WSET Virtual WINE
Ever dreamed of earning a globally recognised wine qualification without leaving the comfort of your own home? With our Virtual WSET courses, your home becomes your classroom. No commuting. No rushing across the city. No squeezing study into an already packed schedule. Just you, a glass in hand, learning in a calm, familiar space. This is structured, professional education - delivered in a way that actually fits around a busy, modern life. You log in, switch off from the noise of the day, and step into something immersive, guided, and genuinely enjoyable. And if you thought it couldn’t get any better than this. Well… there is something more. Included in the price, you will be receiving academic yet delicious 50ml course-relevant drink samples so you can taste along with our expert Educators using the internationally recognised WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®️. It’s efficient “me-time”. A reset in your week. A chance to slow down, engage your senses, and build something meaningful - without stepping outside your own place. No pressure. No travel. No wasted time. Just progress, confidence, and the fulfilling sense of accomplishment of learning something properly. Unlock a new level of knowledge - from the comfort of home.
Virtual WSET Wine Level 1
Course Information
The virtual WSET Level 1 in Wines is typically run in a virtual classroom format: a one day live-streamed Online course via Zoom.
Being an introduction to wine, it is designed for beginners pursuing an interest in wine and those starting out in wine trade, looking for a structured learning environment. Perfect for those who have little wine knowledge or those working in restaurants or retail and need to know more.
With our Online WSET Level 1, in only one day, you’ll go from “I like white wine” to “Ah yes, I love a classic, light bodied, unoaked Chablis showing bright high acidity, green apple and citrus notes, with a subtle hint of flint. It will pair well with fresh and salty dishes that can emphasize its delicate fruit character making it feel fuller bodied as well”.
Here’s what you’ll learn while sipping and swirling from the comfort of your sofa:
- Wine Tasting: Taste and describe wines using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT)
- Food and Wine Matching: A practical guide to the key considerations when matching food and wine successfully
- Wine Service and Storage: Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wine
- Types and Styles of Wine: Learn about what makes wines taste different
- Grape Varieties: Learn about the characteristics and styles of wines produced from the main grape varieties
- Main white grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio
- Main black grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz
- Named White Wines: Sancerre, Chablis, Sauternes
- Named Red Wines: Beaujolais, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rioja, Chianti
View the WSET Level 1 Specification for more details.
What’s included:
- Six hours of expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- Ability to ask questions and engage with your Educators during live-stream virtual course
- Same course content as the in-person course
- Course workbook
- Ten wine samples (50ml)
- 30 multiple-choice questions’ examination (remotely invigilated)
- WSET Level 1 Award in Wine, Spirits, Beer or Sake digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination (remotely invigilated): The Level 1 Award in Wines assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
- Certification: Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing and a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of wine knowledge).
- Results: This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
(For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.)
Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge?
No previous wine knowledge is required — just curiosity and enthusiasm.
All classes are delivered in English, so a good level of English is recommended.
You must be 18 years or older to enrol on this course.
There is no need to prepare before starting the Level 1 Award in Wines.
However, we recommend reviewing the qualification specification to understand what to expect from the course and how to get the most from your studies.
Who it’s for:
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (formerly known as the Foundation Certificate) is intended to establish the basic skills and product knowledge required in the service and retail of wine; it is ideal for preparing a person for their first job in hospitality or retail.
This course is also a great introductory first course for the wine enthusiast who wishes to study in a structured way: the qualification will cover skills such as identifying wine styles, practice of storing and serving wine, and food and wine matching.
This course is designed for those with little to no previous wine knowledge who want to explore the main styles of wine with confidence.
It also provides a strong foundation for progression to the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.