Event Description
This beginner to intermediate level qualification course provides a structured exploration of the world of wine and is suitable for wine enthusiasts or anyone wanting a career in the wine trade or hospitality.
This course runs over 9 consecutive Monday evenings in central Cambridge. Jan 16th, 23rd and 30th, Feb 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, March 6th and 13th.
You will gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you will explore factors that affect style and quality. You will also learn how to describe different wines with confidence.
You do not have to first complete Level 1 - you can jump in straight at this level (Level 2) if you like.
What the course covers
16 hours of tuition covering:
- how to describe wines with confidence using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
- How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking, and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz - The style and quality of wines from around the world:
- made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
- produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) - Sparkling wines
- Fortified wines
- Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wines
- Principles of food and wine pairing
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification.
We recommend you read the course specification document before you book the course (read it by clicking here).
Course delivery
- Evening sessions 7-9pm. If you need to skip a session, don't worry - we can catch you up!
- The final evening is the exam. If a problem arises and you think you cannot attend the date of the exam, there is an option to pay a transfer fee for another date or take it online at home.
- We recommend a minimum of 12 hours of additional home study
Examination
You will need to pass the exam to obtain the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines qualification. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions completed in 60 minutes. A mark of 55% is required to pass, 70% to gain merit and 85% to pass with distinction.
You will be given practice multiple-choice revision questions during the course.
The course fee includes
- All WSET course materials: Looking Behind the Label manual, Workbook and study guide, SAT Tasting Card
- More than 40 wine samples with fully tutored tasting to develop your assessment skills
- Sessions taught by WSET Certified Tutor
- Practice multiple-choice questions
- Internationally recognised WSET qualification, certificate and pin for those who pass the exam
Special Educational Needs
Please inform the school if you have a condition qualifying you for additional help during the exam (such as dyslexia).