WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (In-Person) - Dec 2026

About this course

The course introduces the main factors that shape wine styles and tastes, including grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Participants taste nine wines and use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® to describe them. Teaching also covers food and wine matching, appropriate storage and service, and recognising common wine faults. The course includes a practical pairing exercise and concludes with a multiple-choice examination for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

What you'll learn

• Use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® to describe wine.
• Distinguish between different wine types and styles.
• Identify characteristics associated with key international grape varieties.
• Apply key considerations when matching food and wine.
• Explain appropriate wine storage and service methods.
• Recognise common wine faults.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners and learners with little or no previous wine experience. Participation involves guided tasting, a practical food and wine pairing exercise, classroom learning and a multiple-choice examination.

• Suitable for learners starting with little or no wine-tasting experience.
• Includes tasting and food-and-wine pairing as part of the learning.
• Assessment is through a multiple-choice examination.

Before you go

• A WSET Level 1 Study Guide is provided in advance.
• The course includes tastings of nine wines.
• Successful students receive a secure, verifiable WSET digital certificate.
• Learners with a condition that may qualify them for additional examination support should notify the provider.