Course In person

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines — London

A two-day intensive leading to the globally recognised WSET level 2 certificate. This WSET 2 course covers the WSET level 2 exam format, provides a comprehensive WSET level 2 study guide and teaches the structured WSET level 2 tasting technique used in the blind assessment. No prior qualification required. Learn more at wsetglobal.com.

About the course

WSET Level 2 is the standard entry point for anyone serious about wine — whether you work in hospitality, retail or simply want a structured qualification to back up your interest. Over two days at WSET School London, you cover the major grape varieties, key wine regions worldwide, the main winemaking methods and the essentials of food and wine matching.

The course uses the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) — a structured framework for describing wines by their appearance, nose and palate. The same method is used in the blind tasting component of the exam. For a preview of structured tasting before the course, see the How to taste wine guide.

What you will cover

  • Major grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz and others — see the main grape varieties guide for an overview
  • Key wine-producing regions including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New World regions and more
  • Sparkling, fortified and sweet wine styles and how they are made
  • Food and wine matching principles
  • Reading wine labels — a useful primer is the How to read a wine label guide

The examination

The course ends with a written examination (50 multiple-choice questions) and a blind tasting of two wines. Results are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. No previous wine qualification is required to sit the exam. Candidates who do not pass may resit through the same provider.

WSET qualifications are recognised in over 70 countries and are a standard benchmark in the wine trade. Level 2 feeds directly into WSET Level 3, and the Level 3 Diploma feeds into the Institute of Masters of Wine programme. For those interested in sommellerie, the Court of Master Sommeliers runs parallel qualification routes.

Course details: WSET School London. Booking: wset.com/pages/wine-courses. Prices and dates subject to change — check the WSET website for current information.

Prepare for the course

05 · Taste — Guide How to taste wine 01 · Grape — Guide Main grape varieties 04 · Label — Guide How to read a wine label Events All wine events

Questions

About WSET Level 2.

What does WSET Level 2 cover?
WSET Level 2 covers the main grape varieties, principal wine-producing regions, winemaking methods, and food and wine matching. You'll taste wines from different styles and learn a structured approach to describing what you smell and taste. The full curriculum is published by WSET. For a taste of the tasting method before the course, see the How to taste wine guide.
Do I need any prior wine qualification to enrol?
No prior qualification is required for WSET Level 2. It is designed to follow on from Level 1 (a one-day overview) or to be taken as a standalone entry point for those with some existing interest in wine. If you have no wine background at all, consider starting with WSET Level 1 or working through the guides on this site to build a foundation first.
How is the WSET Level 2 examination structured?
The examination consists of a 50-question multiple-choice test and a blind tasting of two wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). Results are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Candidates who pass receive a certificate and a lapel pin; Merit and Distinction passes are noted on the certificate. Resit options are available through the same approved programme provider.
Is WSET Level 2 recognised internationally?
Yes. WSET qualifications are recognised in over 70 countries and are a standard benchmark in the wine trade worldwide. Level 2 is often required or preferred for hospitality and retail roles involving wine. WSET is also the foundation on which the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Institute of Masters of Wine programmes build their higher qualifications.
What should I do to prepare for the course?
Read labels on bottles you buy in the weeks before the course — note the grape variety, region, vintage and ABV. The How to read a wine label guide explains each element. Spend time with the main grape varieties guide so the key grapes are familiar before day one. The How to taste wine guide introduces the structured tasting approach you will use in the exam.