WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Classroom at Ridgeview)

Course Dates

This WSET Level 2 course runs on 3 consecutive Tuesdays (9.30am-4.30pm) on Tuesdays 12th, 19th and 26th Jan 2027.

We have partnered with Ridgeview Wine Estate to run a series of WSET courses at their winery. The course includes a tour of the winery during the session on sparkling wine.

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. Now includes access to Wine With Jimmy online learning support. 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:

• 40+ wines tasted
• 18 hours tuition
• 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.

Examination: The 1 hour, 50 multiple-choice question exam is taken in the afternoon of the final day of the course and the exam fee is included in the course cost. A mark of 55% required to pass.

Registration deadline Friday 8th Jan 2027.

The course fee includes

• All WSET course materials including; Looking Behind the Label course manual, Study Guide, Specification book, and SAT® Tasting Card
• 43 delicious wines to taste including Champagne & Port
• The use of professional ISO tasting glasses
• 3 days of professional WSET tuition by a qualified WSET tutor
• Teaching of the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT)® which will enable you to analyse wines objectively and consistently
• Registration with WSET and all examination fees
• Internationally-recognised certificate and pin badge upon successful completion
• Practice multiple choice questions provided 
• Comprehensive student support outside of class time should you have any questions before, during and after the course
• VAT invoice on request

• When you book your course, you’ll receive access to a structured online learning package from Wine With Jimmy, at no additional cost, designed to support your studies and help you prepare with confidence. Your access code will be sent to you on your course start date. Simply redeem it on the Wine With Jimmy website to get started.

Study with confidence as our students consistently achieve higher than global average exam results.

Special Educational Needs

Please make us aware if you have a condition that may mean you 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.

Funding: Funding for this course is available: 

DEVELOP is the educational programme of The Drinks Trust, the drinks and hospitality industry charity. DEVELOP offers fully funded training and skills courses, delivered by industry-leading providers for people already working, or with an ambition to work, in the drinks and hospitality industry. Sussex Wine School has partnered with The Drinks Trust to bring courses free of charge to eligible students. All of the WSET courses are available for funding with DEVELOP. To learn more please visit the Drinks Trust website HERE

Criteria of eligibility for DEVELOP funding: must be 18 or over, eligible to work in the UK, have a National Insurance Number, and be earning less than £26k/pa