Qualification Aims

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is intended for people who have little or no prior knowledge of wines. It is designed to provide a sound but simple introduction to wines. The qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main types and styles of wines, for example people who work with wines as part of a larger beverage portfolio in the retail and hospitality sectors.

Successful candidates will be able to know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking, list the principal types and styles of wine, state the key characteristics of wines made from the principal grape varieties as well as other examples of wines, and know the key principles involved in the storage and service of wine. They will consequently be in a position to answer customer queries and provide recommendations for the service of wine.

Qualification Structure

Learning Outcomes

In order to meet the qualification aims there are three learning outcomes.

Learning Outcome 1: Know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking.

Learning Outcome 2: Know the types, characteristics and styles of wines made from the principal grape varieties and other examples of wines.

Learning Outcome 3: Know the key principles and practices involved in the storage and service of wine.

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Qualification aims

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is intended for people who have little or no prior knowledge. It is suitable wherever a good level of wine knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in the customer service and sales functions of hospitality, retailing and wholesaling industries. It is also useful for those who have a general interest in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge.

Successful candidates will be able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties, interpret wine labels from the main wine-producing regions of the world and give basic guidance on appropriate selection and service, as well as understand the principles of wine tasting and evaluation.

Qualification structure

Learning Outcomes

In order to meet the qualification aims there are six learning outcomes.

Learning Outcome 1: Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine.

Learning Outcome 2: Understand how winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wine.

Learning Outcome 3: Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal grape varieties.

Learning Outcome 4: Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important black and white grape varieties.

Learning Outcome 5: Understand how the production process can influence the styles of sparkling and fortified wines.

Learning Outcome 6: Understand the key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine, and in the pairing of food and wine

Instructor