WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

Next cohort: Oct 26, 2026 - Apr 24, 2027
Enroll Now – $2,650

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

$2,650
Most awarded WSET school in the US
Trusted by thousands of students

WSET Level 4 Diploma D3 Wines of the World

In the WSET Level 4 D3 Wines of the World course, students examine the still wines produced in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and China.

D3 is the largest unit in the Diploma, carrying 50% of the total study weighting. This course is instructor-led and delivered virtually, with live classes held on Zoom. The examination must be taken in person in Napa, California.

D3 at a glance

  • Price: $2,650, including all study materials, tuition, postage and your exam fee
  • Weighting: 50% of the WSET Level 4 Diploma — half the qualification
  • Assessment: held over two consecutive days in Napa. Day one is a two-part theory examination of 3 hours 20 minutes; day two is a blind tasting of 12 wines across two papers totalling 3 hours.
  • Pass mark: a minimum of 55% in both the theory and tasting components. Merit is 65–74%, Distinction 75% or above
  • Prerequisite: enrolment in the WSET Level 4 Diploma and completion of the D1 and D2 exams. Receipt of results is not required.
  • Exam dates: two per academic year, in October and May

Prepare for the D3 exam

Because D3 carries half the Diploma and is assessed by blind tasting as well as theory, most candidates sit a full mock before exam day. Our D3 Mock Exam – Tasting & Theory simulates the real thing at home: 12 wines in 100ml vials, printed tasting and theory papers modelled on the actual exam, and video walkthroughs of the correct answers.

Where D3 sits in the Diploma

D3 can be taken once you have sat D1 and D2. The remaining units are D4 Sparkling Wines, D5 Fortified Wines and D6 Independent Research Assignment. See full Diploma pricing, study hours and entry requirements.

Wines for the course

A recommended wine purchase list is provided. A limited number of optional wine kits are available from our partner, Small Lot Bottles, including 102 curated 100mL wine samples tasted during class sessions throughout the course. A purchase link is included in your course registration confirmation email, and kits are delivered shortly before your first tasting webinar.

For upcoming course webinar and exam dates, see the “What’s Included” section below.

What’s Included
  • 13 instructor-led webinars covering key wine-producing regions and styles. Each class runs four hours and is also recorded for flexible learning.
  • Two full, instructor-led mock exam webinars near the end of the course (one theory and one tasting, using recommended wines) with live group feedback on your answers
  • Comprehensive study support through our proprietary online classroom, including worksheets, dozens of mock exam questions, opportunities to have your answers graded, custom-commissioned maps, and more.
  • Twice-weekly open office hours with our Diploma Program Director, Noelle Hale. Bring your questions!
  • Registration for the next available D3 exam

To taste along with the instructor during classes, consider purchasing the optional wine kit containing 102 carefully selected samples of 100mL each from our partner, Small Lot Bottles. It is extremely useful for calibration and also contains 12 samples that are used in a full mock tasting exam toward the end of the course.

Click here to purchase the optional wine kit from our partner, Small Lot Bottles. A limited number of Wine kits are produced per course and they will be delivered right before your first tasting webinar.

WSET Level 4 D3 Webinar Schedule & Exam Dates

Course Start: March 23, 2026

  • 15 sessions: Sat 9-1pm PT (for 4 hrs) 3/28/26, 4/11/26, 4/25/26, 5/2/26, 5/16/26, 5/30/26, 6/13/26, 6/27/26, 7/11/26, 7/25/26, 8/8/26, 8/22/26, 9/12/26, 9/26/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 10/3/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)
  • Exam: Oct 21-22, 2026

Course Start: October 26, 2026

  • 15 sessions: Sat 9-1pm PT (for 4 hrs) 11/7/26, 11/21/26, 12/5/26, 12/12/26, 1/2/27, 1/9/27, 1/23/27, 2/6/27, 2/20/27, 2/27/27, 3/13/27, 3/20/27, 4/3/27, 4/17/27 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/24/27 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)
  • Exam: May 11-12, 2027

Course Start: March 29, 2027

  • 15 sessions: Sat 9-1pm PT (for 4 hrs) 4/3/27, 4/10/27, 4/24/27, 5/8/27, 5/22/27, 6/12/27, 6/26/27, 7/10/27, 7/24/27, 7/31/27, 8/14/27, 8/28/27, 9/11/27, 9/25/27, 10/2/27
  • Exam: Oct 20-21, 2027

Course Start: Oct 25, 2027

15 sessions: Sat 9-1pm PT (for 4 hrs) 11/6/27, 11/20/27, 12/4/27, 12/11/27, 1/8/28, 1/22/28, 1/29/28, 2/12/28, 2/26/28, 3/4/28, 3/18/28, 3/25/28, 4/8/28, 4/22/28 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/29/28 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

  • Exam: May 9-10, 2028
Format & Exam

This flexible online course is designed to accommodate students from around the world, with live webinars and interactive content delivered through Zoom. The final examinations are conducted in person in Napa, California, offering multiple dates to fit diverse schedules.

Course & Exam Dates

All webinars are held live on zoom. The exam must be taken in-person in Napa, California.

Course Start Date: March 23, 2026

Exam: October 21-22, 2026

Webinar dates 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 3/28/26, 4/11/26, 4/25/26, 5/2/26, 5/16/26, 5/30/26, 6/13/26, 6/27/26, 7/11/26, 7/25/26, 8/8/26, 8/22/26, 9/12/26, 9/26/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 10/3/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Course Start Date: October 26, 2026

Exam: May 11-12, 2027

Webinar dates 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/7/26, 11/21/26, 12/5/26, 12/12/26, 1/2/27, 1/9/27, 1/23/27, 2/6/27, 2/20/27, 2/27/27, 3/13/27, 3/20/27, 4/3/27, 4/17/27 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/24/27 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Please note D3 includes an in-person exam.

You are automatically registered for the next in-person exam in Napa, CA upon D3 course enrollment, but you may change your exam date within your course Exam Options page. Click here to see all exam options.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Who is this course designed for?

The WSET Level 4 Diploma, D3 Wines of the World course is designed for wine industry professionals and dedicated enthusiasts who have already completed the D1 and D2 units of the WSET Level 4 Diploma. It is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge of the main wine regions of the world and a rigorous assessment of their tasting and theoretical understanding.

2. What prerequisites are required for this course?

Participants must have successfully completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma Units D1 (Wine Production) and D2 (Wine Business) before enrolling in the D3 Wines of the World unit. These prerequisites ensure that all students have a foundational understanding necessary to tackle the advanced concepts covered in D3.

3. How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered online through a series of 13 webinars, each four hours long, held via Zoom. These are complemented by extensive digital resources, an optional wine tasting kit, and mock exams to prepare for the final assessment. All webinars are recorded and made available in the online classroom for later access.

4. What does the examination involve?

The examination consists of two parts conducted over two days. The first day features a three-hour and 20-minute written theory exam comprising multi-part, open-response style questions. The second day involves a practical blind tasting of 12 wines, divided into two papers. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to identify and assess the wines using the WSET Diploma SAT method.

5. How can I register for the course?

You can register by completing the check-out process above!

6. What materials will I receive upon registration?

Upon registration, you will gain access to the WSET’s digital study guide, which serves as the primary textbook for the unit. Additionally, you will receive access to NVWA's proprietary D3 online classroom, including supplemental resources like vocab lists, worksheets, custom maps, dozens of mock questions, and more.

7. What are the course dates and exam dates?

Please check the "What's Included" section above for upcoming course webinar and exam dates.

8. Is there an option to taste wines as part of this course?

Yes, there is an optional wine kit available for purchase that includes 102 samples of wines tasted during the class zoom webinars. The wine kit is extremely useful for ensuring you are well-calibrated for the tasting exam.

9. How long should I expect to study for this course?

Students should expect to dedicate a minimum of 250 hours of study over approximately six months, which translates to about 10-14 hours of study per week.

10. What support is available to students during the course?

Students have access to instructor feedback, a comprehensive online classroom, and the optional participation in mock exams. Additionally, our faculty is available for personal guidance, and students can interact with peers through our dedicated learning platform.

11. Where can I buy the D3 Wine Kit?

You can purchase the optional D3 wine kit from our partner, Small Lot Bottles. Wine kits will be delivered right before your first tasting webinar.

Feel free to reach out to us with any further questions or for more detailed information on specific aspects of the WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World course.

Next cohort: Oct 26, 2026 - Apr 24, 2027

Limited seats available

Enroll More Save More

2 Students $2,650 $2,517 5% OFF
3 Students $2,650 $2,438 8% OFF
4 Students $2,650 $2,385 10% OFF
Course Date

Ready to enroll

Enrollment closes soon

Choose your cohort and start your educational journey

Enroll Now – $2,650

Secure checkout and dedicated student support