Charlotte Crul DipWSET

Sommelier @Puro Wijnen - WineWise Trainer

Charlotte Crul lives and breathes wine. With over two decades of experience in the industry, she has built an impressive career: from sommelier at the Michelin-starred restaurant Cuines 33 to co-running Puro Wijnen, the specialized wine shop she manages with her husband. Since July 2024, she has been fully dedicated to the business, while also sharing her expertise as a WineWise Trainer in Knokke-Heist (WSET L2) and Gent (WSET L3). Behind this dynamic professional life is also a mother of two who consciously strives for balance.

Balance through energy and teamwork

How do you juggle so many roles without burning out? For Charlotte, the key lies in managing her energy. She follows her intuition and deliberately chooses to work with people, wines, and projects that energize her. “Organization is absolutely crucial,” she explains. Fortunately, she can rely on her “fantastic MANager” – her husband – who takes care of many administrative tasks. This strong partnership allows her to focus on what she does best.

A drive to keep learning

Despite being an established name in the wine world, Charlotte’s hunger for knowledge remains strong. “The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know,” she says. Education, for her, creates a snowball effect. The WSET program not only expanded her knowledge but also instilled a disciplined study ethic that still forms her foundation today. Beyond wine, she draws inspiration from top performers in other industries, translating their insights into her own field. This broader curiosity fuels her creativity and perspective.

The impact of the WSET Diploma

Earning the WSET Level 4 Diploma in 2024 marked a turning point. Charlotte wanted to become the wine professional she envisioned, and she felt there were still gaps in her knowledge. The program helped her connect theory with tasting and provided a structured approach to understanding and communicating about wine. “WineWise created a supportive environment where even complex topics became accessible,” she says. WineWise’s personal, grounded, and ego-free approach made a lasting impact.

From professional to educator

Initially, Charlotte never saw herself as a teacher, but today she finds great fulfillment in wine education. Sharing knowledge and inspiring others gives her energy. Her role as an ambassador for wine regions such as Ribera del Duero and the Côtes du Rhône has further shaped her as an educator. Representing these regions goes beyond promotion—it challenges her to translate terroir and tradition into clear, engaging stories and adapt her message to different audiences. This continuous exchange with both professionals and enthusiasts has been key in her evolution into a confident wine trainer.

Charly’s Tastings: creativity and experience

With her project Charly’s Tastings, Charlotte takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on a single region or grape, she embraces a global and creative perspective on wine. Each event has its own concept, inspired by new discoveries, trends, and, above all, enjoyment. Her tastings combine solid wine knowledge with an accessible and lively atmosphere. “I want both my audience and myself to keep enjoying it,” she explains. This personal approach makes her events authentic and sustainable in the long run.

Tasting with an open mind

When discovering new wines, Charlotte relies on the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) to remain objective. At the same time, she consciously makes an effort to understand and appreciate other people’s tastes, keeping her perspective open and her selection diverse.

The most memorable wine moments

When asked about her most memorable wine experience, Charlotte doesn’t point to the most exclusive bottle. Instead, she recalls personal milestones. “After the birth of my children or after running a marathon… that first glass of champagne always stays with me.” These emotional moments are what truly give wine its meaning for her.

A final message

Charlotte leaves aspiring students with a clear message: don’t be intimidated by the depth or intensity of WSET programs. “If it aligns with who you want to become, you can absolutely succeed.”

An inspiring perspective from someone who proves that passion, discipline, and curiosity can go hand in hand.