A Beginner's Guide
Which WSET should I start at?
There are nine WSET qualifications across Wine, Sake and Spirits. Here's how to choose the right starting point for you.
Start here
The short answer.
For most people, the right answer falls into one of three buckets.
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1. Genuinely new to wine Start with Level 1 in Wines. If you couldn't confidently name five grape varieties or describe the difference between old world and new world wines, Level 1 is your starting point. A single day gives you the foundation. |
2. Already drink wine thoughtfully Start with Level 2 in Wines. Level 2 is WSET's most popular qualification globally. Level 1 is recommended but not required, and Level 2 covers everything in Level 1 with significantly more depth. |
3. Sake or spirits is your focus Start at Level 1 in that category. Sake and Spirits each have their own Level 1, 2 and 3 progression. You don't need wine background first. |
If you want more detail
A closer look at each level.
Each WSET qualification builds on the last, but each also stands alone. Here's what each level covers, who it's for, and what you'll walk away with.
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Foundation Level 1 A single intensive day. No prior knowledge required. From $425 |
WSET Level 1 Award in WinesThe perfect starting point for anyone who wants a hands-on introduction to wine. Over a single day, you'll learn the main styles of wine, how grapes become wine, how to taste systematically, how to read a wine label, and the basics of food and wine pairing. By the end of the day you sit the official WSET exam: 30 multiple-choice questions, 70% to pass. Best for: complete beginners, hospitality staff who serve wine but haven't formally studied it, gift recipients curious about wine. Explore Level 1 Wine → |
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Most Popular Level 2 Around 28 hours total study. Level 1 not required. From $1,045 |
WSET Level 2 Award in WinesWSET's most popular qualification globally and a beginner-to-intermediate course. Covers the eight principal grape varieties plus regionally important varieties from the major wine-producing regions of the world. You'll learn how climate, soil and winemaking choices shape the wine in your glass, how to read labels from any country, and how to systematically taste and describe wine. The exam: 50 multiple-choice questions, one hour, 55% to pass. Best for: regular wine drinkers, hospitality professionals, anyone who wants a serious foundation. Level 1 is recommended but not required. Explore Level 2 Wine → |
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Advanced Level 3 84+ hours of study, includes blind tasting. Level 2 strongly recommended. From $1,750 |
WSET Level 3 Award in WinesAn advanced qualification for serious enthusiasts and wine professionals. Where Level 2 focuses on recognising styles, Level 3 focuses on explaining them. You'll develop the ability to evaluate quality, justify price differences, and write structured tasting notes through 74 wines tasted across the world's major regions. The exam includes blind tasting of two wines plus a written component. Best for: wine industry professionals, dedicated enthusiasts, and anyone targeting the WSET Diploma. Level 2 (or equivalent knowledge) is strongly recommended. Explore Level 3 Wine → |
At a glance
The three levels side by side.
| Level 1 Foundation |
Level 2 Most Popular |
Level 3 Advanced |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Single intensive day (6+ hours) | Multiple sessions, around 28 hours total | Multi-week, 84+ hours total |
| Wines tasted | ~10 wines | 40+ wines | 74 wines |
| Exam format | 30 multiple choice, 70% to pass | 50 multiple choice, 55% to pass | Theory paper + blind tasting |
| Prerequisites | None | None (Level 1 recommended, not required) | Level 2 strongly recommended |
| Investment | From $425 | From $1,045 | From $1,750 |
| Best for | Total beginners, gift recipients, hospitality staff | Regular wine drinkers, serious enthusiasts | Wine industry professionals, dedicated students |
Pricing varies by intake and venue. See individual course pages for current rates.
Beyond wine
Sake and Spirits run on their own tracks.
Each subject has its own Level 1, 2 and 3 progression. You don't need to study wine first to start in sake or spirits. Each track stands on its own.
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Sake A fascinating Japanese tradition.Level 1 Sake is a single day covering production, styles and structured tasting. Level 2 deepens into grades, regions and evaluation. Level 3 is advanced study including blind tasting. Wine knowledge is not a prerequisite. |
Spirits Whisky, gin, rum, vodka and more.Level 1 Spirits is a single day on the major categories and how they're made. Level 2 covers production techniques and global styles in depth. Level 3 is advanced study including maturation, quality, and regional detail. Popular with bartenders and home enthusiasts. Wine knowledge not required. |
The questions we get most
Still wondering?
Do I need to do Level 1 before Level 2?
No. WSET sets no entry requirements for Level 2. Level 1 is recommended but not required. If you've never thought about how wine is made or how to taste systematically, Level 1 is a gentler entry. If you've been drinking wine thoughtfully for years and want to formalise that knowledge, you can start with Level 2.
Can I jump straight to Level 3?
WSET recommends but doesn't require Level 2 before Level 3. However, Level 3 builds on the systematic tasting method and structural knowledge taught at Level 2. Skipping that foundation makes Level 3 significantly harder than it needs to be. We strongly recommend completing Level 2 first unless you can demonstrate equivalent prior knowledge.
Is WSET worth it if I'm not in the wine industry?
Yes. WSET qualifications are recognised globally and the curriculum is designed for both professionals and enthusiasts. The qualification gives you a structured way to make sense of the global wine landscape, the vocabulary to discuss wine with confidence, and a recognised credential you can put on your CV or LinkedIn.
How long does each level take?
Level 1 in Wines, Sake or Spirits requires a minimum of 6 hours of guided learning, typically delivered in a single intensive day plus the exam. Level 2 requires around 28 hours of total study (16 hours of guided learning plus 11 hours of private study). Level 3 is the most substantial, requiring at least 84 hours of study with 30+ hours of classroom time over multiple weeks.
What's the difference between studying in person and online?
In-person classes at our Richmond location or Baix in Brighton give you guided tasting with the right wines or spirits at the right temperature, plus immediate questions answered. Our WSET Online option works at your own pace from anywhere. Both lead to the same globally recognised qualification.
What if I want to start with something less formal?
Our 4-Week Wine Evenings and one-off tastings are designed for exactly this. They cover specific regions or themes over four relaxed sessions, with no exam at the end. Many students do a 4-Week course first, then move into WSET when they want a structured qualification.
From a student
"I signed up for Level 3 within an hour of finishing Level 2."
David
WSET Level 2 & 3 · Wine
Still not sure?
Have a quick chat with us before you book. We're happy to help you find the right starting point based on your background, interests and goals.
Get in touch →Or browse our full catalogue under the Courses menu.