WSET Course Level Descriptions
The WSET exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and qualifications in Wines and Spirits for those in the wine and spirit trade (or intending to join it) as well as for the interested consumer.
The WSET designs courses, produces learning materials, set examinations, and operates through a network of Approved Program Providers around the world.
Neptune School of Wine is an Approved Program Provider of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Students can earn official WSET credentials: Level 1 Award, Level 2 Award, Level 3 Award, and Diploma in Wines and Spirits.
The WSET
Level 1 Award in Wines
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine.
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. View WSET Level 1 Specification here.
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The WSET
Level 2 Award in Wines
For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and the regions in which they are grown. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe wines with confidence. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. View WSET Level 2 Specification here.
What you'll learn:
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How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties
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Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
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The style and quality of wines made from 22 regionally important grape varieties and produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
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How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of sparkling wines and fortified wines
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Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
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Principles of food and wine pairing
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How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
The WSET
Level 3 Award in Wines
The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is for individuals seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines, this qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Upon completion you will be able to assess wines accurately, and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality.
Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
This qualification is also suitable for the wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained at Level 2. All sessions in the course include tastings.
The Level 3 Award is a unitized course, covering key Wines and Wine Styles of the World in considerable depth, and students are required to prove competency in theory and tasting. The examination for the Level 3 Award is in two parts: a theory examination of 50 multiple-choice questions and a series of short-answer questions, plus a tasting examination consisting of a blind tasting of two wines: one white and one red.
View WSET Level 3 Specification here.
Course Program (12 classes):
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Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting
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Viticulture and Vinification
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White Wines of Germany, Alsace, Austria and the Tokaji region of Hungary
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White Wines of Burgundy, Loire Valley and Bordeaux
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Red and Rose wines of Bordeaux, SW France and Loire Valley
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Red Wines of Burgundy and the Red and White Wines of the Northern Rhone
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Red, White and Rose Wines of the Southern Rhone, South of France, Red Wines of Spain part one and White Wines of Spain and Portugal
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Red Wines of Northern Spain and Red and White Wines of Northern Italy
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Red and White Wines of Central and Southern Italy, Red Wines of Portugal, Greece
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Premium Red and White Wine regions of the New World
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Premium Specialties of the New World
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Sparkling Wines, Fortified Wines
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