WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines

Classroom Course – $1699 | Online Course – $1099 | Review Sessions – $79

The Level 3 Award in Wines course is an exciting and broad-reaching program of study covering all of the world’s major wine regions in-depth. The unique characteristics of each region are examined in detail, from their historical origins to their current-day regulations. 

This qualification also provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and winemaking for individuals seeking to dive deeper into the world of wines. In each class, 6-8 carefully-chosen wines will be tasted and assessed to illustrate the major points of the course. By the end of the course, you will be able to assess wines accurately and use your understanding to explain wine style and quality confidently. Upon completing the course and passing the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin!

Prerequisite: WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or Instructor Permission

Course Details

The world of wine is rapidly changing, with myriad developments in wine production and consumption worldwide. As with all WSET’s courses, this course is constantly updated to reflect the sorts of wines most often made and drunk now. Importantly, this course dives into a detailed understanding of the constants in the wine world, like grape growing and winemaking. Upon completion, you will be able to assess wines accurately and use your knowledge to explain wine style and quality confidently.

In this class, students will hone their tasting abilities with expert-guided tastings of over 70 different wines while learning:

• The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation, and bottling
• The key characteristics of the principal: still wines of the world, sparkling wines of the world, and fortified wines of the world
• How to apply your understanding to explain wine style and quality
• How to make appropriate wine recommendations
• How to taste and describe wines using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

By the end of the course, you will be able to taste and describe with confidence the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality, and price. Those who work with wine will be in a great position to advise management, answer customer questions authoritatively, and make informed selections of wines for friends and family in various situations.

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.

Classroom Course Includes

• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Study Pack
• In-person instruction from a WSET certified course educator
• All essential course wines & tasting glasses
• Printed course materials
• 50+ WSET Level 3 Award in Wines practice short written answer questions
• Exam fees (exam is taken at the end of the course)
• Frameable certificate & lapel pin (upon passing the examination)

Online Course Includes

• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Study Pack
• 9 weeks of expert guidance as you work through each online module
  1. Factors that Affect the Price of Wine
  2. Tasting Technique, Wine Laws, & Service
  3. White Wines of Germany, Austria, Hungary & France
  4. Red & Rosé Wines of France
  5. White, Red & Rosé Wines of Spain, Portugal, Italy & Greece
  6. White, Red & Rosé Wines of the Americas
  7. Wines of South Africa, New Zealand & Australia
  8. Sparkling & Fortified Wines
  9. Revision – Mock Exams
• Quizzes at the end of each module to check your progress
• 12 months of access to the Level 3 Award in Wines online learning material for self-paced learning
• 50+ WSET Level 3 Award in Wines practice short written answer questions
• Free admission to a Tasting Review Session prior to exam date
• 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
  • For tasting note submission feedback, quiz question feedback, general course material questions, etc.
• Access to SWSA classroom session recordings for the duration of the course
• Access to discounted course wines for purchase through Tim’s Wine Market.
  • Stop by the Orlando location for a 10% discount off all in-store purchases during your course!
• Access to discounted tasting kits (60+ samples) for purchase through E-tasting.
  • Discount code available to all students after registration!
• Access to a Tasting Review session with a WSET certified educator prior to the exam (additional fees may apply)

Assessment

• The Level 3 Award in Wines examination consists of two units:
  • Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a short-written answer paper
  • Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two wines
• To pass you must attain a minimum mark of 55% in both parts of Unit 1 and 55% across the two wines of Unit 2:
  • Pass: average mark of 55% – 64%
  • Pass with Merit: average mark of 65% – 79%
  • Pass with Distinction: average mark of 80% and above with no individual examination paper below 65%
• This exam must be taken in-person. Please note that you have one year from the end date of your course to take your examination. After one year, you must pay the corresponding rescheduling fee before you may sit the exam.
  • Classroom Students: You will take your exam in-person on the final day of the course you are registered for.
  • Online Students: Please email us to arrange your examination date prior to the end of your course.
• Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
• This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

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.