QUALIFICATION AIMS

The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines is intended for people who have little or no prior knowledge of wines. It is designed to provide a sound but simple introduction to wines.  The qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main types and styles of wines, for example people who work with wines as part of a larger beverage portfolio in the retail and hospitality sectors.

Successful candidates will be able to know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking, list the principal types and styles of wine, state the key characteristics of wines made from the principal grape varieties as well as other examples of wines, and know the key principles involved in the storage and service of wine. They will consequently be in a position to answer customer queries and provide recommendations for the service of wine. 

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE

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

1. Know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking

• Parts of a grape

• Grape growing

• Climate

• Alcoholic Fermentation

• Production of still white, red and rosé wines

2. Know the types, characteristics and styles of wines made from the principal grape varieties and other examples of wines

• Principal types and styles of wines

• Principal grape varieties

• Examples of wines from principal grape varieties

• Other examples of wines

3. Know the key principles and practices involved in the storage and service of wine as well as the principal food and wine interactions

• Storage of wine

• Service temperature description

• Serving wine

• Principal food and wine interactions

4. Know how to describe wine using the WSET® Level 1 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 1 Award in Wines is 6 hours, all as GLH. This includes the 45 minutes for the examination.

ENROLMENT

There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines.

No prior knowledge is required.

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

RECOMMENDED PROGRESSION ROUTES

The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines, or an equivalent level of experience, is recommended for entry to the WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book examination that consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 45 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 70 per cent. Successful students will receive a WSET® certificate and lapel pin.

This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

For more information, download the course specifications here.

Please read the terms and conditions before booking.