Sip Saybrook Owner Derrik Kennedy Announces Successful Completion of WSET Level 4 Diploma

Sip Saybrook Owner Derrik Kennedy Announces Successful Completion of WSET Level 4 Diploma

Sip Wine Bar, which was named Best Wine Bar in CT by CT Magazine in 2024 and 2025, announces owner and Sommelier Derrik Kennedy has achieved another major wine expertise certification 

OLD SAYBROOK,CT – September 4, 2025 – Derrik Kennedy, Owner of Sip Wine Bar in Old Saybrook, CT, enthusiastically announces that after intense study, he has successfully completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 4 Diploma in Wines. An Advanced, specialized qualification, WSET 4 is the highest diploma offered by WSET and requires over 500 hours of study to become proficient in multiple categories, including wine production, business, still wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines. The course ends with both a major research paper and exams, all of which Mr. Kennedy has successfully passed. 

“Building on a passion for wine knowledge, this level of education was the next, right step for me to continue to grow,” said Derrik Kennedy. “Not only do I want to make sure that I can answer any guest’s question about wine, but as a team at Sip, we continue to strive to be the wine of experts of the shoreline.”  

In total, earning his WSET 4 Diploma took six exams and over two-and-a-half years. About this process, Derrik said, “Looking back, it flew by, and I grew from the whole experience. I’m looking forward to applying to the Master of Wine program next year.” WSET 4 is a prerequisite to seeking the Master of Wine qualification. 

Our goal at Sip Wine Bar is to create an atmosphere that removes pretension from the wine experience and helps you discover wonderful wines from around the world, at your pace. We have a wide variety of wines offered by-the-glass, a reliable bottle menu, and an excellent selection of sweet, fortified, and dessert wines for you to enjoy. We hope you will visit Sip Wine Bar to travel the world through wine, and also expand your reach and discover how truly diverse and extraordinary wine can be.  

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Mitchell

Communications Manager

Sip Wine Bar

85 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT

860-339-5513

sipwinebarcomms@gmail.com