WSET LEVEL 1

Product Description

This course will introduce students, at a fundamental level, to the main styles of wine available, wine storage and service and the matching of food and wine. This will enable students to meet workplace wine service standards and deal with basic customer inquiries. The aim is to provide students with product and service information relevant to their place of employment or study. It is also an excellent introductory course for the wine enthusiast who wishes to learn about wine styles, storing and serving of wine and food and wine matching in a structured classroom setting.

Certification in this course will provide the basic product knowledge and skills in the service of wines required to prepare a person with the knowledge to underpin the job skills and competences, for example, in positions in the sale and service of wine in restaurants and bars, and for store and call-centre staff in wine retail or wholesale.
There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. Students who are under the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to sample any alcoholic beverage during in-class tastings, but this is not a barrier to successfully completing the course. Similarly, students who choose not to taste alcohol for health, religious or other reasons will not find this a barrier to successfully completing the course.

The Level 1 Certificate course is assessed through a closed-book examination paper comprising of 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 correctly. A minimum mark of 70% is required to pass. All students who pass will be issued with a certificate and a lapel pin.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the main types and styles of wine available.
• State the factors that determine the main styles of wine.
• State the main characteristics of the principal grape varieties.
• Describe the styles and characteristics of wines made from the principal grape varieties, using the Level 1 WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• Describe the styles and characteristics of the named wines, using the Level 1 WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• State the correct procedures for the storage of wines.
• State the service temperatures for the main styles of wines available.
• State the correct procedures for opening and serving still and sparkling wines.
• Identify common faults found in wines.
• State the social, health, safety and legal issues relating to the consumption of wine.
• State the basic food and wine matching principles.
• Match wines by style to the main food consideration