ONLINE - WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – Evenings

Course Schedule:

The 8 x 2-hour online sessions run from 7.00pm to 9.00pm each week, over 8 weeks.

• Mondays 30th Mar, 13th, 20th, 27th Apr and 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th May 2026 7.00-9.00pm (No class on Easter Monday)

This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of wines or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.

"WSET qualifications have given me the basis to develop my wine expertise. I’ve been inspired by the classes and have made contacts within all areas of the wine industry."

What you'll learn:

• 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
  • 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

At a glance:

• 12 wines tasted
• 16 hours live online tuition with all sessions recorded
• 14 hours home study
• 60 min multiple choice exam

For more detail on the course structure & content, as well as learning outcomes, assessment criteria and sample exam questions view the Full Level 2 Course Specification.

Course delivery

• The Level 2 Award in Wines online course covers the same syllabus as the classroom course and is delivered in LIVE virtual lessons by one of our Local Wine School qualified WSET tutors
• This course includes 16 hours of online tuition in 8 x 2 hour sessions and we recommend a minimum of 14 hours of additional study
• Your tutor will give you a guided tasting of 12 wines on this course (for details of how to order the wines see below)
• You will receive access to practice multiple-choice revision questions specific to this course
• You will be sent details of how to join your LIVE sessions after you book

Please note a reliable broadband connection is essential for the completion of this online course as are basic computer skills.

Examination

To obtain the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines qualification, you will need to successfully pass the exam. 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.

The exam may be taken at Sussex Wine School in Brighton in person, dates to be agreed. WSET requires 2 weeks notice for in person exam bookings.

Or we can offer an online exam for an additional £39 (please add the online exam if you wish to take the exam remotely). WSET requires 7 working days notice for online exam bookings.

Important dates

Registration deadline: please book at least 4 working days before the start of the course, to allow time to send materials and order the tasting wines.

The course fee includes

• All WSET course materials posted to you at no extra charge including: Looking Behind the Label course manual, Study Guide, specification and SAT Tasting Card
• LIVE virtual interactive sessions taught by a Local Wine School WSET Certified Tutor
• Exclusive access to practice multiple-choice questions
• Internationally recognised WSET qualification, certificate and pin for those who pass the exam
• VAT

Course Wines

It is recommended that 12 wines be tasted as part of this course, although this is optional and not essential to complete the course. Please note that the cost of wine is not included in the course fee above.

Our wine experts have specially selected wines for this course aligned to demonstrate specific learning outcomes. The price of the 12-bottle case is around £162.95 including delivery to mainland UK. Details of how to order your case of wines will be provided around 10 days prior to your course starting.

Wine preservation advice is given so that after each tasting exercise you can reseal and return to the wines over the coming days.  

Special Educational Needs

Please make the school aware if you have a condition that may mean that you will qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. We can apply for a reasonable adjustment of extra time on your behalf but you must notify us and email a statement or supporting evidence to us at least 4 weeks before the exam date.