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WSET Courses

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a globally renowned awarding body and registered charity established in 1969 to serve the UK wine trade. Over the years, it became the leading global authority in providing comprehensive qualifications and courses in wines, spirits, and sake. The organization caters to individuals at various stages of their careers, from beginners to seasoned professionals, as well as enthusiasts with a passion for these beverages.

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WSET's educational offerings cover a wide range of qualifications, and they are designed to provide impartial and reliable learning experiences. As a WSET Approved Program Provider, the Zürich Wine Academy is committed to delivering an outstanding learning experience for all candidates in the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Courses in Wines by fostering a collaborative and fun classroom environment in the heart of Zürich!

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WSET - Level 1

In Wines

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About this Course

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The WSET Level 1 Beginner Course in Wines is specifically designed for individuals launching their wine journey, whether for personal enjoyment or as a step towards a professional career.  This engaging and fun course includes interactive group exercises, mock exams, and instructor support to ensure you're well-prepared for the test.  Join us to develop your wine knowledge and tasting skills, making connections with fellow enthusiasts along the way!

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WSET Level 1 is perfect for:

  • Wine Enthusiasts seeking to expand their wine knowledge and experience

  • Hospitality and wine industry professionals with limited wine proficiency

 

Registration includes:

  • 6 hours of world-class classroom instruction and the guided tasting of 9 quality wines from around the world

  • All exam fees, a frameable WSET certificate, and lapel pin upon successful course completion

  • All course materials

Syllabus

 

We will cover all the following Learning Outcomes during the course: 

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Know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking.

  1. Name the main parts of a grape and what they contain.

  2. Name the key stages in the annual grape growing cycle and know what happens during ripening.

  3. Name and define different grape-growing climates and state how they can affect the characteristics of grapes.

  4. List the requirements for and the products of alcoholic fermentation.

  5. Name and correctly order the key stages in producing still white, red, and rosé wines.

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Know the types, characteristics, and styles of wines from the principal grape varieties and other examples of wines.

  1. Name and define the types of wine and the characteristics that contribute to their styles.

  2. Name the principal grape varieties and identify the characteristics and styles of their wines.

  3. Identify and relate examples of wines from principal grape varieties to the grape varieties, types, characteristics and styles of wines.

  4. Identify and relate other examples of wines to the types, characteristics and styles of wines.

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Know the key principles and practices involved in the storage and service of wine.

  1. Identify and define the ideal conditions for storing and methods for preserving wine.

  2. Identify the recommended service temperature description for the principal types and styles of wine.

  3. State the correct procedures for opening and serving wine.

  4. Identify the principal food and wine interactions and recognize the effect they typically have on a wine.

Examination

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book examination comprising 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 45 minutes. All examination questions are based on the published learning outcomes and the recommended study materials contain the information required to answer these questions.

 

A candidate is required to pass with a minimum score of 70%.

 

Recommendations

There are no requirements for candidates to have previous knowledge or previous experience of alcoholic beverages.  There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.  Candidates are not required to dedicate additional private study outside of class for the successful completion of this course.

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Course Policies

Candidates must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in Switzerland.  Cancellations must be communicated via email to info@zurichwineacademy.com up to 15 calendar days before the start of the course for a full refund.  If the cancellation is communicated after this period, the student will lose the right to a refund.

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WSET - Level 2

About this Course

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Take your knowledge and expertise as a wine enthusiast or wine industry professional to the next level with the WSET Level 2 Intermediate Course in Wines, a comprehensive 6-evening program that provides interactive exercises and hands-on training to deepen your wine knowledge and connect you with the Zürich wine community.

 

WSET Level 2 is perfect for:

  • Wine Enthusiasts and wine industry professionals seeking to build upon an intermediate wine experience level

 

Registration includes:

  • 18 hours of world-class classroom instruction and the guided tasting of 43 quality wines 

  • All exam fees, a frameable WSET certificate, and lapel pin upon successful course completion

  • All course materials

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In Wines

Syllabus

 

We will cover the following Learning Outcomes during the course: 

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  1. Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine.

  2. Understand how winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wine.

  3. Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal grape varieties.

  4. Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important black and white grape varieties.

  5. Understand how the production process can influence the styles of sparkling and fortified wines.

  6. Understand the key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine, and in the pairing of food and wine.

Examination

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book theory examination of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes.  

 

A candidate is required to pass with a minimum score of 55%.

 

Recommendations

There are no requirements for candidates to have previous knowledge or previous experience of alcoholic beverages.  We highly recommend that candidates without previous wine education or wine trade experience attend the WSET Level 1 in Wines before proceeding to Level 2.  We recommend that candidates dedicate at least 11 hours of private study outside of class for the successful completion of this course. 

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Course Policies

Candidates must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in Switzerland.  Cancellations must be communicated via email to info@zurichwineacademy.com up to 15 calendar days before the start of the course for a full refund.  If the cancellation is communicated after this period, the student will lose the right to a refund.

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WSET - Level 3

In Wines

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About this Course

 

The WSET Level 3 Advanced Course in Wines is tailored for wine industry professionals and passionate wine enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of wines. This comprehensive course delves into the intricacies of grape growing, winemaking, and the factors influencing wine style and quality. The WSET Level 3 is a captivating journey through the rich and nuanced world of wines, offering advanced knowledge and skills for wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.

 

WSET Level 3 is perfect for:

  • Wine industry professionals

  • Advanced wine enthusiasts and collectors

 

Registration includes:

  • 36 hours of world-class classroom instruction and the guided tasting of 68 quality wines 

  • All exam fees, a frameable WSET certificate, and lapel pin upon successful course completion

  • All course materials

Syllabus

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We will cover the following Learning Outcomes during the course: 

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  1. Identify the principal natural and human factors in the vineyard and winery that are involved in the production of still wines of the world and explain how they can influence the style, quality, and price of these wines.

  2. Identify and describe the characteristics of the still wines produced in the principal wine-producing regions of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery, law, and commerce can influence the style, quality, and price of these wines.

  3. Identify and describe the characteristics of the principal sparkling wines of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery, law, and commerce can influence the style, quality, and price of these wines.

  4. Identify and describe the characteristics of the principal fortified wines of the world and explain how the key natural and human factors in the vineyard, winery, and law can influence the style, quality, and price of these wines.

  5. Demonstrate the ability to provide information and advice to customers and staff about wines.

  6. Accurately describe the key characteristics of the principal still wines of the world and use the description to make an assessment of quality and an assessment of readiness for drinking.

Examination

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines will be assessed by a closed-book theory examination and a tasting examination. To gain an overall pass, a candidate must achieve a pass mark of 55 percent in both the theory and the tasting examination. Candidates must sit in both units on the same day.  Only resit candidates who have passed in one unit can sit in single units.

 

Unit 1:  Theory Examination

The closed-book theory examination comprises two parts:  Part 1 comprises 50 multiple-choice questions, and will assess knowledge and understanding from the entire course.  Part 2 is a question paper requiring short written answers consisting of four questions assessing the application of knowledge across the course.  The candidate must attain a minimum score of 55% in both Part 1 and Part 2 to pass the Theory Examination.

 

Unit 2:  Tasting Examination

The tasting examination examination consists of two blind wines and assesses the candidate’s ability to accurately describe a wine and draw conclusions based on these observations. The tasting examination must be completed in 30 minutes.  The candidate must achieve a minimum score of 55% to successfully complete the Tasting Examination.

 

Recommendations

Completion of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or an equivalent level of formal wine training is required for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines.  Candidates who believe they have a sufficient understanding of the subjects covered by the Level 2 Award in Wines are advised to

contact us at info@zurichwineacademy.com before enrolling into the WSET Level 3 in Wines.  Due to the breadth of course material and difficulty of the examination, we highly recommend that candidates dedicate at least 52 hours of private study outside of class for the successful completion of the examination. 

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Course Policies

Candidates must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in Switzerland.  Cancellations must be communicated via email to info@zurichwineacademy.com up to 15 calendar days before the start of the course for a full refund.  If the cancellation is communicated after this period, the student will lose the right to a refund.

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