WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines

Classroom Course – $389 | Online Course – $329

The Level 1 Award in Wines course is a thorough introduction to the world of wine suitable for those working in wine or hospitality and devoted wine enthusiasts. This qualification provides a solid foundation for those new to wine study or those wanting to start a career in the wine business! You will explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings. Upon completing the course and passing the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin!

Prerequisite: None​​​​​​​​​, just a great deal of enthusiasm!

Course Details

The world of wine can seem daunting. How do you know the differences between wines, and what information can you use to help identify these differences?

This course is designed to offer some simple answers to these questions. It will introduce you to the main styles of wine, principal grape varieties, and other examples of wines. This will enable you to read many wine labels and know what to expect from the wine inside the bottle. You will also cover wine service and the theory of pairing wine and food—you will discover that some simple rules make this subject easy to understand.

In this class, students will hone their tasting abilities with expert-guided tastings of 8 wines while learning:

  • The main types and styles of wine
  • Common wine grapes and their characteristics
  • How to make food and wine pairings
  • How to store and serve wine
  • How to taste and describe wines using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®

The highlight of the class is an extensive discussion of the principles of food and wine pairing accompanied by a hands-on demonstration that each student participates in.​​​ After learning these key principles, you can apply them to your food and wine choices!

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to taste wine using a globally recognized approach and identify key styles of wine and characteristics of important grape varieties.

Anyone embarking on a WSET qualification should familiarize themselves with the corresponding specification. This document will help you understand what to expect and what you will get from the course.

Level 1 Award in Wines Specification

Classroom Course Includes

  • WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Study Guide
  • In-person instruction from a WSET certified course educator
  • All essential course wines & tasting glasses
  • Printed course materials
  • Food & wine pairing activity
  • 30+ WSET Level 1 practice exam questions
  • Exam fees (exam is taken at the end of the course)
  • Frameable certificate & lapel pin (upon passing the examination)

Online Course Includes

  • 4 weeks of expert guidance as you work through each online module:
    1. What is Wine & How is it Made?
    2. Types & Styles of Wine
    3. Introduction to Tasting
    4. Grape Varieties & Wines
    5. Storage & Service of Wines
    6. Pairing Food & Wine
  • Quizzes at the end of each module to check your progress
  • 12 months of access to the Level 1 online learning material for self-paced learning
  • 30+ WSET Level 1 practice exam questions
  • Exam fees (exam is scheduled at the end of the course)
  • Frameable certificate & lapel pin (upon passing the examination)

SWSA Extras

  • Access to a WSET certified course educator by text, phone, or email
  • Access to discounted course wines for purchase through Tim’s Wine Market

Assessment

  • The Level 1 Award in Wines examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. 
  • To pass, you must correctly answer 70% of the questions.
  • This exam may be taken in-person or online via remote invigilation.
  • Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
  • This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

If the exam is taken in-person, a Champagne sabering lesson and demonstration will follow, after which the class will enjoy an end of course toast!

You must be at least 21 years of age to attend the course and to participate in any alcohol tasting.

Please refer to the corresponding page in our policies for information on cancellations, refunds, and transfers.