An introduction to wine
Dive into the basics with our entry-level course, the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. It is your go-to guide for understanding wine styles, grape varieties, food and wine pairings, and the essentials of serving and storing your favourite bottles.
This is a wine course for beginners. For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You will 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.
Who is this course aimed at
Level 1 is a perfect introduction to the wine consumer and service staff wanting to know more about wine. No previous knowledge or certification is required.
What you will learn
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- What are the main types and styles of wine
- The characteristics of the most common wine grapes
- The correct way to store and serve wine
- Foundations of food and wine pairing
Course delivery
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 6 hours of study time, in a classroom with a WSET course provider.
Assessment
This course assessment is by a closed-book examination of 30 multiple-choice questions.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. All exam papers are sent to WSET in London where it is marked, results are forwarded to us and we will inform you via mail when we receive it.
Pass mark is 70%
Fail is 69% and below
On successful completion of the examination you will receive a digital WSET certificate, a red lapel pin, and you will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
If you do not pass, you are able to retake the examination part of the course only. Please contact us at hello@winelab.africa for a potential date and the cost implications involved.
Entry requirements
As this is the wine course for beginners, there are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.
What does your course fee include
- The course will be hosted in person with a WSET certified educator
- Your course guidebook: An introduction to wine
- The exam fee
- All tasting wines and the sample food pairings
- A digital WSET certificate and a red WSET lapel pin when you pass
- All courier cost for course material, exams to London and to deliver your pin