A great fun course for new or inexperienced hospitality or retail employees wishing to learn the basic product knowledge and skills in the service and sale of wine. Typically run in 1 day, it’s also perfect groundwork for the wine enthusiast who wishes to delve further into the world of wine. This course is Ofqual Regulated.
By the end of the course you’ll be able to taste wine using a globally recognised approach, identify key styles of wine and characteristics of important grape varieties. You’ll also learn the key principles of food and wine pairing and how to apply these to your own food and wine choices.
WSET Awards at Level 1 is a natural starting point for students learning in the specialist field of wine and helps build an innovation mindset for an ‘in common’ approach to work and the customer experience.
For more details including the specification, see Course Content below.
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.
COST £230 including VAT (i.e. £191.67 excluding VAT)
Fee includes study materials, wine tastings, tuition, examination and provision of tasting glasses during the course.
EXAMINATION 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes. A mark of 70% required to pass.
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 L1W1074/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Code L1W1075/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Code L1W1076/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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Code L1W1077/York/9.15am-5.00pm
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NB: The exam for Level 1 classroom courses takes place at the end of the day. However, if booking within 12 working days of the commencement of a course, the exam will need to be scheduled after the completion of the course.
Not seeing the dates you fancy? Let us know as maybe there is 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.
COURSE CONTENT
Subject studied content
Wine Tasting Taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting
Food and Wine Matching A practical guide to the key considerations when matching food and wine successfully
Wine Service and Storage Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wine
Social Responsibility A guide to sensible drinking
Types and Styles of Wine Learn about what makes wines taste different
Grape Varieties Learn about the characteristics and styles of wines produced from the main grape varieties.
- Main white grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio
- Main black grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz
Named Wines:
- White: Sancerre, Chablis, Sauternes, Burgundy
- Red: Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte du Rhône, Chianti, Rioja
- Rosé: White Zinfandel
- Sparkling: Champagne, Cava, Prosecco
- Fortified: Port, Sherry
Number of Wines Tasted 8 wines will be tasted as part of the course
Course Duration: 1 day inclusive of examination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How much prior knowledge of wines and/or spirits 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. The exam takes place at the end of the day session, therefore, no self study time is required – unless of course it whet’s your appetite and you decide to continue your studies and join the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
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
York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, North Yorkshire, UK YO24 1QQ. t: 01904 701000
wineschoolofexcellence.co.uk 
Hi I am interested in the wset level 1, but as I can see from the dates, there are only on Saturday, I’ve got a restaurant so Saturday it is the busier time, is there any diffente days please
Also the level 1 is it just one day?
Thanks for contacting us Francesco. We have emailed you directly to answer your questions. Regards WSE
Where is the WSET level 1 held?
Hi Adam. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on Saturday 29th February 2020 is being held at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York. Kind regards and thanks for contacting.
Hi, I am interesed in the level 1 course and I am courious that is the level 1 course just 1 day? Becasue I don’t have too much knowledge of wine, is one day enough to learn?
Hi Iris. I’ve just sent you a direct message/email. Kind regards Gillian