Course Description

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines will give participants knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. You’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.

The content covered includes:

• How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
• How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
  -Chardonnay
  -Pinot Grigio/Gris
  -Sauvignon Blanc
  -Riesling
  -Cabernet Sauvignon
  -Merlot
  -Pinot Noir
  -Syrah/Shiraz
• The style and quality of wines:
  -made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
  -produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
• How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
  -Sparkling wines
  -Fortified wines
• Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
• Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
• Principles of food and wine pairing

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Wine Tasting, Pairing, Storage & Service

• Learn to taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• Discover the key considerations when pairing food and wine successfully.
• Learn the processes and principles of wine storage and service.

Module 2: Factors Affecting Wine Style & Quality

• Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors influence the style and quality of the wine
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms related to vine age and grape-growing options.

Module 3: Still Red Wines

• Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors influence the principal and regionally important black grape varieties, how they influence the style and quality of the wines produced.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style and quality.

Module 4: Still White Wine

• Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors influence the principal and regionally important white grape varieties, how they influence the style and quality of the wines produced.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style and quality.

Module 5: Other Styles of Wine

• Learn about the key grape varieties used to produce the principal styles of sparkling and fortified wines.
• Learn the key wine making processes used to make sparkling and fortified wines.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style and quality.

Module 6: Revision & Feedback Questionnaire

• There is a mock multiple choice test to complete.

Examination

At the very end of the course, students will take a 1 hour examination online. Students who successfully complete the course and exam will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

Objectives

• Provide those with little or no prior knowledge with a good level of wine knowledge to underpin required job skills and competencies, for example in the customer service and sales functions of hospitality, retailing wholesaling industries.
• It is also useful for those who have a general interest in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine.
• Understand how winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wine.
• Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal grape varieties.
• Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important black and white grape varieties.
• Understand how the production process can influence the styles of sparkling and fortified wines.
• Understand the key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine, and in the pairing of food and wine.

FAQs