- What is the WSET?
- Why WSET courses?
- What is the structure of the WSET certification program?
- What WSET certification programs are taught at The Wine and Spirit Archive?
- Should I begin with the WSET Intermediate Course or the WSET Advanced Course?
- How do I register and pay for courses?
- What is your refund policy?
- Do I have to be 21 or over to take your classes?
what is the WSET?
The WSET is the educational affiliate of the Institute of Masters of Wine (MW). The WSET was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wine and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications for professionals and enthusiasts.
Over 24,000 people took a WSET wine course last year. Although based in London, the WSET has centers in 47 countries worldwide.
WSET Graduates include some of the top wine professionals and wine educators in the world, as well as hundreds of thousands of wine devotees seeking the most thorough wine education.
In the U.K., completion of WSET's Advanced Certificate and Diploma classes are pre-requisites for Master of Wine candidates.
why WSET courses?
The WSET is the world’s most recognized wine certification program and is generally recognized as “the” program for individuals seeking to become a Master of Wine. Simply put, the WSET courses are without parallel.
In the coming years, the WSET Certificates programs will be recognized as essential credentials within the global wine industry.
In short, the WSET provides the finest and most comprehensive wine education available, whether you wish to further your career in wine, start a career in wine, or just further your wine knowledge.
what is the structure of the WSET certification program?
The WSET classes are a progression and includes the Level 1 Foundations Course, Level 2 Intermediate Course, Level 3 Advanced Course, and Level 4 Diploma Course. Each level covers the entire world of wine by geographical region— including viticulture, vinification, and appellation labeling laws— and also covers wine-tasting technique.
The standard starting point for our students is the Level 2 Intermediate Course. While the Level 2 Course is not an absolute prerequisite for the Level 3 Advanced Course, it is highly recommended, as it provides students with information and wine-tasting techniques that are essential to completing the more difficult Level 3 Course.
The Level 3 Advanced Certificate is a strict prerequisite for the Level 4 Diploma Program. There are no exceptions.
what WSET certification programs are taught at The Wine and Spirit Archive?
We currently offer the Level 2 Intermediate and Level Advanced Courses in Wines and Spirits as well as the Level 2 Spirits Course. We plan to offer our first WSET Level 4 Diploma Course in Fall 2012.
should I begin with the WSET Level 2 Intermediate Course or the WSET Level 3 Advanced Course?
We find that the Level 2 Intermediate Course is the ideal starting level for the majority of our students. However, for those with a strong foundation in principle wine regions, major grape varieties, legal regulations and appellations, viticulture practices and vinification methods, it is possible to move directly into the Level 3 Advanced Course.
Still uncertain where to begin? We are always happy to discuss the two courses in more detail to help you better assess your knowledge level. Our online quiz will also give you a sense of the type and scope of information covered in the Level 2 Intermediate Course.
how do I register and pay for courses?
Payment can be made by credit card through the website or by check. Your registration is secured once payment is received.
Payment by invoice is available for businesses registering multiple employees.
what is your refund policy?
Our refund policy can be found here.
do I have to be 21 or over to take your classes?
Yes, because we taste alcohol in all of our classes, you must be 21 or over. Please make sure to bring proper identification to class with you.