Red Apron Sommeliers Earn WSET Level 4 Diploma: A New Milestone for the Wine Expert Team

Red Apron proudly celebrates another remarkable achievement as Sommelier Huy Nguyễn and Laura Gutiérrez have officially completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma, the highest level in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualification system.

This accomplishment represents not only a personal milestone for both experts but also an important step forward in reinforcing the professional depth and service standards of the Red Apron sommelier team in Vietnam.

As the wine market continues to grow rapidly, having Vietnamese sommeliers attain the WSET Diploma carries particular significance: raising the standards of wine consultation, education, and customer experience across the industry.

For wine lovers, premium gift buyers, and corporate partners alike, being advised by a Diploma-qualified expert means greater confidence in every recommendation, ensuring the right wine, for the right occasion, within the right budget.

This difference comes from a strong foundation of knowledge, structured tasting methodology, and extensive industry experience.

1. WSET Level 4 Diploma - A Prestigious Academic Milestone in the Wine Industry

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading wine education organisation, offering a structured qualification system across four levels.

Among them, the WSET Level 4 Diploma is widely regarded as the highest academic achievement within the WSET framework before embarking on the journey toward master-level titles in the wine industry.

The Diploma is considered one of the most challenging programmes because candidates must simultaneously master:

• Comprehensive knowledge of viticulture, winemaking, and the global wine market
• Advanced tasting and analytical skills - evaluating structure, style, balance, and ageing potential rather than simply whether a wine is “good” or “easy to drink”
• Strong critical thinking and academic argumentation, presented clearly and supported by evidence
• Long-term dedication and discipline, as the programme typically takes several years to complete

For this reason, earning the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Vietnam is far more than obtaining a certificate. It represents a solid professional foundation and a long-term commitment to the wine industry.

For an entity that both distributes premium wines and provides education, having Red Apron sommeliers with WSET Diploma qualifications translates directly into higher consultation standards and increasingly structured training at Red Apron Wine School.

The WSET Level 4 Diploma is widely regarded as one of the most respected academic credentials for wine professionals worldwide.

2. Sommelier Huy Nguyễn: From International Achievements to Elevating the Sommelier Profession

Completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma marks a new chapter in the professional journey of Sommelier Huy Nguyễn, currently Business Development Manager at Red Apron.

He has previously earned recognition through several notable achievements:

• Best Sommelier in French Wine - HOPSCOTCH Season 2017
• Runner-up - Ambassadeur du Monde du Vin (AMV) 2024, organised by Jeannie Cho Lee MW
• Internship experience at Weingut von Winning (Germany)

These milestones reflect the growing presence of a Vietnamese sommelier with WSET Diploma credentials confidently engaging on the international stage.

In 2024, Huy Nguyễn also played a pioneering role in bringing the first Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) course to Vietnam through Red Apron Wine School.

The CMS programme is one of the world’s most respected sommelier training systems, taught by Master Sommeliers and designed to train professionals to the highest international standards.
Introducing CMS in Vietnam opens new opportunities for the next generation of wine professionals to access global-level education without leaving the country.

With the Diploma now completed, Huy Nguyễn’s role extends beyond advising clients on premium wines for private and corporate occasions. He also contributes to building a more structured sommelier training ecosystem and inspiring the professional community in Vietnam.

Sommelier Huy Nguyễn - Red Apron expert who achieved the WSET Level 4 Diploma and contributes to raising professional standards for sommeliers in Vietnam.

3. Laura Gutiérrez: Sharing Wine Knowledge and Passion Through International Standards

Alongside Huy Nguyễn’s milestone, wine educator Laura Gutiérrez has also successfully completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma, achieving Pass with Merit - a recognition of strong performance across both advanced theory examinations and rigorous tasting assessments.

Born and raised in Spain, where wine is an integral part of daily life, Laura developed an early and lasting connection with the world of wine.

After graduating in Hospitality Management, she pursued her career in Dublin, where she managed one of Ireland’s largest wine cellars. This experience gave her both a strong commercial perspective and a solid technical foundation.

With over eight years of experience in the wine industry, Laura has developed expertise across both business and education:

• Four years at Celliers d’Asie (Sales & Marketing)
• Spanish Wine Scholar certification (Highest Honours)
• French Wine Scholar certification

Completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma with Merit highlights not only her academic capabilities but also the discipline, analytical skills, and resilience required to complete such a demanding programme.

Today, as an educator at Red Apron Wine School, Laura teaches WSET courses while also supporting the development of the CMS programme in Vietnam.

Laura Gutiérrez - Red Apron Wine School educator who completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma with Merit.

4. Elevating Wine Consultation and Education at Red Apron Wine School

Having two professionals complete the WSET Level 4 Diploma brings tangible benefits to both customers and students.

4.1 For wine lovers

• Personalised wine recommendations tailored to taste preferences
   (full-bodied or light, structured or soft, fruit-driven or earthy, fresh or rich)
• Deeper understanding of terroir, wine style, and structure
• Structured tasting experiences that help people not only enjoy wine, but understand it

The Red Apron sommelier team brings WSET Diploma-level expertise into every wine consultation.

4.2 For corporate clients and gift buyers

• Curated premium wine gift solutions aligned with budgets and brand messaging
• Food and wine pairing recommendations for events and receptions
• Introductory wine training sessions for hospitality and service teams

4.3 For students at Red Apron Wine School

• Learning with WSET Diploma-qualified sommeliers
• Access to international-standard WSET programmes
• Expanded career opportunities in the wine and luxury hospitality industries

Students experience hands-on classes at Red Apron Wine School, guided by Diploma-qualified experts.

As Vietnam’s wine market continues to develop rapidly, genuine expertise and internationally recognised education will remain the foundation for sustainable growth and differentiation.

5. Celebrating a New Milestone - Discover the Red Apron Expert Team

The achievement of Red Apron sommeliers completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma is a proud milestone for Huy Nguyễn and Laura Gutiérrez, and a clear reflection of Red Apron’s long-term commitment to elevating wine standards in Vietnam.

Whether you are looking for:

• Expert guidance in selecting premium wines for dinners, collections, or gifts
   
• Thoughtfully curated corporate wine gift solutions
   
• WSET courses or professional sommelier training

The WSET Level 4 Diploma achievement reflects the international expertise behind the Red Apron sommelier team.

Discover the Red Apron expert team or contact Red Apron Wine School for personalised guidance