WSET Level 1, Wine for Beginners

Great journeys start with one small step. Whether you want to become a sommelier, a distributor, a vintner, or like me you want to know more about wine, the WSET Level 1 is the perfect place to start your wine education.  

What is WSET certification?

The WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) is a foundation that sought to standardize wine and spirit education across the industry. It founded its first chapter in London in 1969. Today the WSET is the premier global provider of wine education.

How many WSET levels are there?

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust Award in Wines has four levels that increase in complexity and time commitment.  

  1. WSET Level 1 focuses on the basics and is a great starting place for wine beginners.
  2. WSET Level 2 takes it a step further and is a great starting place for intermediates. 
  3. WSET Level 2 takes it a step further and is a great starting place for intermediates.
  4. WSET Level 4 Diploma is an expert-level qualification covering all aspects of wine that you have learned in the previous classes culminating in a five day exam and independent research assignment.

What is the WSET Level 1?

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is “a beginner level introduction suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine.” 

What are the entry requirements?

There are no entry requirements for this course other than being of legal drinking age in the country where you are taking the course. Anyone with a passion for wine or a desire to make a career change into the wine industry can take the WSET Level 1.  

What will I learn?

If you are new to wine, the WSET Level 1 gives you a crash course in to the world of wine.

  • You will start by learning about the main types and styles of wine. You will learn about common wine grapes and their unique characteristics.
  • You will then learn how to store and serve wine. 
  • You will learn the principles of food and wine pairing.
  • You will learn how to describe wine by sight, smell and taste using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine.  

Is there an exam? 

Yes. There is a 30 question multiple choice exam with a passing grade of 70% or higher. The exam is monitored and closed-book. Upon completion of the exam you will receive a Level 1 certificate and fancy lapel pin.

What materials are provided?

You will receive an Official WSET Study Guide, the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine guide, tasting samples (depending on your course provider), the exam, and the WSET certificate and lapel pin. The course fee includes materials so you don’t need to worry about extra fees. 

How long is the WSET Level 1?

WSET Level 1 is the shortest of all the courses, with four weeks of guided independent study. The WSET recommends a minimum of six hours of study over the course of four weeks to fully prepare for the final exam.  

Where do I go to take the WSET Level 1?

Lucky for you, the WSET Award in Wines courses are available worldwide in many, many cities. A quick Google search will point you to your local Wine and Spirits Academy where you can sign up for the course. Pro tip: if you live in a rural area or are far away from an Academy, ask for your materials to be mailed to you instead of in-person pick up. 

Can I take the WSET Level 1 Online? 

Yes! You can! Online courses are available for independent or with an instructor over video conference. Due to COVID restrictions, many locations are not currently holding in person classes as of September 2020.

How much does the WSET Level 1 cost? 

Prices range based on provider, but they usually hover at about $300 USD. Online courses without virtual instruction at my Wine and Spirits Academy are $275 USD while instructor lead online courses are $325 USD.

If you want the full low-down on the WSET Level 1 course you can check out the official WSET website here.

I Gave Up Wine for 30 Days and Ended Up With a Wine Blog

I’m rounding the last week of my first Whole 30 experience and of all the things you’re required to eliminate from your diet I think I miss wine the most.

If you’re not familiar with the Whole 30, it is an elimination diet designed to pin point food sensitivities. For 30 days you can’t consume added sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, baked goods, highly processed foods and alcohol in any form. 

That means no drinking wine. 

No cooking with wine. 

No thinking about wine.

Wine Is More than Just a Drink, It’s a Story   

What fascinates me about wine is that every bottle tells a story. 

That specific bottle is a year in the life of a vine. The grape is the main character, of course, but he could never do it without an entire cast of supporting characters: the sun, the rain, the soil, the grower, the farmer, the yeast, the bottler.

Every experience I have with a new vintage is unique. For the past 30 days I have missed the small bit of mystery and adventure that comes with opening up a new bottle of wine. Could it be a new favorite? Will I hate it? Did it get too hot in the car when I ran in to Trader Joe’s? 

Making wine is an art form. To quote The Wall Street Journal via Cuvée Corner, “remember the next time you have a quality bottle of wine which someone cared about, you are drinking that persons art and maybe a little bit of his or her soul.” Remember that beautiful red liquid in your cup is the product of a highly complex, wonderfully natural process that turns sunlight in to alcohol. How cool is that? 

So, I Decided To Start Blogging About Wine

I gave up wine for 30 days and came out on the other side with a blog about wine. Kind of silly, right?

It wasn’t totally unplanned, to be honest. 

The truth is last year I committed that in 2020 I would take my study of wine to the next level through formal courses, tastings and generally getting out of my $15 Bordeaux comfort zone. I know the whats of wine, but I’m interested in knowing the whys.

Holding Myself Accountable With an Expensive Wine Class

Next month I will start the WSET Level 1 course (price tag $275, how’s that for accountability?).

The WSET stands for The Wine and Spirits Education Trust which is a form of standardized testing for wine professionals. It is comprised of four levels. The WSET Level 1 and WSET Level 2 end with a multiple choice exam and the WSET Level 3 and WSET Level 4 with an exam and tasting. After passing the WSET Level 4 you receive your WSET Diploma, which opens the door to higher level wine education.

My goal is to reach the WSET Level 4 Diploma.

What will I do when I achieve my goal? That is to be determined. For now enrolling in the WSET is an awesome way to learn more about a topic for which I have a lot of passion and genuine curiosity.

I created this blog, Louis Drinks Wine, first and foremost to celebrate my love of wine and culture that surrounds it. By sharing my learnings over the course of the WSET courses I will reenforce my learning and teach you, the reader, a little more about wine.