Level 2 starts a deeper learning odyssey for enthusiasts or those individuals who wish to move up the hospitality career ladder to be more customer focused (i.e. in front of house positions, hosts etc.) with more responsibility. The Level 2 provides greater knowledge aiding improved confidence and empowerment to use their professionalism to encourage customers to purchase recommended beverages, food and wine pairings enhancing the customer experience and increasing revenue and profit.
About the course
Learn about the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these impact the style and quality of wine in this fun and relaxed 3-day course. Understand the key stages and how winemaking and bottle ageing options and techniques also influence the style and quality of wine. Learn about the principal grape varieties, their characteristics and what their viticultural and vinification surroundings and/or winemaker choices can have. This Ofqual Regulated course also covers labelling terms, sparkling and fortified wines production methods, storage and service, food and wine pairing.
Successful candidates will be able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties, interpret wine labels from the main wine producing regions of the world and give basic guidance on appropriate selection and service, as well as understand the principles of wine tasting and evaluation.
Having WSET certified wine professionals on staff helps a business develop, drive and improve its performance as well as being a credible way to distinguish it from the competition. For the individuals themselves, their newfound knowledge raises standards and morale, builds confidence and empowerment increasing their promotion and salary prospects, widens job opportunities and provides recognition within the industry.
Our Educators
WSE tutors, all WSET Certified Educators and graduates of the coveted WSET Level 4 Diploma, are professional and experienced corporate trainers who apply their knowledge and skill in modern training techniques. Using multiple learning methods and styles in our courses, they successfully help our students/guests to easily understand, absorb, embed and retain information.
This internationally recognised vocational training course is accredited at Level 2 with the UK Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and aimed at employees in the drinks and hospitality industry or wine enthusiasts wishing to gain more in-depth knowledge of wine.
COST £ 525.00 including VAT (i.e. £437.50 excluding VAT)
Fee includes study materials, wine tastings, tuition, examination and provision of tasting glasses during the course
EXAMINATION 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. A mark of 55% required to pass (Pass 55-69%, Pass with Merit 70-84% & Pass with Distinction 85%+).
CERTIFICATION With effect from 1st August 2025, WSET Awards withdrew paper certificates and physical badges replacing them with digital credentials, e.g. digital certificates for all students who pass. Click here to learn more.
NEXT COURSES
Set Scheduled Classroom Course Dates (scroll down for Course Venue) |
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Code L2W4059/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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L2W4060/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Code L2W4061/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Code L2W4062/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Not seeing the dates you fancy? Let us know as maybe we have something in the pipeline or a private course running that you may be able to join!
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS All bookings are on the basis that you have read and agreed to the Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
CONTENT
Subjects studied Content: –
Entry Requirement None
Wine Tasting Taste and be able to describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting
Factors Influencing the Style and Quality of Wine Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine. Learn how winemaking, production processes and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of still, sparkling and fortified wine.
Wine Service and Storage Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wine.
Food and Wine Pairing A practical guide to the key considerations when pairing food and wine successfully.
Labeling Understanding and decoding labels.
Grape Varieties Learn about the characteristics and styles of wines produced by the key international and regionally important grape varieties.
- Principal white grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
- Other varieties: Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, Fiano, Furmint, Garganega, Gewürztraminer, Sémillon/Semillon, Verdicchio and Viognier
- Principal black grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah/Shiraz
- Other varieties: Barbera, Carmenère, Corvina, Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Pinotage, Primitivo/Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Tempranillo
Key Wine Producing Regions of the World Learn about the main styles of wines from the key wine-producing regions: – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Number of Wines Approximately 30 wines will be tasted as part of the course
Study Materials Students will receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course study pack, consisting of the ‘Wines: Behind the Label’ course book and study guide/workbook together with a WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting card
Course Duration: 3 lecture/classroom days plus 1 hour examination
Recommended Private Study Minimum of 11 hours of additional private study is recommended for this course
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How much prior knowledge of wines should I have before attending this course?
A. None at all. This course has been devised for individuals with an aptitude to learn rather than a prior knowledge of wine.
Q. What is the recommended self study time for this programme?
A. Obviously people learn at different speeds and how much prior knowledge of wines you have before you start the course, will have a bearing on this. For a successful outcome, we do highly recommend that in addition to the lectures days, all students spend at least 11 hours of self study time.
Q. How long can I take to complete my studies?
A. Once booked on to a course, the dates are fixed, however, it is possible to transfer to another course or delay sitting your exam. Costs may apply as detailed in the terms and conditions.
Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. There are no entry requirements for this qualifications although students must be of legal drinking age to participate in any alcohol tasting.
COURSE VENUE
Delta by Marriott Hotels, Tadcaster Road, York, North Yorkshire, UK YO24 1QQ. t: 01904 701000
wineschoolofexcellence.co.uk 
Good evening.
I took this course a good few years ago.
The tutor was a charming Scottish lady, who possibly listened to radio two and her father or grandfather or some relative had a special aged barrel of scotch that she found in the distillery…
I also think she may have thought louis roederer was over priced.
It was probably about seven years ago when I did the course so forgive me if my information is a little wavey.
Anyway, I’m trying to track her down…
Please can you help me…
Again I may be wrong, she may have been called carol? However I’m unsure…
Any help would be appreciated.
Kindest regards
James
Hi James. Thanks for your message. I think you might be looking for Gillian and you can contact her on email address hello@wineschoolofexcellence.co.uk or 01904 778830. Kind regards