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

About this course

This introductory course combines classroom teaching with guided tasting and a practical food-and-wine pairing exercise. Participants use the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® to describe wines and examine how grape varieties, production factors and wine styles influence flavour. The syllabus covers Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah/Shiraz, alongside wine storage, service and common faults. Learning is assessed through a 30-question multiple-choice examination. Successful candidates receive a secure, verifiable WSET digital certificate.

What you'll learn

• Apply the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® when describing wine
• Explain how different factors contribute to variations in wine style and flavour
• Identify key characteristics of major white and red grape varieties
• Use key considerations when matching food and wine
• Describe appropriate wine storage and service practices
• Recognise common wine faults

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, including people with little or no previous experience of wine or wine tasting. Participation involves guided tastings, a food-and-wine pairing exercise and a formal multiple-choice examination in a classroom setting.

• No previous wine experience is identified as necessary.
• The course includes tasting nine wines.
• A 70% mark is required to pass the examination.

Before you go

• A WSET Level 1 Study Guide is provided in advance.
• Learners with a condition that may qualify them for additional examination help, such as dyslexia, should notify the provider.