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WSET Level 1

Award in Wines Learning Course

Your introduction to Wine at Under The Grapevine

The WSET Level 1 course is an accessible introduction to the world of wine. It offers a clear overview of key wine styles, major grape varieties, and important wine regions around the world. You’ll also learn how to taste wine with confidence, using the internationally recognised systematic tasting method.

The course includes the WSET Level 1 Study Guide. This comprehensive book provides clear and structured coverage of all topics required for the qualification, supported by diagrams and photographs. The study guide also includes practice questions to help you prepare for the multiple-choice examination. Its clear layout makes it a useful reference both during the course and afterwards.

"Everyone can learn to taste"

WSET 1 Wine Course Content

The WSET Level 1 course is structured into four modules, combining theory, tasting practice and practical wine knowledge. The course is designed to build understanding step by step, with plenty of guided tasting along the way.

Module 1: Wine Basics, Tasting & White Grapes

A brief history of wine and winemaking
Viticulture: grape growing, climate and soil
Terroir: what it means and why it matters
Winemaking: from grape to bottle
Organic and sustainable wines
Introduction to the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting
Key white grape varieties:
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay

Module 2: Exploring Wine, Classic Regions & Red Grapes

Key red grape varieties:
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah
Global wine production and the Dutch wine market
Understanding wine labels
Assessing wine quality and identifying common faults
Wine storage and ageing
Closures: cork versus screw cap
Wine service and setting up a tasting
Common misconceptions about wine
Classic wine regions of Central and Southern Europe
An introduction to Dutch wine production
Guided tasting using the systematic tasting method

Module 3: The New World & Introduction to Food and Wine Pairing

Classic and modern wine styles
Key wine regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Key wine regions of the Southern Hemisphere
Introduction to gastronomy
Ingredients, cooking techniques and garnishes
Basic flavour theory and menu structure
Fundamental principles of food and wine pairing
Guided food and wine tasting session
Continued practice with the systematic tasting method

Module 4: Examination, Tasting & Practical Advice

Final review and exam preparation
Tasting session with wines brought by participants
Use of the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting
Examination for the Basic Wine Certificate

Learning to Taste Wine

Through guided practice and clear instruction, you will learn how to taste wine step by step using a professional framework. You’ll also practise systematic tasting at home during the course. No prior experience is required, everyone can learn to taste wine. During the course, you will taste a total of 20 carefully selected, good-quality wines, covering a broad range of styles and regions.

Your Wine Exam & Certification

This nationally recognised exam consists of:

Theory

30 multiple-choice questions
3 short written questions

Writing tasting notes for 2 wines
Food pairing advice for 1 wine

Tasting

Exam results are sent by email within one week. If successful, the Basic Wine Certificate will be sent by post within three weeks after the exam.

Continue your Wine Journey

The WSET course is just the beginning. Wine is a subject that rewards curiosity, and every bottle has a story to tell. Whether you prefer listening to a podcast on your commute, reading in-depth articles at home or putting your knowledge into practice during one of our guided tastings, there are plenty of ways to continue exploring the fascinating world of wine.

Listen about Wine

To support your learning, there is a dedicated podcast series that summarises core concepts from the Level 1 Basic Wine Course. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, this podcast is a useful supplement, ideal for review and exam preparation, whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home with a glass of wine.

Note

Read about Wine

Great wine knowledge is built over time. Alongside your WSET studies, we invite you to explore our Wine Journal, an ever-growing collection of articles covering grape varieties, wine regions, tasting techniques, food pairing, sparkling wines and stories from the producers behind the bottles. Whether you're preparing for your exam or simply nurturing your curiosity, you'll find plenty to inspire your next glass.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Pea Purée & Butter Sauce

Elegant, uncomplicated, and all about the quality of the ingredients Some dishes don't need elaborate techniques or endless ingredients to make an impression. Perfectly cooked scallops are one of them. Golden and lightly caramelised on the outside while remaining wonderfully tender within, fresh scallops are at their very best when treated with restraint. A silky pea purée adds natural sweetness, while a classic butter sauce provides richness without overwhelming the delicate

4 min read

Grilled Peach, Burrata & Prosciutto

A summer favourite, perfectly paired. Some dishes only make sense for a few precious weeks each year. When peaches are perfectly ripe, burrata is at its creamy best and the barbecue is already warm, this salad is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again. It looks wonderfully elegant, takes surprisingly little effort, and captures everything we love about relaxed summer dining. Sweet peaches, silky burrata and delicate slices of prosciutto create a beau

3 min read

Chenin Blanc in Argentina - A rediscovered White Gem

When most people think of Argentine wine, it’s Malbec and Torrontés that spring to mind. But tucked away in cooler corners of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards is a variety that is quietly building a reputation of its own: Chenin Blanc . Once planted widely across the country for simple table wines and vermouth production, Chenin Blanc is now enjoying a revival, producing expressive, refreshing whites that deserve more attention. From Everyday Table Wine to Elegant Expression

2 min read

To Wine Journal

Taste the Wines

The WSET course gives you the knowledge to understand wine; our tastings help bring that knowledge to life; from theory to the glass. Join one of our guided wine tastings to explore classic wine regions, compare grape varieties and refine your tasting skills in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect way to build confidence, continue learning and, above all, enjoy discovering great wines in good company.

Go beyond tasting. Learn to understand wine.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is designed for those who want to explore the world of wine in greater depth. Over the course of eight engaging sessions, you'll discover the major grape varieties, classic wine regions and the factors that influence style and quality. Through guided tastings and practical learning, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to choose wine with greater understanding, appreciate the stories behind each bottle and enjoy wine on an entirely new level.

More about SWET 2