WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Online 

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll 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.

Who is this wine course for?

– For those pursuing an interest in wine.
– For those starting a wine career.

What you’ll learn

– the main types and styles of wine
– common wine grapes and their characteristics
– how to store and serve wine
– the principles of food and wine pairing
– how to describe wine using the WSET® Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
For more detailed information on the course content, please see the WSET Level 1 in Wines Specification.

WSET 1 Online Classroom

The course will be based around a 4-week, 5-module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in order, but you are free to complete the modules at your own pace during this 4-week window. However, there are no fixed times to log-on as there is no “live” delivery of content. You can complete your learning at times that suit you.

The course prepares you for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines examination and is guided by a WSET educator, who’ll provide feedback on any assigned exercises and respond to course-related queries. You can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities, supported by videos and quizzes, to help you understand the differences between grape varieties and types and styles of wine.

Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.

WSET Level 1 study materials

All study materials are included in the online course and available via the Online Classroom.

WSET Level 1 wine tasting

During the course you are recommended to taste a number of key wines. All the required wines for the course can be found in the online equipment list. Any additional wines can be found in the Specification.
You can post your tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by your educator.

Please note that wines are not included in the cost of this course.

Wine tasting kit

Instead of buying full bottles at your local wine shop, you could opt for a tasting kit. This pack covers the recommended samples (called Vinottes) for WSET Level 1 (with the exception of sparkling wines) and provides an affordable and convenient way of tasting a range of representative styles.
The wine tasting kit consists of 10 wine samples of 20ml each and costs € 59,- (incl. 21% BTW), shipping within Europe included.

Course language

The online course and guidance, and exam are in English.

Course duration

The course will be based around a 4-week, 5-module online learning programme with educator support available for this time.
The course material should take about six hours in total to complete, plus revision time.

Exam WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

Assessment is by a 45-minute closed-book exam of 30 multiple choice questions.
A total mark of 70% or more is required to receive the WSET level 1 Award in Wines certificate and lapel pin.
A one-off participation in the WSET® Level 1 exam is included in the price.

Please note that the exam can either be completed in-person in Eindhoven on fixed dates and times or online on a date and time of your choosing. Click here for the requirements to do this exam online. There are NO additional costs for taking the exam online. 

Entry requirements

No prior knowledge is required.
The course is delivered online and in English, therefore basic computer literacy, internet navigation skills and a good level of English are required.

Demo WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

For a sneak preview of the online course, please click here.