WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Why does a Sauvignon Blanc taste zingy and a Shiraz taste spicy? How do grape varieties and the regions in which they’re grown shape the wine in your glass? WSET Level 2 Award in Wines opens up the world of wine, building your knowledge and empowering you to taste, compare and understand differences. 

This qualification is intended for 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. 

 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines builds practical knowledge and tasting skills for aspiring wine enthusiasts and professionals. You’ll learn to identify key grape varieties, understand regions and production and confidently describe the wine that’s in your glass for professional or personal purposes. 

What's covered?


How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT) 

 

How production factors 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 

COURSE DELIVERY

Courses are available in-person or online through our network of course providers. The Level 2 Award in Wines requires: 

  • 16 hours or guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • 11 hours of private study 
  • 1 hour closed-book exam 

Our course providers offer the course in a variety of formats, for example over consecutive days, weeks or evenings. It can also be studied through WSET’s Online Classroom, an interactive e-learning platform where you complete activities at your own pace over five weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

Available to study in these languages:

  • English
    (English) 

  • 繁體中文
    (Chinese Traditional) 

  • Nederlands
    (Dutch) 

  • Français
    (French) 

  • Deutsch
    (German) 

  • ελληνικά
    (Greek) 

  • Italiano
    (Italian) 

  • 日本語
    (Japanese) 

  • 한국어
    (Korean) 

  • Português
    (Portuguese) 

  • Español
    (Spanish) 

  • Türkçe
    (Turkish) 

*Delivery will vary by course provider; however, this is the minimum requirement that should be met.

The course was great! Solid information and really interesting.

Katie, Level 1

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you’re attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this isn’t a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.  

Requirements may vary by course provider. 

 

Assessment

A one-hour closed-book exam comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions. 

On successful completion of the exam you’ll receive a digital certificate will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. 

We’re committed to making our exams fair and accessible and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please discuss this with your chosen course provider. 

 

Course specification

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below:

 

When can you enrol?

Courses will be offered through an international network of approved course providers. 

To find your nearest course provider, head to our Where to Study page below.