Student Member
Currently undertaking a course, apprenticeship or structured training programme. No age restriction.
Recognises: Recognition of your learning journey in beverage culture
WBI Membership
A Community for the People Who Keep Beverage Cultures Alive
WBI membership recognises experience, practical skill, learning and contribution to beverage culture — from growers and makers to hosts, teachers, researchers and the organisations that carry traditions forward.
Why Join WBI
Our purpose is to support the understanding and transmission of beverage traditions across generations.
Members are part of that work. Membership gives your experience a recognised, verifiable place within an international cultural institution, and connects you with people who share your commitment to the knowledge behind every drink.
Every member receives
- Membership number and verifiable digital certificate
- Digital membership badge for your profile, website or e-mail signature
- Member resources and WBI updates on beverage culture
- Access to WBI events and member invitations
Membership grades are assessed — not selected or purchased. You never choose your own category: WBI offers the category your evidence supports.
Membership Categories
Experience thresholds are guidelines, not automatic rejection rules. Family businesses, traditional craftsmanship, volunteering, community teaching and informal learning are recognised alongside conventional employment and education.
Associate Member
Genuine interest in beverages or beverage culture. No minimum experience or formal qualification required.
Recognises: A place in the WBI community for people who care about beverage culture
Member
Normally two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of learning and practical achievement. One or two work examples are usually sufficient.
Recognises: Recognition of your professional experience and practical achievement
Fellow
Normally seven years of relevant experience, or five years with a meaningful contribution to the profession, education or cultural preservation. Requires human endorsement.
Recognises: WBI's highest individual grade, recognising sustained contribution to the profession, education or cultural preservation
Institutional Member
Verified organisation and authorised representative with a credible connection to WBI's mission. No minimum turnover, staff count or operating history.
Recognises: Recognition of your organisation's connection to WBI's mission; Team access for colleagues (team access does not grant individual professional grades)
Accepted Forms of Experience
We look at what you have done and learned, wherever it happened:
- employment in the beverage industry, hospitality, trade or research
- family businesses and inherited practice
- traditional craftsmanship and apprenticeships
- volunteering, community teaching and cultural preservation
- formal education, courses and informal or self-directed learning
- writing, documentation, publications and projects
What we never use
English fluency, nationality and the prestige of an employer are never used as a measure of competence. References and formal qualifications are not required for every applicant.
Individual or institution
Individuals apply for themselves. Organisations — cooperatives, family firms, associations, schools, museums, companies — apply through an authorised representative. Institutional membership has no minimum turnover, staff count or operating history.
Application and Assessment
How It Works
- ApplyTell us about your experience, learning and contribution. Save and return at any time.
- AssessmentAn AI-assisted assessment compares your evidence with the published criteria. Human assessors review Fellow, institutional and exceptional cases — and any case on request.
- Private offerWBI offers the appropriate category. The annual fee and terms are shared privately with your offer.
- Accept & activateAccept your membership and pay securely online. Nothing is charged before you accept.
- Portal & certificateDownload your verifiable certificate and badge, and manage your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my application assessed?
WBI uses an AI-assisted assessment to compare the information you provide with the approved criteria and to explain which category your evidence supports. The AI does not make final decisions on Fellow or Institutional membership, and any applicant can ask for human review. Missing information leads to a question, never an automatic rejection.
Can I choose my membership category?
No. Membership grades are assessed, not selected or purchased. WBI offers the highest category your evidence supports.
How much does membership cost?
Annual membership fees are communicated privately with your offer. Applying carries no obligation to join, and you see the complete fee and terms before you accept.
What if I disagree with the outcome?
You can request a reconsideration from your Membership Portal at any time after a decision or offer. It is reviewed by an assessor who was not involved in the first decision.
How does renewal work?
Membership runs for 12 months from activation. Renewal is not automatic: before your membership expires we will send you a renewal offer. Renewal does not require a new application. Automatic renewal charges are only ever made with your separate, explicit consent.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Upgrades are reassessed on your new evidence — they cannot simply be bought.
What does the certificate mean?
The WBI certificate recognises WBI membership. It is not an academic degree, statutory licence or external accreditation. Anyone can check a certificate's current status on the verification page.
Tell us about your connection to beverage culture
WBI will assess your application and offer the appropriate membership category. Annual membership fees are communicated privately with your offer. Applying carries no obligation to join.