WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

WSET Level 3 in Wines Award is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts.

For individuals seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines, this qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and winemaking. Upon completion, you will be able to assess wines accurately and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality. 

Upon successful completion, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET-certified logo. 

These are ideal for trade professionals and wine enthusiasts.

What you'll learn 

Unit 1

• The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation, and bottling
• How do these key factors influence the key characteristics of the principal still wines of the world, sparkling wines of the world, and fortified wines of the world
• How to apply your understanding to explain wine style and quality

Unit 2

• How to taste wines, describe their characteristics, and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)If you are an employer wishing to train your staff this course will equip them with knowledge and understanding of a wide range of products.

Assessment

Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a paper of short-written answers. Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two wines.

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual

Entry requirement 

It is recommended that you hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits or can demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge. This course is suitable for someone in a supervisory-level position in wine sales and service. 

Not sure exactly what is covered in the Level 3 in Wines Course? Click here to view the full Level 3 Course Specification (with Example Questions)   

Classroom Sessions 

There are 5 full-day sessions (30 classroom hours) and an exam session, spread out over 6 weeks. The final exam day is 13:30 pm - 17.30 pm

WSET recommends at least 54 hours of home study in addition to the 30 hours of classroom sessions.

Course Outline 

Day 1. Sessions 1,2,3 - Intro, tasting technique, natural and human factors with grape-growing & human factors with winemaking

Day 2. Sessions 4,5,6 - Whites wines: Germany,  Alsace, Austria, Tokaji, Burgundy, Loire, Bordeaux + Red / rose wines: Bordeaux, SW France, Loire

Day 3. Sessions 7,8,9 - Red wines: Burgundy, Wines of Rhone, S France, Spain, Portugal, Northern Italy  

Day 4. Sessions 10,11,12 - Central & S Italy, Portuguese reds, Premium New World reds, and whites

Day 5. Sessions 13,14,15 - Regional new world wines, Sparkling Wines, Fortified Wines

Day 6. Exam Session

Course tutors: Alex Stevenson

This course is over 5 full days (Plus exam day).

Saturdays:

Day 1: 6th January

Day 2: 13th January

Day 3: 20th January

Day 4: 27th January

Day 5: 3rd February

The exam will take place on Saturday 10th February at 13:30 pm. 

Venue: The Corn Stores. Please note: Four flights of stairs needed to be climbed.

(5-minute walk from Reading Station)