Level 1 Award in Wines

Ever wondered why some wines feel crisp and lively while others are bold and plush? Curious how to describe what you taste? The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines reveals the essential styles and tasting skills, helping you explore wine with confidence. 

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. Upon successful completion, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. Find out if this course is right for you. 

You can join us at our central London location for training in-person, or for online classes – whatever suits you. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines introduces the world of wine through hands-on learning and guided tasting. You’ll explore key wine types and styles, understand common grape varieties and gain the skills to describe, serve and pair wines with confidence. 

What's covered?



  • 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 Wine (SAT) 

 

COURSE DELIVERY

Available in-person or online, the Level 1 Award in Wines requires: 

  • 6 hours or guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • This is a fully guided course, meaning there are no private study requirements 
  • A 45-minute exam 

We also offer the course through WSET’s Online Classroom – our interactive e-learning platform where you complete the course at your own pace over four weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

 

Available to study in these languages: 

  • English

“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.”

Grace Matterson, Student, UK

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements 

There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the UK to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification. 

 

Assessment 

Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. 

You'll receive your results approximately four weeks after the exam. On successful completion of the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated certified logo. 

WSET is 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 us. 

 

Course specification 

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

 

When can you enrol? 

To register your interest in booking a WSET beer course, please complete the below form. 

 

STUDY OPTIONS

Day release course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 09:00am-5:00pm on one day (includes exam)

Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day

 

What's included?

  • Workbook
  • Wines samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

Evening course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)

Private study: 11 hours. This format gives you the most time to pre-read and recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Wine samples
  • 6 tasting glasses
  • 16 hours of tuition, with access to additional resources on WSET's Online Classroom
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Designed for those who are unable to study in the daytime.

Saturday course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 10:30am-2:00pm over two consecutive Saturdays (includes exam)

Private study: Not required, but this format gives you the flexibility to pre-read or recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Wine samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

A popular option for those want to explore the local area or those who are unable to study on weekdays.

Enhanced online course - £210

Location: Online via WSET's Online Classroom, with an online exam*

Duration: 4 weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule

Private study: At least three hours a week

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Wine samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Enhance features:

  • Revision videos
  • Flash cards
  • Exam tips

 

Technology requirements:

We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To sit your exam online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet

 

Suited for those who need a flexible study option, international students or those far aware from our classroom centres.

 

*More information on how online examinations work will be shared with you once you enrol. If you are a student in Mainland China or the UAE, it's not possible for you to take the exam online due to technological restrictions.

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