WSET Award in Wines - Level 1 & 2

• Level 1

Level 1 Award in Wines is an ideal starting point for wine enthusiasts wanting to get to grips with the basics. In a short space of time, you’ll find yourself feeling much more confident tasting wine, navigating a wine list, buying bottles and pairing wine with food. 

The level 1 course will cover:

• The main types and styles of wine
• Common wine grapes and their characteristics
• How to make food and wine pairings
• Tutored tasting of nine wines (except online courses)
• How to store and serve wine
• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

Assessment: The Level 1 Award in Wines examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. The exam will take place at the end of the course day. To pass you must correctly answer 70% of the questions. Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
 

• Level 2

You’ll gain enviable knowledge to be a more confident wine taster, able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties. You'll know how to interpret wine labels from the main wine-producing regions of the world, and how to store, serve, taste and pair wines to get the best out of every glass.

This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time, including: 16 hours of guided learning (in the classroom or online); 11 hours of personal study and revision; A one-hour examination

The level 2 course covers:

• How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
• How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz
• The style and quality of wines: made from 22 regionally important grape varieties (e.g. Nebbiolo, Malbec and Viognier); produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
• How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of: Sparkling wines, Fortified wines
• Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
• Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
• Principles of food and wine pairing

Assessment: The Level 2 Award in Wines examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes/one hour. Pass marks: Pass: 55% - 69%; Pass with Merit: 70% - 84%; Pass with Distinction: 85% and above. All students who pass the examination will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. This qualification is Ofqual regulated.