The WSET is an internationally recognized wine and spirit education program offering courses and certifications ranging from beginner to expert. Whether you are looking to get the WSET diploma for work in the wine and spirit trade or just want to expand your knowledge of the tastes and regions of fine wine, WSET courses are a great way to do both in a fun, educational setting. But what does each course for the WSET teach and how do you know which course is right for you? We are going to discuss these questions and more to help you learn more about the WSET, its meaning, and who each course is intended for.

What Does WSET Stand For?

The WSET stands for The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. The WSET is a worldwide organization that arranges courses and exams for the wine and spirits industry through schools and programs around the globe. The WSET was founded in 1969 and is regarded as one the world’s leading providers of wine and spirit education. To teach a WSET course, a wine school must be certified by the WSET.

What Level Classes Can I Take for the WSET?

There are four different levels of wine classes for the WSET, and each course can be taken by anyone at least 21 year of age or older. Every WSET wine course covers different topics and is designed for a different level of wine enthusiast or students in the wine industry looking to advance in the wine industry. We provide a short description below to help you know who each WSET course is meant for and what level wine enthusiast it can help.

While you do not need to take courses one and two in order since these are introductory courses for beginners or those interested on a personal level, in order to get the diploma for the WSET Level Four Wine Course, you do need to take the courses in order to build on each level’s instructions. Some levels can be skipped if a student can provide proof of equivalent knowledge of that course level.

  • WSET Level One Wine Course – The WSET Level One Wine Course is designed for brand new beginners and requires no previous experience with wine, even from those in the trade. This level is perfect for consumers looking to learn about different types of fine wines as well as those new to the wine and hospitality industry who want to get a basic understanding of fine wines and spirits.
  • WSET Level Two Wine Course – The WSET Level Two Wine Course is designed for beginners who have some experience with wines and can understand some of the differences in taste for different wines. This level is perfect for consumers truly interested in learning about fine wines and their flavors and textures, and is also popular for employees in the wine and spirit field wanting to continue their wine education.
  • WSET Level Three Wine Course – The WSET Level Three Wine Course must be taken after a student has received the certificate for level two or can demonstrate the equivalent knowledge of the level two course. This class is more demanding and is for students specifically in the wine and spirit industry looking to complete the WSET certification for the diploma.
  • WSET Level Four Wine Course – The WSET Level Four Wine Course is to prepare those in the wine and spirit industry for senior positions within the wine business or for dedicated wine enthusiasts wanting to build on the knowledge of fine wine they gained from the WSET Level Three Wine Course. The Level Four Diploma is the flagship qualification in the WSET and is a huge stepping stone for anyone looking to make a career in the trade. You can view the WSET Level Four Diploma Specifications here.

Can I Take WSET Wine Classes Online?

This is such an important question, especially with how careful we need to be right now. The short answer is, “Yes.” You can take the WSET wine classes online. The classes can be taken in a live online class format or through already pre recorded courses. There are benefits to both, and we laid those out in a short and simple guide here. No matter which option you choose, you can take the WSET courses online at home or in a safe location without being around large crowds or in a classroom setting. You can view the full schedule of both the online and live classes we offer at Capital Wine School here or take the online courses any time at your own pace.

Where Can I Take a WSET Wine Class?

We are so glad you asked because we happen to know of a great school in Washington, DC that teaches WSET courses. Capital Wine School is an Approved Programme Provider by the WSET. All of our instructors are WSET Diploma graduates and/or Masters of Wine and keep our classes relaxed and informative. You will grow your knowledge of wine and spirits in a class with other students in the same industry as you or who just want to grow their knowledge of fine wines. You can view our full schedule for the WSET classes here or contact us for more information about any of our wine classes. We look forward to helping you learn more about fine wines in a fun and educational way.