WSET Course Level Descriptions

The WSET exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and qualifications in Wines and Spirits for those in the wine and spirit trade (or intending to join it) as well as for the interested consumer.

The WSET designs courses, produces learning materials, set examinations, and operates through a network of Approved Program Providers around the world.

Neptune School of Wine is an Approved Program Provider of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSETฎ).  Students can earn official WSET credentials: Intermediate Certificate and Advanced Certificate.


 

The WSET Level 2

Intermediate Certificate in Wines and Spirits*    


The WSET Intermediate Certificate is the ideal starting level for those with little knowledge of wine, or those who have depth of knowledge regarding particular types of wine but lack a true breadth of knowledge of all the world's wines. This program enables students to interpret wine and spirits labels, explain the fundamentals of wine-tasting, become familiar with the world's major wine regions and their principal wines, and share basic advice on wine selection and service.

The WSET Intermediate Certificate is intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry who have little previous knowledge of wines and spirits.

The course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who have a serious interest in wine, and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.

The Intermediate Certificate course covers the wines and spirits of the world and is followed by an optional one-hour multiple choice examination.

Wine tasting is a part of every class.

Course Program

• Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting and food and wine matching

• Grape growing and wine making

• Key wine- and spirit-producing regions

• Key grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache

• Sparkling and sweet wines

• Fortified wines plus spirits and liqueurs.


 

The WSET Level 3

Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits*


The WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate is intended to provide in-depth knowledge of a wide range of wines and spirits and is open to students who hold the WSET Level 2 Certificate or can demonstrate knowledge at Intermediate level through completion of equivalent courses or sufficient experience in the wine and spirit industry.


This qualification is also suitable for the wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained at Level 2.


All sessions on the course include tastings.


The Advanced Certificate is a unitised course, covering wines and spirits

of the world in considerable depth, and students are required to prove

competency in theory and tasting. The examination for the Advanced

Certificate is in two parts: a theory examination of 50 multiple-choice

questions and four short-answer questions, plus a tasting examination

consisting of a blind tasting of one wine.


Course Program

• Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting

• Viticulture and Vinification

• France 1: Bordeaux and South-West France

• France 2: Burgundy and Alsace

• Loire, Rh๔ne and South of France

• Germany, Austria, Hungary, UK

• Italy

• Spain and Portugal

• Eastern Europe, New Zealand and South Africa

• The Americas

• Australia

• Sparkling Wines

• Fortified Wines
• Spirits and Liqueurs
* WSET qualifications are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits. WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside UK.