WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

Course information

Building on the knowledge gained through the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, the Level 3 Award in Wines goes both broader and deeper. It is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world.

Our specialist educators will guide you in developing your tasting skills through a carefully selected range of wines ranging from household brands to outstanding bottles from iconic producers. You’ll learn how to use your tasting notes to make objective conclusions on a wine’s style, quality and readiness for drinking.

What will I learn?

The course will cover:

The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation and bottling
The key characteristics of the principal:
- still wines of the world
- sparkling wines of the world
- fortified wines of the world
How to make appropriate wine recommendations
How to taste wines using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Tutored tastings of 82 wines
Access to WSET’s Online Classroom for the duration of the course including useful video links and other resources

Successful candidates will be able to taste and describe with confidence the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and price. Those who work with wine will be in a great position to advise management, to answer customer queries authoritatively, and to make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.

Click here to download the full qualification specification.

Assessment

The course assessment is split into two essential units: Unit 1 focuses on your theoretical understanding of the subject and your ability to communicate this, while Unit 2 focuses on your tasting abilities. Both units are examined in person at WSET School London on the same day, with a short break between the papers.

Unit 1

A closed book theory examination in two parts, which must be completed in two hours.

Part 1 comprises 50 multiple-choice questions. This part will assess your knowledge and understanding across the unit.
Part 2 is a question paper requiring short written answers. This part will consist of four questions of 25 marks each, and will assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have gained across the unit.

You must attain a minimum mark of 55% in both parts to pass Unit 1. Sample questions can be found in the Specification.

Unit 2

A blind tasting exam featuring two still wines, which must be completed in 30 minutes. This will assess your ability to accurately describe a wine and draw conclusions about its quality and readiness for drinking based on your observations.

You must attain a combined mark of 55% across the two wines to pass Unit 2.

Pass marks

Pass: mean average mark of 55% – 64%
Pass with Merit: mean average mark of between 65% – 79%
Pass with Distinction: mean average mark of 80% or above (with no individual examination paper below 65%)

All students who pass the examination will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

This qualification is Ofqual regulated.

Do I need any prior knowledge?

The Level 3 Award in Wines is addressed to WSET Level 2 holders.

All classes are delivered in English and the assessment requires your answers to be hand-written, therefore a good level of written and spoken English is very beneficial.

You must be at least 18 years old to enrol on any of our courses.

How should I prepare?

This is a highly rewarding yet demanding course which requires a minimum of 60 hours of private study time, in addition to guided tuition hours. Depending on your chosen study option, you may need to complete a significant proportion of these study hours prior to the course start in order to be fully prepared.

Anyone embarking on a WSET qualification should familiarise themselves with the course specification – this document will help you hugely when preparing for the course and the examination.

Course fees include:

WSET Level 3 study pack
Tuition
Wine samples consisting of 70 wines from top wine producers, typical of their varieties will be tasted during the course.
Examination
Coffee and lunch break
VAT 5% +19%
Upon successful completion, a WSET certificate and lapel pin