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Diploma Units D4 & D5

Sparkling Wines of the World | Fortified (Liqueur) Wines of the World

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D4 – Sparkling Wines

This is comprised of one examination lasting 1-hour 30 minutes and contains both a tasting and theory element.  Candidates will need to evaluate three wines and write their tasting notes/conclusions under the headings given.  The tasting element will be marked out of 100 marks (rather than 75 as in Unit 5) and there will be more focus on the conclusions than in the Diploma in Wines and Spirits. 

 

The theory element will consist of multi-part, open-response questions (rather than short-form questions).  Both the tasting and theory elements have equal weighting.

D4 carries a 5% weighting.
The next D4 course will be held
Saturday, October 19, 2024
9:00am to 4:00pm
.

The exam will be Wednesday January 22nd, 2025.
 

D5 – Fortified Wines

This is comprised of one examination lasting 1-hour 30 minutes and contains both a tasting and theory element.  Candidates will need to evaluate three wines and write their tasting notes/conclusions under the headings given.  The tasting element will be marked out of 100 marks (rather than 75 as in Unit 6) and there will be more focus on the conclusions than in the Diploma in Wines and Spirits. 

 

The theory element will consist of multi-part, open-response questions (rather than short-form questions).  Both the tasting and theory elements have equal weighting. 

D5 carries a 5% weighting.

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The next D5 course will be held
Saturday, November 9th, 2024
9:00am to 4:00pm
.
The exam will be Wednesday January 22nd, 2025.

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The cost of each course/exam is $750.

Classes and exams take place at Neptune School of Wine, 3190 A Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.  If you need to resit either exam, please email info@neptunewine.com to coordinate payment and registration. 

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The following books remain highly recommended sources when used in conjunction with your Specifications Guide so that you may begin preparing:

Unit D4 Sparkling Wines: 

The World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wines, Tom Stevenson; 
Champagne for Dummies, Ed McCarthy

Unit D5 Fortified Wines: 
Port and the Douro, Richard Mayson; 
Sherry, Julian Jeffs

* 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.
 
Prices are valid for courses and exams offered during the academic year ending July 31, 2025 and are subject to change without notice.

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