A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine.
Who is it for?
For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
What you'll learn
- The main types and styles of wine
- Common wine grapes and their characteristics
- How to store and serve wine
- The principles of food and wine pairing
- How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Benefits of Registering with Wine Enthusiast
- Exclusive 10% Discount On Your Next Wine Enthusiast Purchase
- A Free 1-Year Digital subscription to Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- Access to a Special Tasting Sampler with Private Zoom Study Tasting*
- Proctored by Wine Enthusiast's Chief Revenue and Education Officer, Commerce, Marshall Tilden, you'll be working directly with our team to guide you along the way
- *Virtual Guided Tastings are not mandatory and will occur at (or around) 5:30 EST on specified days. They will be recorded for those that are unable to attend.
What You Need to Know
Class Format
The course will be based around a 4-week, 5 module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in order, but you are free to complete the modules at your own pace during this 4-week window. The course material should take about 6 hours in total to complete, plus revision time.
Student activities - weekly tasks, group tasting area, multiple choice feedback tests and videos. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars. After the scheduled course end date, the material becomes read only and you cannot post in the activities. All study materials are included in the online course.
Exam Format
45 minute exam consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Your exam will take place via secure remote online proctoring on a specific day and time. You need to take your exam in a private environment of your choice using a desktop or laptop computer AND your cell phone.
The exam will tentatively take place on October 12, 2023*
Exam orders are placed 21 days prior to the exam date and you cannot change the date once that order has been placed with the WSET. Results take 6-8 weeks to be released by WSET.
If you are unable to take the exam on the date listed, you may request to reschedule your exam date with three week's notice to wset@wineenthusiast.net. Failure to do so will result in a re-sit fee of $149.
You may schedule an in-person paper exam in NYC by withdrawing from your scheduled remote exam with three weeks prior notice and requesting an alternate exam format and date.
*Exam date is subject to change as a result of the ongoing global pandemic.
Course Materials
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Study Guide will be part of your online study content.
Study Guide: An Introduction to Wine
Please note that online classes require separate purchase of wine for tasting. We have a special exclusive WSET Level 1 in Wine Tasting sampler available at our wine shop partner. Purchases of the sampler also include a Bonus live tasting with our VP of Sales & Wine Education, Marshall Tilden III*.
*Please note that tastings are NOT mandatory for the course requirements and are recorded for future viewing. More details on the styles of wines used can be found on the WSET Sampler page linked above.
Registration and Technical Requirements
Students need to be at least 21 years of age and will require access to a computer (recommended) and smartphone or tablet with these requirements (links to an external site).
- Chrome 80 and 81
- Firefox 74 and 75 (Extended releases are not supported*)
- Edge 80 and 81
- Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
- Safari 12 and 13 (Macintosh only)
Have questions? Get in touch!
Pricing
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee: | $50.00 | Examination Fee (includes Virtual Exam): | $115 |
| Tuition: | $160 | ||
| Total: | $325 | ||
Where We Are
200 Summit Lake Drive, 4th Floor
Valhalla, NY 10595
Learn about wine from the experts at our Westchester headquarters, easily accessible from Connecticut, Upstate New York and beyond (and just 30 minutes North of Manhattan). You’ll be attending class at the same hub where thousands of wines are tasted every month for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and be able to browse our one-of-a-kind wine cellars and home décor in our showroom before class.
Due to COVID-19 the Wine Enthusiast Retail Showroom is temporarily closed until further notice. Please feel free to call us at 914.345.9463 with any issues or concerns.
What's the WSET
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader.
As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, our educational products offer impartial and sound learning on which individuals and businesses can build knowledge and expertise.
Social responsibility is a part of all our teaching programmes, therefore WSET is proud to partner with Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre Programme and DrinkAware.co.uk.
WSET qualifications are available through a network of over 800 Approved Programme Providers (APPs) including Wine Enthusiast Academy working in over 70 countries and more than 15 languages. We also run our own flagship school, WSET School London from our headquarters on Bermondsey Street, London. The school offers the full suite of WSET qualifications alongside tasting sessions, career talks and bespoke programmes.
WSET credentials
WSET is committed to delivering our qualifications to the highest standard. We achieve this through a quality assurance programme where all course providers (Approved Programme Providers) must meet rigorous approval criteria and on-going monitoring requirements.
WSET is recognised as an awarding body by the English regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments, Ofqual. It also operates a quality management system that complies with ISO 9001:2015, and is a member of the UK’s Federation of Awarding Bodies.
In addition, we work closely with the industry to ensure that our qualifications and education products are job-relevant. Many of the industry’s leading brands support our work through our Corporate Patronage Programme.
In 2015 WSET was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
Learn More