Courses and certifications
Texas Wine Ambassador courses cover the state we farm in. WSET courses cover the world. Both end with an exam, a pin and a certificate.
Texas track
TX 1A one-day course built here and taught only by the Academy. You learn the core themes of growing grapes in Texas, how to taste with intention and how to answer the usual doubts about Texas wine in a few clear sentences. Every certified Ambassador leaves able to talk about Texas-grown wine with guests in a concise, meaningful way.
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TX 2The next step past the Ambassador course and a close look at Texas terroir. You reason through varietal choices, study modern vineyard practice, compare how winemakers respond to the state’s major growing regions, and workshop the service and sales techniques that move Texas wine.
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World track · WSET Approved Programme Provider
WSET 1A first course in wine for anyone starting out, in the industry or not. No experience needed. You taste eight wines from around the world, work through classroom exercises and talk it through with an instructor.
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WSET 2Rigorous and rewarding. Over several sessions you travel the wine world through more than 30 samples, covering vineyard and winemaking choices, the principal grapes, regional styles and the Systematic Approach to Tasting®.
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WSET 3From core understanding to working proficiency. You learn how growing, making and maturation shape the style, quality and price of still, sparkling and fortified wines, and apply it to more than 65 samples. A two-part exam tests theory and blind tasting.
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Private and staff training
Any of these courses can run as a private class for your staff, at the winery or at your place.
A native of the Texas High Plains, ANDREW SIDES’ path in winemaking began while working at the family farm (vineyard) alongside Uncle Andy Timmons during his high school summer breaks. After earning his degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech, Andrew took a 9-5 job in San Antonio but couldn’t resist being pulled back toward the passion he’d cultivated for growing and making wine. In 2012, Andrew and Andy partnered with Troy Ottmers, Andrew’s father-in-law, to launch Lost Draw, a winery focused on growing and sharing wines from the Texas High Plains. Since then, the Lost Draw portfolio has expanded to feature wines from several other Texas AVAs and has captured the attention of local and national press along with many adoring fans.