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Which WSET Course is right for me?

If you are just starting out you can start at Level 1 or Level 2 if you have some knowledge. We strongly advise not to start at Level 3. The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is the biggest  and students who do this often find the Level 3 course overwhelming.

See below for a brief outline of each level and sample exam questions.

Build Your Knowledge As you Move Up the Levels 💪 

⬇ More Details on Each Level ⬇

and Example Exam Questions

Level 1 - Introduction to Wine

What You Will Learn
  1. How to taste wine like a professional
  2. Key stages of grape growing and winemaking
  3. Different types and styles of wines
  4. The characteristics of the 8 principal grape varieties and their wines
  5. Characteristics of other popular wines
  6. How to store and serve wine
  7. Guidance on food and wine pairing

Typical Exam Questions at Level 1:

1. Which one of the following grape varieties produces red wine

(a) Cabernet Sauvignon, (b) Sauvignon Blanc, (c) Riesling, (d) Chardonnay

2. Chablis is a

(a) dry white wine, (b) dry red wine, (c) sweet white wine, (d) a sweet red wine

3. Which one of the following is a fortified wine?

(a) Cava, (b) Beaujolais, (c) Prosecco, (d) Port

 

Answers: 1a, 2a, 3d

Level 1 - More Details and Pricing

Level 2 - Looking Behind the Label

What You Will Learn 
  1. How to taste and evaluate wine like a professional
  2. Key labelling terms and what they mean
  3. Characteristics of 30 important grape varieties
  4. Factors influencing style and quality of wine
  5. Winemaking and maturation
  6. How to store and serve wine
  7. Guidance on food and wine pairing

Typical Exam Questions at Level 2:

1. Compared with red wines, white wines are generally fermented at

(a) either higher or lower temperatures, (b) the same temperature, (c) higher temperatures, (d) lower temperatures

2. In which one of the following wine regions could a wine be labelled Grand Cru?

(a) Chablis, (b) Vouvray, (c) Minervois, (d) Hermitage

3. Which one of the following best describes a Tawny Port?

(a) Golden in colour, with yeasty flavours, (b) High in tannins and acidity, (c) Sweet, with dried fruit and nutty aromas, (d) Sparkling and dry in style

 

Answers: 1d, 2a, 3c

Level 2 - More Details and Pricing

Level 3 - Understanding Wines:

Explaining Style and Quality

What You Will Learn 

  1. Style, quality and price of wines - identify, understand and explain the principal natural and human factors in the vineyard and in the winery, plus how the law is involved in the production of still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world

  2. Identify and describe the characteristics of the still, sparkling and fortified wines produced in the principal wine producing regions of the world

  3. Demonstrate the ability to provide information and advice to customers and staff about wines.  

Typical Theory Exam Question at Level 3:

There are 50 multiple choice question (50 mraks) plus 4 essay style questions (100 marks) where you need to show that you have understood the theory.

Chardonnay is widely grown throughout California. Explain why the producer of an outstanding quality Chardonnay from Russian River Valley AVA might choose to use malolactic fermentation. (5 marks available)

Answers - (Award 1 mark for each valid point to a maximum of 5 marks in total)

  • It can enhance the quality of a wine, by
  • softening and reducing acidity
  • the creation of buttery flavours
  • giving a round, creamy mouthfeel
  •  improving microbiological stability.
  • It also suits the relatively neutral fruit profile of Chardonnay

Level 3 - More Details and Pricing