Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 in Wine Course

WSET Level 1 Wines, 1 Day Course. Course Provider: Northern Wine School, Manchester

Who is This Course for?

This is an entry level course giving you a basic grasp of winemaking, and the main international grape varieties and styles of wine as well as basic principles of food & wine matching, storage and service.

It is useful for those working in or looking to work for restaurants, gastropubs, bars, wine merchants or licenced wholesalers or retailers selling a range of wine. It can also be helpful for younger people looking to start out their careers in the industry.

It’s also suitable for those looking to learn a bit more about wine in a structured way, so they can enhance their enjoyment and appreciation. This makes a great present for the wine enthusiast in your life too.

If booking on behalf of someone else, then you must supply their name, date of birth & email address ASAP on the original booking, or when requested later, at least 15 working days' notice in advance of the course date.

What's Included?

• Full day's tuition with a WSET qualified teacher
• Student workbook
• Six different wine tasting samples
• Registration fees for the course
• First attempt at the exam
• Digital certificate on sucessful completion

Course Content

• Introduction to professional tasting technique using the WSET's Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT).
• The main types and styles of wine (still, sparkling & fortified) and overview of how they are made
• Common wine grapes and their characteristics (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot)
• How to store and serve wine properly
• The principles of food and wine pairing

Is there any private study required?

The WSET Level 1 courses are designed for beginners and are self contained. Everything you need to know will be taught on the day. You do not need to prepare in advance, however, a digital copy of the student workbook will be provided ahead of the course for students to look at. This does not need to be completed prior to the class.

Additional Information & Exam

You don’t need any prior knowledge of wine, or experience in the wine or hospitality trades (you do however need to be over 18 as there’s wine-tasting involved)

The classroom course ends in a paper based exam at the end of the day. It is a 30 question multiple-choice exam, is pass/fail only, and you must score 70% (21/30) or above to pass.

Every student sitting the exam will require a copy of a valid, in date official form of photographic ID for verification with a clear photograph of them displayed as well as their name and date of birth. Acceptable forms include passport, full or provisional driving licence, work or study visa or work or student ID.

Your registration includes your first attempt at the exam. Resists are available at an addional fee, if required, and can be done online (subject to meeting minimum technical requirements). Current rate for L1 resits is 2025/2026 academic year is £115.

For more details about the course & exam, please see the course specification: here.

Terms & Conditions of Booking

Course registration fees are non refundable. You may transfer your place ONCE if more than 15 working days notice is provided, subject to an admin fee of £50 per student. If less than 15 working days' notice is given, or in the event of a no show, then the full payment will be forfeit and the full course fee will be payable if you wish to attend at a later date.

If booking on behalf of someone else, then you must supply their name, date of birth & email address ASAP when asked, at least 15 working days' notice in advance of the course date. If the incorrect details are provided, or a different person to those registered attends, they will be refused entry. The full registration fee will be payable again in this case.

If students are more than 45 minutes late, then tutors reserve the right to refuse you sitting the exam. The full course fee will be payable should the student decide they still want to attend the course at a later date.

All management descisions are final. Threats or verbal abuse towards our Educators will not be tolerated, and inappropriate behaviour may be reported to the WSET awarding body. This can result in the student being banned from all future events or courses with us, and potentially any course with any provider by the WSET.

Resits are available at an addional fee, if required, and can be done online (subject to meeting minimum technical requirements). Current rate for L1 resits is 2025/2026 academic year is £115. Your initial registration fee includes your FIRST ATTEMPT only.