWC offers a high caliber and comprehensive learning environment. The instruction was first rate. At the time, there is a big jump between Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in terms of one’s need to undertake independent research and reading to sufficiently master the subject matter. Those, like me, coming from a non-industry background needed to be aware of this additional challenge at the Diploma level.
Tell us about your degrees, certifications, and accreditations.
- Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET®)
- WSET® Certified Educator, Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET®)
- UC Davis, Economics
- MBA Columbia University, Award for Academic Excellence for graduating top of class with 4.0 GPA
When did you realize that wine was more than a just a passion or hobby?
After over two decades in investment management, I took some time off—not sure of what my next move would be. After being very successful in that field, it was a personal challenge to open my mind to other possibilities and challenges. I always had an interest in wine and food, but never had any time to pursue it with zeal. I felt like I had acquired smatterings of information over the years, but it all formed and unfinished mosaic. I began studying at IWC and was delighted to acquire a comprehensive framework on which to build my knowledge. I was able to connect all the prior bits I had learned, and develop a real structure within which to expand my studies. I soon discovered the more you learn, the more there is to learn. I knew then, I was hooked.
Did you always hope to work in the industry?
I had often hoped to work in the wine industry, but it took retirement from my career in finance to make it possible. Growing up in Northern California and earning my undergrad degree at UC Davis, wine was always an interest. I flirted with switching my pre-med studies to Viticulture and Oenology, but lacked the nerve to make the leap. I feel lucky to have a second chance.
For those not quite ready to dive into formal studies, what’s the best way to start educating oneself on wine and spirits?
My recipe is pretty simple, find something you love to drink and use that pleasure as the inspiration to learn all you can about it. Whether it is a particular appellation, a grape variety, a spirit—whatever hooks you. This will invariably propel you to discover all kinds of information about production techniques, history, producers, style variation etc.
Can you share a personal “aha” wine or spirits moment with us?
I still remember the first time I had a Tokaij Aszú. I was blown away by the balance and complexity. The finish seemed endless…
