The perfect wine course for beginners to start exploring the world of wine.
Course information
This course is an ideal starting point for wine enthusiasts wanting to get to grips with the basics, or those embarking on a career in wine or hospitality.
In a short space of time, you’ll find yourself feeling much more confident tasting wine, navigating a wine list, buying bottles and pairing wine with food.
This course is suitable for students with little to no wine knowledge who wish to explore, with confidence, the main styles of wine.
The course provides a solid foundation which can be built on further on the Level 2 Award in Wines.
The course will cover:
- The main types and styles of wine
- Common wine grapes and their characteristics
- How to make food and wine pairings
- Tutored tasting of nine wines (except online courses)
- How to store and serve wine
- How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
By the end of the course you’ll be able to taste wine using a globally recognised approach, identify key styles of wine and 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.
View the qualification specification
The Level 1 Award in Wines exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
To pass you must correctly answer 70% of the questions.
Successful students will receive a WSET certificate.
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
No prior wine knowledge is required, just enthusiasm!
All our classes are delivered in English therefore a good level of English is beneficial.
You must be at least 18 years old to enrol on any of our courses.
There is no need to prepare anything before starting your Level 1 Award in Wines course.
However, anyone embarking on a WSET qualification should familiarise themselves with the qualification specification. This document will help you understand what to expect and what you will get out of the course.
Study options
We have four study options available for this course at WSET School London.
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 9:00am-5:00pm on one day (includes exam)
- Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, nine wine samples, six hours of tuition, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: Those who want to complete the course as quickly as possible
Browse day release courses
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)
- Private study: Not required, but this format gives you the flexibility to pre-read or recap topics between classes
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, nine wine samples, six hours of tuition, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: A popular option for those working close to London Bridge or those who are unable to study in the daytime
Browse evening courses
- Where: 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
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, nine wine samples, six hours of tuition, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: A popular option for those wanting to explore the local area or those who are unable to study on weekdays
Browse Saturday courses
- Where: Online via WSET’s Online Classroom*
- Duration: Four weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule
- Private study: At least three hours a week
- Samples: Wines not included. We recommend you taste a minimum of six wines and you‘ll get guidance on what styles to taste
- Includes: Access to WSET's Online Classroom for one year, a dedicated online tutor, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Enhanced features: Revision videos, flash cards and exam tips
- Who: Those who need a flexible study option, international students or those far away from our classroom centres
- Technology requirements: We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To sit your examination online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet
*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.
Browse online coursesCourse dates
| Start date | Study option | Location | Price | Booking deadline | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 07 Dec 2024 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 27 Nov 2024 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 18 Jan 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 08 Jan 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 08 Feb 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 29 Jan 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 08 Mar 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 26 Feb 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 05 Apr 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 26 Mar 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 10 May 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Tuesday 29 Apr 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 31 May 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 21 May 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 14 Jun 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 04 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 28 Jun 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 18 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 12 Jul 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 02 Jul 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Saturday 26 Jul 2025 | Saturdays | WSET School London | £250 | Wednesday 16 Jul 2025 | 10+ | Book Now |
The course was a great introduction to the world of wine. I especially enjoyed the tastings and pairing food with wine. I definitely recommend to everyone interested in wine!
Jedrzej, Level 1 Award in Wines student, 2020