Build your wine knowledge with our most popular course, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. With a focus on grape varieties, this course allows you to look behind the label of a range of the world’s most important wines and truly understand them.
Course information
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect course for those wishing to learn about a wide range of wines, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.
You’ll gain a broad knowledge of the principle and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce.
Throughout the course, you’ll become a more confident wine taster, using our Systematic Approach to Tasting. By the end of the course you’ll be able to identify a broad range of key wine styles and the characteristics of important grape varieties. You’ll also learn the key principles of food and wine pairing and how to apply these to your own food and wine choices.
What’s covered?
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.
- 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 (e.g. Nebbiolo, Malbec and Viognier)
- 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
The Level 2 Award in Wines exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes/one hour.
Example exam questions:
What is the correct sequence of events for most red winemaking?
a. Crushing, pressing, alcoholic fermentation
b. Crushing, alcoholic fermentation, pressing
c. Pressing, alcoholic fermentation, crushing
d. Pressing, crushing, alcoholic fermentation
Sweet with high acidity, low alcohol and dried-apricot and honey characteristics best describes
a. Pouilly-Fumé
b. Pouilly-Fuissé
c. Trockenbeerenauslese
d. Sauternes
Pass marks
- To pass you must correctly answer 55% of the questions.
Students achieving between 70% - 84% will receive a Pass with Merit
Students achieving 85% or above will receive a Pass with Distinction
All students who pass the examination will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
All examinations must be sat in person at WSET School London (including students who are studying online)
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
This course is suitable for complete beginners - no prior knowledge is required and you don't have to have completed any other qualification to enrol. If you are completely new to the world of wine, you may wish to study the Level 1 Award in Wines first, but this is not essential.
As all classes, materials and exams are delivered in English, a good level of English is beneficial.
Preparing for the course
You will be expected to have read the provided textbook prior to commencing the course - this will be sent to you upon booking. For those opting for the intensive course, it is important that you have completed the majority of your 12 recommended private study hours prior to the first day of your course, as there will be little time to study between classes.
What study options are available?
At WSET School London we have four classroom delivery options available for this course. We advise that you select the study option that best suits your own timetable, factoring in both attendance and self-study requirements. Please be mindful that the intensive course requires that you undertake most of your private study hours prior to the course start date.
Day release course
9.00am-5.00pm
The course takes place over three weeks, with course attendance one day per week. The examination takes place at the end of the third day. This option allows time for study between the classes. We recommend reading the relevant chapters of the textbook ahead of your classes to make sure you are fully prepared for the classroom sessions.
The cost includes your study pack, wine samples, tuition, examination and a box of six tasting glasses for you to keep.
Your study materials can be collected from us or delivered to you (delivery charge calculated at checkout).
Intensive course
9.00am-5.00pm
The course takes place over three consecutive days of study, with the examination at the end of the third day.
This options suits those who want to gain their qualification in a short amount of time. You should have completed the majority of the 11 recommended private study hours before arriving on the first day.
Be prepared for a fun yet intense three days with lots of wines to taste and information to take in.
The cost includes your study pack, wine samples, tuition, examination and a box of six tasting glasses for you to keep.
Your study materials can be collected from us or delivered to you (delivery charge calculated at checkout).
Evening course
6.30pm-8.30pm
Evening courses take place one evening a week for nine weeks, with the examination taking place on the 9th evening. This allows you to spread out your learning and gives you time to complete the recommended private study hours between classes. It is also a great option for those who are unable to attend classes in the daytime.
The cost includes your study pack, wine samples, tuition, examination and a box of six tasting glasses for you to keep.
Your study materials can be collected from us or delivered to you (delivery charge calculated at checkout).
Saturday course
10.00am-2.30pm
Saturday courses run over five Saturdays, with the examination on the fifth Saturday. Classes end at 2.30pm, leaving you the rest of the weekend for yourself. This study method is great for anyone wanting to explore the local area after class.
Online course
A five-week online study programme that works around your existing commitments. You’ll learn through WSET’s Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator. You will need to source your own wine samples and participate in various online lessons, activities, tests and forums.
A minimum of six hours of study per week is recommended to successfully complete the course. Regular participation is essential to your success. Tasting is also an essential part of studying for this course, and you will need to taste at least eight wines (not provided as part of the fee, but you will be given guidance on the styles you need to source).
Please note that the exam must be completed in person at WSET School London on a set date.
Course dates
No courses could be found.
Gallery
It was a great time of learning, tasting and gaining experience. Thank you. I’m definitely attending the Level 3 very soon.