WSET Level 4 Diploma | D1 Wine Production
WSET Level 4 Diploma | D1 Wine Production
WSET Level 4 Diploma D1 Wine Production
Your Diploma journey begins with D1 – Wine Production.
D1 Wine Production kicks off the WSET Diploma programme and builds a foundation of theory knowledge for future units. This detailed examination of production demonstrates how key decisions in the vineyard and cellar combine to impact a wine’s style, quality and price.
D1 at a glance
- Price: $1,197, including all study materials, digital textbook access and your exam fee
- Weighting: 20% of the WSET Level 4 Diploma
- Assessment: a 90-minute open-response paper, taken in person in Napa, California
- Pass mark: 55%. Merit is 65–74%, Distinction 75% or above
- Prerequisite: a pass in the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or the Level 3 Award in Wines & Spirits
- Resits: held on two set dates each academic year, in October and March
Where D1 sits in the Diploma
D1 must be sat before you progress to any other unit. After D1 comes D2 Wine Business, then D3 Wines of the World, D4 Sparkling Wines, D5 Fortified Wines and D6 Independent Research Assignment. See full Diploma pricing, study hours and entry requirements.
WSET Diploma New Candidate Registration
Your D1 enrolment is bundled with the $450 WSET New Diploma Candidate Registration. WSET requires all new Level 4 students to register for Diploma candidacy when enrolling in their first unit. This registers you as an official WSET Diploma Candidate for three years — enough time for most students to complete all six units. If you cannot complete all six within the initial three years, WSET charges a candidate renewal fee for a further three years of eligibility. Any exam passes carry over, so no student ever has to retake an exam they have already passed.
Wines for the course
We provide a recommended list of wines to purchase. For added convenience you can also buy an optional D1 Wine Kit of 12 curated 100ml samples from our wine kit partner, Small Lot Bottles. The purchase link is sent with your course registration confirmation, and the kit is delivered shortly before your first tasting webinar.
For upcoming course and exam dates, see the “What’s Included” section below.
What’s Included
Format & Exam
Next cohort: Sep 21, 2026 - Nov 19,2026
Limited seats available
Enroll More Save More
IMPORTANT: Don't use your own account's email address for other students.
Each student must have its own email address for course access and communication purposes.
Ready to enroll
Enrollment closes soonChoose your cohort and start your educational journey
Secure checkout and dedicated student support