WSET Level 2 Award in Wines | Online Course

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Online at Napa Valley Wine Academy

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, delivered online by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America's leading wine school, is a prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualification. This course is expertly designed for both emerging wine enthusiasts and those aiming to advance their professional careers in the wine industry, providing a thorough exploration of global wine styles and regions.

As the top WSET provider in the U.S., Napa Valley Wine Academy offers a rich online program that dives deep into the systematic approach to wine tasting and the detailed study of key wine regions. You'll be able to explore the wines of Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa through our structured WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT). The course includes the option to add a 12-bottle (100 ml each) tasting kit for additional cost, specially curated by our experts to enhance your learning during the course webinars.

Our renowned instructors bring a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to the online classroom. The curriculum broadens your understanding of major grape varieties, wine styles, and production techniques, and it goes further to detail labeling laws and quality indicators, significantly boosting your wine knowledge and tasting skills.

What You Will Learn and Experience:

Deepen Your Wine Knowledge: Gain an in-depth understanding of the principal grape varieties grown worldwide and the various wine styles they produce, including sparkling and fortified wines.
Enhance Your Tasting Skills: Calibrate your palate with our NVWA instructors using the WSET’s Level 2 Systematic Approach to Wine Tasting (SAT).
Understand Labels and Wine Quality: Become proficient in decoding wine labels to assess a wine's quality and style.

Pass the Exam and Display Your Credentials Instantly! As soon as you pass, you'll get a digital badge and certificate to celebrate your accomplishment. Share it instantly on LinkedIn, social media, or with your professional network to showcase your achievement!

This online course is designed to be engaging and interactive, perfect for hands-on learning. You'll enjoy a dynamic mix of live webinars, video lectures, interactive activities, and quizzes. A mock exam and continuous instructor support will ensure you are well-prepared for the certification exam.

Sign up now and Embark on this five-week online WSET Level 2 program with Napa Valley Wine Academy, a repeated winner of the Wine Educator of the Year award. Our commitment to excellence in wine education sets you apart in the wine community, ready to discuss wine confidently and make informed decisions, whether in the industry or for personal enrichment.

Start your advanced wine education journey with us and gain everything you need to achieve this intermediate-level certification. Join the ranks of satisfied students who have successfully expanded their wine expertise through our comprehensive online offerings.

Download the WSET Level 2 Wine course specification.

Jean Cox

WSET Level 3 Certified, WSET Certified Educator, FWS, SWS, Certified Sommelier , Instructor

Meet Jean Cox, a highly accomplished instructor at Napa Valley Wine Academy. In addition to her instructor role, Jean manages our Tampa branch and coordinates venues and instructors for satellite locations throughout the United States. She is also responsible for organizing corporate and group courses and private events. Before joining Napa Valley Wine Academy, Jean spent 19 years as a flight attendant and, later, a sales rep with a wine distributor and a buyer in a botique wine shop. This experience sparked her interest in wine education. It led her to pursue a variety of certifications, including WSET Level 3, FWS (French Wine Scholar), SWS (Spanish Wine Scholar), CMS (Certified Sommelier), CSP (Certified Sake Professional), CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine), NVWE (Napa Valley Wine Expert), and International Sommelier Guild Level 2. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jean is also a world traveler, having visited all seven continents, including Antarctica, twice. She and her husband are Master Divers and enjoy boating in their home state of Florida. Jean’s favorite weeknight wine is “anything new and different,” including a Txakolina from Spain, Chenin Blanc from Savennieres, or dry Riesling from Clare Valley.

Desiree Harrison-Brown

WSET Level 3 Certified, 2022 Wine Enthusiast Future 40, Instructor

Desiree Harrison-Brown is a highly respected wine educator and professional in the industry. She is renowned for her engaging teaching style and practical guidance, as she leads students at Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA) through WSET Levels 1 and 2. In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Desiree was recently selected for Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2022 Future 40 List, an honor awarded to emerging leaders in the wine industry. In addition to her role as a wine educator, Desiree is also the founder of Wino Shop. This vino-inspired lifestyle brand offers modern streetwear apparel for the diverse wine lover. The brand was launched to amplify the positive representation of the Black community in the wine industry. Desiree’s passion for wine began when she attended local tasting events in her home state of Maryland. Before her career in the wine industry, she worked in project management systems for a Fortune 500 company. When it comes to her favorite weeknight wine, Desiree is a fan of anything sparkling! Desiree holds WSET certifications at levels 1, 2, and 3 and continues to significantly impact the wine industry through her teaching, brand, and dedication to the field.

Csilla Kato

D.W.S., A.I.W.S, Winemaker, Instructor

Csilla was born and raised in beautiful Budapest, Hungary, and was bitten by the wine bug during high school when she helped with regular tastings at her brother’s wine shop. After a short stint in law school, she changed her focus and spent five years earning her Masters degree in Fermentation Science and Post-Harvest Technologies. Right after graduation she had the opportunity to work and travel and landed a harvest in Sonoma, California. Csilla worked with Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Chardonnay while learning the process of winemaking first hand in the famed Ravenswood Winery. After her first harvest, she was hungry for more and went on to take part in harvests in Italy, Hungary, and New Zealand, as well as Napa. She has spent years working in winemaking labs analyzing the myriad of aspects that make wine great while also making great wines along the way. Since 2007 she has been with Beringer Vineyards, where she began as an Enologist and today is an Associate Winemaker with a few labels under her supervision. Tramping around vineyards, tasting fermentations at various stages and assembling final blends are some of her favorite parts of being a winemaker. Csilla also enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge about the wine industry with those who care to know. She holds her Level 4 Diploma with the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust and relishes the opportunity to educate new students at Napa Valley Wine Academy. Married to an amazing brewer, who has taught her to appreciate great beers, she is a mother of two and spends most of her free time enjoying watching them grow.

Live webinars are about 1.5 hours and recorded in case you are unable to join the live session.

2025-09-03	4 Webinars	Monday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) – Sep 8, 15, 22, 29	Csilla Kato
2025-10-08	4 Webinars	Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Oct 13, 20, 27, Nov 3	Desiree Harrison-Brown
2025-11-05	4 Webinars	Monday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) – Nov 10, 17, 24, Dec 1	Csilla Kato
2025-12-03	4 Webinars	tbd	Desiree Harrison-Brown
2026-02-04	4 Webinars	tbd	tbd
2026-03-04	4 Webinars	tbd	tbd

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top wine experts, including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, who bring not just their knowledge but also their passion for wine into every lesson. At Napa Valley Wine Academy, your education is led by these experts, who are eager to share their insights and experiences with you, helping you to not only learn but also love the journey.

Consistently High Success Rates

You want results, and our track record speaks for itself. We're proud to have one of the highest pass rates globally for WSET exams. This success comes from our commitment to providing you with the best preparation possible, ensuring you feel confident and well-equipped to excel in your exams.

Tailored Online Resources

Your learning needs are unique, which is why we offer a comprehensive suite of online tools. These resources are designed to fit your lifestyle, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it suits you best. Whether you prefer hitting the books at dawn or reviewing notes during a lunch break, we've got you covered.

Personalized Support

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, you’re not just another student. Our mentoring and coaching sessions are tailored to address your specific needs, helping you overcome any challenges and make the most of your study time. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Get Ready Before You Arrive

Feel prepared from day one with our online pre-course study modules available to you right after enrollment. These modules help lay a solid foundation so that when you step into our classroom, you’re already on your way to becoming a wine expert.

Join Thousands of Satisfied Learners

Each year, over 6,000 students choose to start their wine education with us. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals who are all on their journey to mastering wine. Here, you're part of a group that supports and grows together.

Recognition and Respect in the Wine World

When you study with us, you join the ranks of the most awarded and respected WSET approved program provider in the world. Your certification from Napa Valley Wine Academy is not just a piece of paper—it’s a passport to opportunities in the wine industry and a marker of excellence recognized globally.

We’re Invested in Your Satisfaction

We know that you’ll love your experience with us because our current students do! They consistently tell us how much they appreciate our engaging courses, the expertise of our instructors, and our supportive, community-focused environment. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction and committed to making your learning experience both enriching and enjoyable.

Choosing Napa Valley Wine Academy means placing yourself at the forefront of wine education. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the wine industry or enhance your personal passion for wine. We’re excited to be part of your journey and are here to support you every sip of the way.

Your Registration Fee Includes

Registration and exam fees
Free access to the WSET eBook textbook via the WSET Global Reader (online, iOS, and Android)
4 (Four) LIVE webinars and instructor support
Pass the Exam and Display Your Credentials Instantly! As soon as you pass, you'll get a digital badge and certificate to celebrate your accomplishment. Share it instantly on LinkedIn, social media, or with your professional network to showcase your achievement!
20+ recorded video lectures with interactive activities
At the end of each week, a quiz with mock exam questions is provided for students to practice for the exam and assess their understanding of that week's topics.
Tasting activities will help familiarize students with the systematic approach to Tasting at the intermediate level.
50-question mock exam to prepare you for the actual exam.
12 months of access to online learning material and Online Exam Registration
WINE LIST OR Students can add a WINE KIT for live tasting sessions with your instructor and online homework activities.
WINE KITS - Wine kits ordered >7 days before the course start date will be delivered by the first webinar.

Wine Kit Information:

Which types of wine are included in the wine kit? >>>Click Here

Systematic tasting technique, wine service and storage
Factors influencing style, quality and price of wine, label terminology
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – the grapes and wine style differences from around the world – the basics on Burgundy
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc – the grapes and wine style differences from around the world – the basics on Bordeaux
Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache and Riesling – the grapes and wine style differences from around the world – the basics on the Rhone and Germany
Other important white grape varieties/wines, sweet wines
Other important black grape varietals/wines
Sparkling & fortified wines (Sherry and Port)

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification.

This is a five-week, semi-synchronous (combination instructor-led and self-paced) course with a fixed start/end date. However, you will have 12 months of access to the online learning material, allowing you to study wine in a way that fits your schedule.

Exam Registration
You need to register for your WSET online exam at least 30 days before your chosen exam date, and this must be done within 12 months of your course start date. To view available exam dates and register, visit: WSET Level 2 Exam Dates.

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

PREREQUISITE: This is an intermediate course and suitable for students with basic knowledge. Students with no previous knowledge should consider either our TasteCoach Wine Fundamentals course or the WSET Level 1 Award in Wine

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 28 Hours. (17 Guided Learning Hours and 11 hours of Private Study)

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification.

Download the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wine Online course at Napa Valley Wine Academy covers the same syllabus as the classroom course but through a supported and interactive Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize major grape varieties from around the globe and understand the diverse styles of wine they produce, including sparkling and fortified wines.
Interpret wine labels to deduce a wine’s quality and style.
Refine your tasting abilities using the WSET’s Level 2 Systematic Approach to Wine Tasting (SAT), aligned with our experienced NVWA instructors.

Choosing the right place to pursue WSET certification can be challenging, but with over a decade of educational expertise, Napa Valley Wine Academy understands exactly what students need to excel on the exam. Our course includes interactive content, group activities, practice tests, and dedicated instructor support. We also provide an online pre-study module accessible immediately upon enrollment, requiring a minimum of four hours of study to optimally prepare you for the in-class exam. Notably, our students consistently achieve some of the highest WSET exam scores worldwide.

During the WSET Level 2 course, you’ll delve into the principal grape varieties and the significant wine styles they produce. You'll explore the important wine regions that shape the world’s wine landscape through a structured and engaging approach. The curriculum covers wine production processes, essential labeling terms, tasting techniques, and classification systems, equipping you with the skills to confidently assess and discuss wine.

Successfully completing the course and passing the final exam, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, will earn you the WSET Level 2 Award Certificate in Wine. This certification provides:

Comprehensive wine knowledge beneficial for careers in sales, hospitality, and other commercial sectors of the industry.
WSET-guided wine tastings.
Mastery of a systematic tasting approach that enables you to evaluate a wine's quality and price accurately.
Formal Level 2 Award in Wine Certification from the WSET.

Embark on your wine education journey with us at Napa Valley Wine Academy and gain a respected qualification that can open doors in the wine industry.

System Requirements: This course is taught 100% online; students will require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0, or other HTML5 compatible with Javascript and cookies enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Internet access (broadband recommended).

Wine Kits:

Students can choose to purchase a 12-wine kit which includes key samples for learning. It is recommended that other samples be self-purchased to augment learning. The full list of WSET-recommended tasting samples are listed in the Specification document which is included in your online course materials.

Online Exam Requirements:

Primary Device: All online invigilated exams must be sat on either a laptop or desktop computer. Your chosen device must have a working webcam, microphone and speakers, and conform to the below minimum specifications.

Secondary Device: For most online invigilated exams you will also require a mobile phone to be used as a secondary camera. Click here to see the full details of the online exam requirements.

Check out this website and video to learn "How to take the Online Exam?"

Q: What is the structure of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines online course?

A: The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines online course is a self-paced program accessible 24/7. It includes videos, interactive maps, activities, quizzes, and mock exams to enhance your learning experience. Additionally, the course features four (4) instructor-led 90-minute Zoom webinars, the dates for which can be found under the Webinar tab in the first module of your online course. If you purchased a Wine Kit, it will arrive before your First Webinar Date.

Q: Are the live webinars an essential part of the course?

A: Yes, the webinars are integral to the online course and complement the textbooks. They include an orientation, lectures, and guided tasting sessions, and you can ask questions of your instructor. While they are not the full course in themselves, they are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum. If you cannot attend the live sessions, all webinars are recorded and posted for later viewing.

Q: How can I communicate with the instructor and other students?

A: Interaction with the instructor and fellow students is facilitated through the Zoom Webinars and the online platform. This interactive aspect is available during the five-week instructor-led portion of the course, enabling you to engage actively in your learning process.

Q: How long do I have access to the online course material?

A: After the instructor-led 5 weeks, you retain access to the online course for the remainder of the 12-month period. This extended access allows you to revisit and review the material at your own pace.

Q: When will I receive access to the online course after purchase?

A: You will receive email links to access the online course within 30 minutes of your purchase, ensuring a quick and seamless start to your learning journey.

Q: How and when will I receive the course materials?

A: You get immediate access to eBook within the online course. If you purchase the hardcopy of the textbook as an add-on, it will be shipped to you (US only) within about 5-8 business days.

Q: What about the wine kits for the course?

A: Wine kits are delivered within 5-8 business days. If you did not order a wine kit, the course provides options to source the wines locally, ensuring all students can participate fully in the wine tasting aspects of the course. Click here to see the recommended wines to source if you don't order the wine kit.

Q: Do you ship wine kits to every state?

A: We are NOT able to ship to the following states: AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

Q: Do you ship wine kits Internationally?

A: We are NOT able to ship wine kits internationally

WSET Level 2 Wine Online | Instructor-Led Course

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