Level 2 Award in Wines

What makes a Sauvignon zing or a Shiraz glow with spice? How do grape varieties and regions shape the glass? WSET Level 2 Award in Wines opens up the world of wine, building the knowledge to taste, compare and understand it. 

This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of wines or 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. 

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 2 Award in Wines builds practical knowledge and tasting skills for aspiring wine enthusiasts and professionals. You’ll learn to identify key grape varieties, assess wine style and quality, understand regions and production and confidently describe wines 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 environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options 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

Available in-person or online, the Level 2 Award in Wines requires: 

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

We 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

"This journey has deepened my understanding of the world of wine, from grape varieties to production methods and tasting techniques. It has been an enriching experience, and I’m excited to apply this knowledge in future opportunities."

Lisa Gerbino, Level 2 Award in Wines

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements 

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

 

Assessment 

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

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 do 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
  • Wine 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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