WSET Level 2 in Wines

Discover wines, master tasting, and become your own Sommelier in 3 weeks.

This beginner-to-intermediate qualification course offers a structured exploration of the world of wine. It is ideal for complete beginners, curious wine enthusiasts, and those considering a career in wine or hospitality.

You do not need to have completed Level 1 to enrol - this course is designed so you can jump straight in.

Course dates and location

3x Sunday sessions running 10am-5pm in central Cambridge.

• Sep 2026: Sun 27 Sep, 04 Oct, 11 Oct
• Nov 2026: Sun 29 Nov, 06 Dec, 13 Dec
• Jan 2027: Sun 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 07 Feb
• Mar 2027: Sun 07 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar

What you will learn

Across 16 hours of classroom tuition, this course balances interactive theory with guided tastings to cover:

• The Art of Tasting: How to describe and assess different wines with confidence using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT).
• Core Grape Varieties: How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking, and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from 8 principal grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz
• Other grapes: we also explore 22 regionally important grape varieties (such as Malbec, Nebbiolo, and Tempranillo) produced around the world.
• Specialist styles: the key styles of sparkling wine (Champagne, Cava, Prosecco) and fortified wines (Port and Sherry).
• Decoding Labels: industry terminology used to indicate origin, style, and quality on a wine label.
• Service & Pairing: the fundamental principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine, and food and wine pairing.

To support your classroom learning and ensure success in the qualification, we recommend a minimum of 14 hours of personal study time across the three weeks.

Included in Your Fee

Your course fee is all-inclusive, covering everything you need to study, taste, and pass.

• Official materials: 'Looking Behind the Label' course manual, workbook and study guide, SAT tasting card.
• Comprehensive tasting practice: more than 40 curated wine samples explored during fully tutored sessions to develop your assessment skills.
• Expert Guidance: all sessions are taught by a WSET Certified Tutor.
• Exam Preparation: practice multiple-choice revision questions are provided during the course.
• Registration and administration of the 50-question, multiple-choice exam paper (one hour duration).
• Global recognition: an internationally recognised WSET qualification certificate and official lapel pin for those who achieve a passing grade.

Qualification & Examination Details

• Accreditation: The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines holds full accreditation from Ofqual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification.
• The Exam: A closed-book exam made up of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes on the final day of your course.
• Grading: A mark of 55% is required to pass, 70% to pass with merit, and 85% to pass with distinction. Official results and certificates are issued by WSET approximately four weeks after the examination date.
• Age Requirement: All participants must be aged 18 or over at the time of the course.
• Special Educational Needs: Please contact the wine school prior to booking if you have a condition that qualifies you for reasonable adjustments during the exam (such as dyslexia), so we can arrange the necessary support with WSET.