WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES - ONLINE
Our students have a 96% pass rate!
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Online is a five-week class, with fixed beginning and ending dates. After the course has ended, students will take a proctored exam. Exams can be taken in-person or online. Please see registration information below for specific in-person exam dates. Online exam dates will be arranged with you after registration, on a day of your choosing. Advanced registration is required.
WSET's Level 2 course is perfect for students looking to establish a core understanding of wines. This intermediate level course is particularly helpful for those students working in the industry or wine and spirits enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge. For more information regarding the course, please see the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Specification, located here. WSET Level 1 in Wines is not a required prerequisite for the WSET Level 2 in Wines course.
All students must be 21 years of age or older by the first day of the course.
Topics Covered Include:
- 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
Tasting is an important part of this course. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found inside your course. Cost of tasting samples is not included in the course fee.
Additional Information
- Self-paced! Log on anytime during the week to complete the weekly tasks. There are no set times to be online during the week.
- One exam registration, access to the Online Classroom, and a study pack are included in course fee
- Successful candidates will receive a WSET certificate of completion and lapel pin
- Access to an online tutor is available in the Online Classroom
- It is recommended to register sooner to allow yourself more time to familiarize yourself with the material before the course begins
- Students must complete material during the posted course dates
- Exam must be completed within one year of course start date.
- Students can expect login information a few days before the course begins, via email
- In order to access course materials students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or HTML5 compatible mobile or tablet with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0 or other HTML5 compatible; web browser with Javascript and cookies** enabled; Adobe Reader XI or equivalent; Internet access (broadband recommended)
- Students Located Outside United States: A shipping fee will be applied to cover the cost of shipment for your final certificate and pin, and physical study materials (if selected)
Textbook Information:
Students have a choice of a digital (e-reader) study pack, or a physical hard copy study pack.
Hard copy packs within the continental US are sent Media Mail, with an estimated arrival of 5-8 business days. If you would prefer to have your materials sent Priority Mail or another expedited service, please write this in the "Notes" section of the checkout page and we will reach out to you within 24 hours with shipping options and quotes. A payment link will be sent for postage costs for packs sent any other method than Media Mail.
Study packs sent international will be sent Ground/First Class. Shipping for international destinations has an estimated delivery of 15-30 business days, depending on your location.
Digital study packs will be delivered to students within 3-5 business days of purchase. Digital materials are accessible for one year from purchase, and include highlighting, post-it, and note-taking functions. The digital materials are in an e-reader style format, and can be accessed on up to 3 different devices (laptops, tablets, or mobile phones). The digital materials are accessible through the e-reader platform, they are not a downloadable PDF format.
Students preferring both digital and print copies please write that both materials are needed in the "Notes" section of the checkout page. We will reach out to you within 24 hours, a fee of $75 will be added for the second copy. Postage fees will apply for expedited rates or international destinations.
Online Exam Information
- Exam must be taken within one year of course start date
- Exams may not be taken prior to the posted end date of the course
- In order to take the online exam students will need both a computer with a webcam and microphone (ex: laptop), and a secondary device with a camera to record the exam room (ex: Android phone or iPhone).
- Please note: Android tablets (Nexus 7, etc.), iOS tablets (iPad, iPad mini, etc.), and Microsoft Surface Pro and earlier devices are not supported for the exam device, but can be used as your secondary recording device. The exam device (laptop) must have either Windows 10 or 11, or Mac OS (latest two releases). You will need to use Chrome to take the exam.
- Google Pixel 3 or newer, Huawei P30, and the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) are not able to be used as your secondary recording camera device. If you have any questions regarding your devices please contact us for assistance.
- An in-person exam option is available in Las Vegas for students that cannot meet the tech requirements for an online exam, or who would prefer a paper exam. Dates listed below.
Exams can be taken in-person or online. Online exam dates are selected by student, and offered every day of the week, except for holidays (UK and US holidays). In-person exam dates are listed below. Students can choose either in-person or online for exams.
Online exam registration information will be provided to students after completed registration, and prior to the course start date. Exams may not be taken prior to the posted end date of the course.
Registration Deadlines Beginning 2025:
Please register by 12pm Pacific Time on the designated registration deadline. Courses will close before registration deadlines if they are full.
January 6 - February 9, Please Register by December 20
January 20 - February 23, Please Register by January 10
February 3 - March 9, Please Register by January 24
February 17 - March 23, Please Register by February 7
March 3 - April 6, Please Register by February 21
March 17 - April 20, Please Register by March 7
March 31 - May 4, Please Register by March 21
In-Person Exam Dates Beginning 2025: March 6, June 26
The course challenged me to refine my palate and improve my tasting skills. The lessons on terroir and climate were particularly insightful.
The materials provided an excellent foundation for exploring global wine regions. The lessons on food and wine pairing were both practical and insightful.
The course deepened my understanding of wine production and styles. I especially enjoyed learning about the influence of terroir on wine.
This course was the perfect next step for someone with a basic knowledge of wine. The regional focus added so much depth to my understanding.
The WSET Level 2 course challenged me to think critically about wine. The materials were detailed but presented in an approachable way.