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WINE & SPIRITS EDUCATION TRUST CERTIFICATIONS
About the WSET
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wine, beer, sake, and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader as the largest provider of wine, beer, sake, and spirits qualifications through a worldwide network of over 800 course providers in over 70 countries.
As an Approved Programme Provider (APP) of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Brightwater NWA offers WSET certification classes as part of the diverse educational opportunities available to both individuals and businesses.
Key Benefits
Enhanced Knowledge and Skills
Gain a solid foundation in wine theory and tasting techniques. Learn to identify key grape varieties, assess wine quality, and speak confidently about wine in both professional and social settings.
Broaden Appreciation
Explore global wine regions, styles, and traditions. Develop a deeper appreciation for wine's cultural and sensory richness through guided tastings and expert instruction.
Learn More
Discover the full range of WSET qualifications and find the level that fits your goals. Explore how continued wine education can open new doors in hospitality, retail, and beyond.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. Students 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.
The qualification provides essential knowledge and skills in wine service, preparing individuals for roles in the sale and service of wine in restaurants, bars, as well as for staff in wine retail or wholesale.
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This qualification has a minimum requirement of 6 hours of in-person classroom study, including a 45-minute examination.
$395
Prices include tuition, study materials, and exam fees. Refer to Brightwater NWA Policies
& Procedures for information regarding cancellations and refunds.
- The main types and styles of wine
- Common wine grapes and their characteristics
- How to store and serve wine
- The principles of food and wine pairing
- How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- Tutored guided tastings of a minimum of 6 wines
Assessment is by a 45-minute closed-book examination of 30 multiple-choice questions. A candidate is required to pass with a minimum mark of 70%. Upon successfully passing the exam, students will receive a digital certificate and badge to certify their achievement.
There are no pre-requisites required for enrollment to WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, nor are there requirements for candidates to have previous knowledge or previous experience of alcoholic beverages.
This course will involve educational tastings of alcoholic beverages. Individuals are not required to participate in the tastings to successfully complete the qualification.
Candidates applying to sit the examination must be at least 21 years of age, or be preparing for the examination as part of a recognized full-time program of study, or have obtained consent from their parents or legal guardians.
Candidates who are under 21 years of age will not be allowed to sample any alcoholic beverage as part of their course.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
This is a beginner- to intermediate-level qualification and is suitable for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts wanting to learn, describe, compare, and explore a wide range of wines. Students will gain 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, as well as be able to interpret wine labels from the main wine-producing regions of the world and give basic guidance on appropriate selection and service.
Through a combination of tasting and theory, students will explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence, as well as understand the principles of wine tasting and evaluation.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, or an equivalent level of experience, is recommended but not required for entry.
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This qualification has a minimum requirement of 17 hours of in-person classroom study, including a 60-minute examination, and an additional 11 hours of personal study time outside the classroom.
$800
Prices include tuition, study materials, and exam fees. Refer to Brightwater NWA Policies & Procedures for information regarding cancellations and refunds.
- 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 8 principal grape varieties:
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- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
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- The style and quality of wines:
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- Made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
- Produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
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- How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
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- Sparkling wines
- Fortified wines
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- Key labeling 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
- Tutored guided tastings of a minimum of 43 wines
Assessment is by a 60-minute, closed-book examination of 50 multiple-choice questions. A candidate is required to pass with a minimum mark of 55%. Upon successfully passing the exam, students will receive a digital certificate and badge to certify their achievement.
There are no pre-requisites for enrollment to WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, nor are there requirements for candidates to have previous knowledge or previous experience of alcoholic beverages. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, or an equivalent level of experience, is recommended but not required.
This course will involve educational tastings of alcoholic beverages. Individuals are not required to participate in the tastings to successfully complete the qualification.
Candidates applying to sit the examination must be at least 21 years of age, or be preparing for the examination as part of a recognized full-time program of study, or have obtained consent from their parents or legal guardians.
Candidates who are under 21 years of age will not be allowed to sample any alcoholic beverage as part of their course.
Policies and Procedures
Click here to view Brightwater NWA’s WSET APP Policies and Procedures.
This document includes important information about course policies, student expectations,
and exam guidelines.