QUALIFICATION AIMS

The WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines is intended for people who have little or no prior knowledge. It is suitable wherever a good level of wine knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in the customer service and sales functions of hospitality, retailing and wholesaling industries. It is also useful for those who have a general interest in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge.

Successful candidates will be able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties, interpret wine labels from the main wine producing regions of the world and give basic guidance on appropriate selection and service, as well as understand the principles of wine tasting and evaluation. 

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE

In order to meet the qualification aims there are seven learning outcomes:

1. Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine

• Parts of a grape

• Vine requirements

• Stages of grape formation and ripeness

• Changes as grapes ripen

• Environmental influences in the vineyard

• Grape-growing options

• Labelling terms used to indicate origin and regulation

• Labelling terms relating to vine age and grape-growing options

2. Understand how winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wine

• Alcoholic fermentation process

• Winemaking process

• Winemaking options

• Bottle ageing

3. Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal grape varieties

• Principal grape varieties

• Environmental influences and grape-growing options

• Winemaking options

• Bottle ageing

• Geographical indications for black grape varieties

• Geographical indications for white grape varieties

• Regionally important labelling terms indicating style and quality of wines made from the principal grape varieties

4. Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important black and white grape varieties

• Black Grape Varieties

• White Grape Varieties

5. Understand how the production process can influence the styles of sparkling and fortified wines

• Grape varieties

• Winemaking processes

• GIs

• Labelling terms associated with sparkling and fortified wines indicating style and quality

6. Understand the key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine and in the pairing of food and wine

• Ideal storage conditions

• Preserving wine

• Service temperature

• Serving wine

• Common faults

• Principal food and wine interactions

7. Know how to describe wine using the WSET® Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT)

TOTAL QUALIFICATION TIME (TQT) AND GUIDED LEARNING HOURS (GLH)

TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments. The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Wines is 28 hours. This is made up of 17 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours’ private study.

ENROLMENT

There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines.

No prior knowledge is required, neither having passed the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines.

All classes, materials and exams are delivered in English therefore a good level of English is beneficial.

RECOMMENDED PROGRESSION ROUTES

The WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book examination that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes.

Each question has only one correct answer.

Each correctly answered multiple-choice question is worth one mark, and marks are NOT subtracted for incorrect answers.

A candidate is required to pass with a minimum mark of 55 per cent.

Successful students will receive a WSET® certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

For more information, download the course specifications here.

PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDY MATERIALS WILL ONLY BE SENT TO A UK ADDRESS.

Please read the terms and conditions before booking.