WSET Level 2 Award in Wine - Saturday (Classroom) - Mar 2025

Offering an in-depth look at the wines of the world, WSET Level 2 is an excellent intermediate step for learning loads about wine! You'll build your knowledge and gain confidence through getting to knoe the most  important grape varieties from around the world. You'll discover how the environment in which they grow, and the decisions the winemaker makes in the winery, make every wine taste different. You'll learn how to judge the quality of the wines you buy and will soon be talking about and recommending wine so confidently that everyone will want to taste with you!

What the course covers:

• Factors influencing the style of wine: explore how natural factors in the vineyard and winemaking decisions in the winery influence the style and quality of the wine
• Grape varieties: learn about and taste wines produced by the key international red and white grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah/Shiraz
• Wine styles: get to know the styles of wines made from a further 22 regionally important grape varieties grown in 70 wine regions all around the world
• Sparkling and fortified wines: discover the winemaking processes used in the production of these fascinating key wine categories
• Wine tasting: learn how to taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT)
• Food and wine matching: understand the principles of pairing food and wine and what to look out for when choosing wine with a meal
• Wine service and storage: learn the correct way to store and serve wine, and how to spot common wine faults
• Labelling: decode and understand wine labels 

Suitability:
No prior wine knowledge is required, however the course builds upon the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines which may be more suitable for those completely new to wine. We recommend you read the course specification before you sign up for the course. You can find it here.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from Ofqual as part of the UK Government’s Qualifications and Credits Framework as a Level 2 vocational qualification.

Course format:
This is a classroom course, over 3 consecutive weekends. The course includes 16 hours tuition plus a 1 hour exam. We recommend a minimum of 12 hours additional independent study.

Course Dates:
Sat 22nd Mar, Session 1 - Tasting technique and wine production
Sat 29th Mar, Session 2 – Focus on grape varieties
Sat 5th Apr, Session 3 - Sparkling and fortified wines plus exam (1 hour)

Each session begins at 10am and finishes at 5pm, with a 45 minute break for lunch (not provided).

The course includes tutored tastings of 34 wines especially chosen to show the typical characteristics of a range of wines at all quality levels.

You will receive a complete WSET Level 2 Award in Wines study pack in advance of the course. This comprises the comprehensive course book 'Wines: Looking Behind the Label', a study guide (complete with detailed maps, example questions and blank forms for your own tasting notes) and a high-gloss printed 'WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting' tasting card. 

Course includes:

Tuition: 3 full day classroom sessions with a professional WSET-certified tutor
Wines: tasting of 34 wines
Examination: a 1 hour, 50 question multiple-choice paper. A mark of 55% is required to pass
Certificate and Badge: successful students will receive a WSET certificate suitable for framing and an official WSET lapel pin

Special Educational Needs:
Please make us aware if you have a condition which may mean that you will qualify for additional help during the exam (eg dyslexia).