WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

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

  • 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

  • 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. 

View the full qualification specification

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 and lapel pin.

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

 

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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