Build your wine knowledge with our most popular course. With a focus on grape varieties, you'll look behind the label at many of the world’s most important wines.
Course information
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain enviable 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.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time, including:
- 16 hours of guided learning (in the classroom or online)
- 11 hours of personal study and revision
- A one-hour exam
The course covers:
- 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
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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
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How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
- Sparkling wines
- Fortified wines
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Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
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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
- Tutored tastings of 43 wines (except online courses)
On successful completion you will be a more confident wine taster, able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties. You'll know how to interpret wine labels from the main wine producing regions of the world, and how to store, serve, taste and pair wines to get the best out of every glass.
The Level 2 Award in Wines examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes/one hour.
Pass marks
- Pass: 55% - 69%
- Pass with Merit: 70% - 84%
- Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
All students who pass the examination will receive a WSET certificate.
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
This course is ideal for complete beginners or those with a little knowledge of wine. You don't need 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 by no means essential.
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.
This qualification combines guided and private study. It requires you to undertake a recommended minimum of 11 hours of private study time in addition to your guided learning hours.
Depending on your chosen study option, you may be able to complete these hours between your classes. Those choosing the consecutive (intensive) option are strongly recommended to complete most of the recommended private study hours before starting the course.
The only necessary study material for this course is the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines study pack, which will be sent to you on booking or can be collected from WSET School London.
Study options
We have five study options available for this course at WSET School London.
We recommend selecting the option that best suits your own schedule, factoring in both attendance and private-study requirements. If you are unsure which option will suit you best, please feel free to get in touch.
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 9:00am-5:00pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)
- Private study: 11 hours. We recommend completing the majority of home study before the course begins
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, 44 wine samples, six tasting glasses, 16 hours of tuition, access to WSET School London additional resources on WSET’s Online Classroom, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: Those with the flexibility to attend classes for one day per week. A popular choice for employers looking to train staff with minimal disruption to their working week
Browse day release courses
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 9:00am-5:00pm over three consecutive days (includes exam)
- Private study: 11 hours. We recommend completing the majority of home study before the course begins
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, 44 wine samples, six tasting glasses, 16 hours of tuition, access to WSET School London additional resources on WSET’s Online Classroom, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: Those who want to complete the course as quickly as possible. This is the most intensive study format
Browse intensive courses
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for nine weeks (includes exam)
- Private study: 11 hours. This format gives you the most time to pre-read and recap topics between classes
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, 44 wine samples, six tasting glasses, 16 hours of tuition, access to WSET School London additional resources on WSET’s Online Classroom, your examination, and exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card
- Who: Designed for those who are unable to study in the daytime. A popular choice for wine enthusiasts and trade professionals with demanding daytime jobs
Browse evening courses
- Where: WSET School London
- Duration: 10:00am-2:30pm for five consecutive Saturdays (includes exam)
- Private study: 11 hours
- Samples: In-class wine samples included
- Includes: Your workbook, 44 wine samples, six tasting glasses, 16 hours of tuition, access to WSET School London additional resources on WSET’s Online Classroom, 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, with exam in London or online*
- Duration: Five weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule
- Private study: At least six hours a week
- Samples: Wines not included. We recommend you taste a minimum of 14 wines and you‘ll get guidance on what styles to taste
- Includes: Access to WSET's Online Classroom for one year (where you can participate in online lessons, activities, tests and forums), a dedicated online tutor who is available to answer your questions during the course, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 25 Feb 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Monday 10 Feb 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Monday 10 Mar 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 23 Feb 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Tuesday 25 Mar 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Monday 10 Mar 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Monday 14 Apr 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 30 Mar 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 23 Apr 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Tuesday 08 Apr 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 07 May 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Tuesday 22 Apr 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Monday 19 May 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 04 May 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 28 May 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Tuesday 13 May 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 04 Jun 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Monday 19 May 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Monday 16 Jun 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 01 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Tuesday 10 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Tuesday 01 Jul 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Monday 16 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Monday 07 Jul 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Wednesday 23 Jul 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Sunday 06 Jul 2025 | 10+ | Book Now | |
| Tuesday 29 Jul 2025 | Intensive | WSET School London | £600 | Tuesday 15 Jul 2025 | 10+ | Book Now |
The whole course was run most professionally and efficiently, and by three excellent tutors...all of whom were hugely knowledgeable, infectiously enthusiastic in their approach, and very encouraging and supportive.
Ben, Level 2 Award in Wines student, 2019