WSET Level 2 in Wines

This beginner to intermediate qualification course provides a structured exploration of the world of wine and is suitable for both wine enthusiasts and aspiring wine and hospitality professionals.

This course runs over 3x Sundays 10am-5pm in central Cambridge (see dates below).

You will gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you will explore all the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe wines with confidence.

You do not have to first complete Level 1 - you can jump in straight at this level (Level 2) if you like.

Course dates

3 x Sunday sessions running 10am-5pm.

• for the Feb course:
  Sun 02 Feb, 09 Feb, 16 Feb
• for the Mar course: 
  Sun 09 Mar, 16 Mar, 23 Mar
• for the Apr/May course
  Sun 27 Apr, Sun 04 May, (one week gap) then Sun 18 May 
• The final day includes the multiple-choice exam. If a problem arises and you think you cannot attend that date, you can take the exam online at home (£40 fee for remote invigilation) or wait until our next occasion.
• We recommend a minimum of 14 hours of additional home study

What the course covers

16 hours of tuition covering:

• how to describe different wines with confidence 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 from around the world:
  - made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
  - produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) 
• Sparkling wines
• Fortified wines
• Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
• Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wines
• Principles of food and wine pairing

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification.

We recommend you read the course specification document before you book the course (read it by clicking here). 

Examination

The exam is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. A mark of 55% is required to pass the exam, 70% to pass with merit and 85% to pass with distinction. 

You will also be given practice multiple-choice revision questions during the course.

Course fee includes

• All WSET course materials: Looking Behind the Label course manual, Workbook and study guide, SAT Tasting Card
• More than 40 wine samples with fully tutored tasting to develop your assessment skills 
• Sessions taught by WSET Certified Tutor
• Practice multiple-choice questions
• Internationally recognised WSET qualification, certificate and pin for those who pass the exam

Special Educational Needs

Please make the school aware if you have a condition qualifying you for additional help during the exam (such as dyslexia).