WSET Level 1 Award in Wines | Online Course

Sharpen Your Knowledge & Wine Tasting Skills

An introduction wine course that gives you the knowledge and wine tasting skills needed to pursue your passion for wine

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WSET Level 1 Award in Wines | Online Course

The beginning of your wine certification path

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IDEAL FOR:
BEGINNER

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4 WEEKS

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6 HRS OF STUDY

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ONLINE
SELF-PACED

certificate

WSET LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

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IDEAL FOR:
BEGINNER

calender

4 WEEKS

clock

6 HRS OF STUDY

world map

ONLINE
SELF-PACED

certificate

WSET LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines | Online Course

$299.00$369.00

A lot of wine schools offer WSET certification courses, and it can be confusing to choose the best one for you.

After a decade of experience we know exactly what students need to prepare for the test, and have developed multiple modalities for your preferred way of learning.

Our WSET Level 1 online course is designed to be hands-on, with guided tastings, mock exams and other interactive materials through our proprietary learning platform. We give you the support and professional instruction you need to get certified and apply what you learn.

By the end of the WSET Level 1, you’ll be able to:

  • Gain the basic skills to describe wines accurately
  • Have a systematic approach to tasting and identifying wine types
  • Know the fundamental principles of food and wine pairing

Are you new to wine study? Our WSET Level 1 Award in Wine course will help you begin to talk about and taste wine like a professional, including a 6 bottle (100 ml) wine tasting kit.* 

This course is designed to be hands-on and fun. You will explore different styles of wines through sight, smell, and taste and learn the key principles involved in the storage and service of wine.

By the end of the WSET Level 1 wine course, you will:

  • Gain the basic skills to describe wines accurately 
  • Have a systematic approach to wine tasting and identifying wine types
  • Know the fundamental principles of food and wine pairing

A lot of wine schools offer WSET certification courses, and it can be confusing to choose the best one for you. After a decade of experience, we know exactly what students and wine lovers need to prepare for the exam, and have developed multiple modalities for your preferred way of learning. Our unique program mixes live webinars and video lectures with hands-on interactive activities, quizzes, and instructor support.

Sign up now for this four (4) week program that promises to give you everything you need to achieve this beginner-level certification!

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

WSET Level 1 in Wine is not required prior to taking WSET Level 2 if you have foundational wine knowledge and/or you actively work in the wine industry and have a basic understanding of the modules covered in the box below.

We are able to have wine kits shipped to the following states ONLY: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

NO SHIP LOCATIONS: International, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

 

Important Course Details and Frequently Asked Questions

  • UPON REGISTRATION (within 30 minutes after) you will receive access, via an emailed link, to the first module of your online course which contains important information.
  • COURSE START DATE is the date the full online course (all modules) is available to students. This is a self-paced course, accessible 24/7, with videos, interactive maps, activities, quizzes, and mock exams. 
  • WEBINARS are additional instructor-led learning tools that augment your online course material and activities. See the WEBINAR tab in the first module of your online course for the webinar schedule. The first WEBINAR DATE is generally NOT the official COURSE START DATE. Webinars are taped and will will appear in your WEBINAR tab following each session. If you purchased a WINE KIT, your wine kit will arrive before your first WEBINAR DATE. If you did not purchase the wine kit, see the wine list in the first module of your course for wine recommendations you can purchase locally.
  • COMMUNICATE with your instructor and fellow students via (1) the webinars and (2) through an online GROUP which will appear on your dashboard, along with your online course, on the Course Start Date. The GROUP will be active during the four-week instructor-led portion of your course. 

WHAT THIS COURSE INCLUDES:

  • DEDICATED INSTRUCTOR for the 4-week portion of the course, and continuing with 12 months access to the online course material which includes lecture videos, quizzes, a mock exam and more.
  • LIVE WEBINARS which include instructor-led tastings, theory review, and the ability to ask questions.
  • TEXTBOOK for Level 1 is downloadable in the first module of the online course, which you can access right after registration.
  • WINE LIST OR WINE KITS for live tasting sessions with your instructor as well as online homework. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

  1. What is the schedule for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines online course?
    The course is self-paced and accessible 24/7, featuring a range of learning materials including videos, interactive maps, activities, quizzes, and mock exams. Additionally, there are three (3) instructor-led 60-minute Zoom webinars scheduled; the dates and times are listed in the first module of your online course. If you purchased a Wine Kit, it will arrive before your First Webinar Date (not the start of the online course access). 
  2. Are the webinars essential to the WSET Level 1 course, and what if I miss a live session?
    While the webinars are an integral part of the course, providing orientation, lectures, and guided tasting sessions, they are not the entirety of the course. If you cannot attend a live webinar, don’t worry – all sessions are recorded and posted for later viewing.
  3. How do I communicate with instructors and fellow students during the course?
    Interaction with instructors and peers is facilitated through the webinars and the online GROUP, all of which take place during the four-week instructor-led portion of the course.
  4. How soon do I get access to the online course after purchase?
    You will receive email links to access the first module of your online course within 30 minutes of your purchase.
  5. Is there a textbook for the WSET Level 1 course, and how do I access it?
    Yes, there is a downloadable textbook for Level 1, which is accessible within the online course.
  6. What about wine kits for the course, and what if I don’t order one?
    Wine kits are shipped out the week of the course start date to ensure arrival before the first webinar. If you choose not to order a wine kit, you can find a wine list within the course to source your wines locally.
  7. How long do I have access to the online course material?
    After the initial 4-week instructor-led portion, students retain access to the online course materials for a full 12 months.

 

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Do you feel this item is perfect for a friend or a loved one? You can buy this item as a gift now by choosing the date options above - please select a date before gifting. *PLEASE NOTE you are unable to use coupon codes or gift certificates to complete the purchase of a gift this item.
Course Dates Webinar Times (all are recorded and posted to view after live air date) Instructor
Dec 21 - Jan 18 3 Webinars Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - Dec 27, Jan 3 & 10, 2023 Jean Cox
Jan 11 - Feb 7 3 Webinars: Mondays @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - Jan 16, 23 & 30 Desiree Harrison-Brown
Jan 25 - Feb 21 3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - Jan 31, Feb 7, Wed Feb 15 Jean Cox
Feb 8 - March 7 3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - Feb 13, Feb 20, Feb 27 Desiree Harrison-Brown
Feb 22 - March 21 3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - Feb 28, March 7 and 14 Jean Cox
March 8 - April 4 3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - March 13, March 20, March 27 Desiree Harrison-Brown
March 22 - April 18 3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - March 28, April 4 & 11 Jean Cox
April 5 - May 2 3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - April 10, 17 & 24 Desiree Harrison Brown
April 19 - May 16 3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - April 25, May 2 & 9 Jean Cox
May 10 - June 6 3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - May 15, 22 & 30 Desiree Harrison-Brown
May 24 - June 20 3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) - May 30, June 6 & 13 Jean Cox
June 7 - July 4 3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) - June 12, 19 & 26 Desiree Harrison-Brown

Course Dates

Webinar Times (all are recorded and posted to view after live air date)

Instructor

Feb 21 – Mar 19

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) – Feb 27, Mar 5, 12

Jean Cox

Mar 6 – Apr 2

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Mar 11, 18, 25

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Mar 20 – Apr 16

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 1pm PST (4pm EST) – Mar 26, Apr 2, 9

Jean Cox

Apr 3 – 30

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Apr 8, 15, 22

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Apr 17 – May 14

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Apr 23, 30, May 7

Jean Cox

May 8 – Jun 4

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – May 13, 20, 27

Desiree Harrison-Brown

May 22 – Jun 18

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – May 28, Jun 4, 11

Jean Cox

Jun 5 – Jul 2

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – June 10, 17, 24

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Jun 19 – Jul 16

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Jun 25, Jul 2, 9

Jean Cox

Jul 10 – Aug 6

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Jul 15, 22, 29

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Jul 24 – Aug 20

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Jul 30, Aug 6, 13

Jean Cox

Aug 7 – Sep 3

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Aug 12, 19, 26

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Aug 21 – Sep 17

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Aug 27, Sep 3, 10

Jean Cox

Sep 4 – Oct 1

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Sep 9, 16, 23

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Sep 18 – Oct 15

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Sep 24, Oct 1, 8

Jean Cox

Oct 9 – Nov 5

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Oct 14, 21, 28

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Oct 23 – Nov 19

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Oct 29, Nov 5, 12

Jean Cox

Nov 6 – Dec 3

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Nov 11, 18, 25

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Nov 20 – Dec 17

3 Webinars: Tuesday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Nov 26, Dec 3, 10

Jean Cox

Dec 4 – Dec 31

3 Webinars: Monday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Dec 9, 16, 23

Desiree Harrison-Brown

Dec 17 – Jan 14

3 Webinars: Thursday @ 4pm PST (7pm EST) – Dec 26, Jan 2, 9

Jean Cox

WHY STUDY WITH US?

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STUDENTS
ONLINE

Online Wine Academy™ Student Portal

Accelerate your learning with access to our proprietary student platform, where you can ask questions, get answers, and engage with other wine experts.

VIRTUAL-TASTINGS

Test Taking Strategies

We don’t just teach the material, we prepare you for the tests. We provide study packs, mock exam questions and tasting activities for every level.

EXPERT-TEAM

NVWA + WSET Trained Instructors

Our industry experts are also expert instructors. We train them ourselves. They don’t just have knowledge, they also know how to share it.

Your registration includes:

WSET Level 1 wine course is ideal for:

  • Anyone working in retail, hospitality or wholesale areas of the wine industry with little to no wine knowledge
  • Enthusiasts wanting to taste and identify wines professionally
  • Front-line staff wanting basic product knowledge and skills for storage and service

WHY NAPA VALLEY WINE ACADEMY?

Trained WSET Instructors | Online Support | 98% pass rate for Level 1

Wine education is complex enough. Here’s how we make it easy to achieve certification:

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WSET Level 1 includes

Live and recorded training, interactive activities, quizzes plus guided tasting webinars with 6 wines. Exam is 45 minutes (30 questions).

Online Wine Academy™ Student Portal

Get access to live webinars, plus a video library to further hone your skills and expand your knowledge.

NVWA Student-Only Community

Ask questions and get answers with NVWA certified experts. Plus, engage with our +4,000 community.

JUST 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO

Ace your WSET Certification

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ENROLL

You'll receive a Welcome Email with everything you need to get the most out of your experience.

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ATTEND

Join us for live webinars, ask questions, and accelerate your wine knowledge with our certified wine experts.

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TOAST

Celebrate your success with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what’s in the glass!

Frequently Asked Questions

THE NITTY GRITTY

This is a four-week, self-paced course with a fixed start/end date and includes 12 months of access to the online learning material.  

This introductory wine certification course teaches students through sight, smell, and taste to understand more about wine. By the end of the online course, you’ll be able to taste wine using a systematic approach to tasting and be able to identify the main styles of wine. You’ll also learn the fundamental principles of food and wine pairing and be able to apply these to your food and wine choices. 

Napa Valley Wine Academy students also receive study pointers on the Level 1 WSET exam. As you work through the online course, you will be submitting your homework assignments with your online instructor. Tasting is an essential part of studying for this course, and that is why we include a free wine kit that provides a range of wines suited for calibrating your palate to WSET's Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting. 

*YOU WILL RECEIVE A SEPARATE EMAIL WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REDEEM YOUR WINE KIT UPON REGISTRATION. 

We are able to have wine kits shipped to the following states ONLY: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

NO SHIP LOCATIONS: International, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

To obtain the WSET Level 1 Award Certificate in Wine, you will need to successfully pass an online OR in-person exam that is made up of 30 multiple-choice questions. 

You have 12 months from the start of your course in which to schedule your proctored EXAM.  Exam orders are placed 21 days prior to the exam date and you cannot change the date once that order has been placed with the WSET.  

 

Subject

Wine

Knowledge Level

Beginner

Certification

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)

Level

Level 1

Region of Study

Global

Course Type

Enthusiast, Professional

Course Format

Online Course

Location

Course Date

January 10 – February 7, 2024, January 24 – February 21, 2024, February 7 – March 6, 2024, February 21 – March 20, 2024, March 6 – April 3, 2024, March 20 – April 17, 2024, April 3 – May 1, 2024, April 17 – May 15, 2024, May 8 – June 5, 2024, May 22 – June 19, 2024, June 5 – July 3, 2024, June 19 – July 17, 2024, July 10 – August 12, 2024, July 24 – August 26, 2024, August 7 – September 9, 2024, August 21 – September 23, 2024, September 4 – October 7, 2024, September 18 – October 21, 2024, October 9 – November 11, 2024, October 23 – November 25, 2024, November 6 – December 9, 2024, November 20 – December 23, 2024, December 4, 2024 – January 6, 2025, December 18, 2024 – January 20, 2024

 

 

Do you prefer to learn in-person?

Our satellite locations are now open and offering WSET courses in a live classroom setting!

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How We’re Different

WINE EDUCATION MADE EASY

We are premier not pretentious! We design our programs for students who love wine, not snobs. We know wines can be complex, but believe wine education should be approachable and fun. The World of Wine is for everyone and our team is excited to share our passion with you!

AWARD-WINNING

We believe our success is determined by our students success. We continue to innovate and develop products that support our students’ learning and growth. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust has awarded us twice as educator of the year in recognition of our commitment to put the students at the center of everything we do! 

Elevate Card WSET

Purchase WSET Level 1 and receive a $25 smart card

Level 1 $25 Smart Card

LEVEL 1 Wines Online – The Nitty Gritty

SCHEDULE: Our unique, online program is largely self-paced and accessible 24/7 with videos, hands-on experiments, online activities and interactive quizzes led by WSET certified educators from our award-winning school. The only ‘scheduled’ lessons are the live online webinars and homework during the 4-week instructor-led course.

CHOOSE the 4 week Instructor-led course that works for you. There are three live webinars during the course. These hour-long lessons (via Zoom) are live tasting webinars and lectures set up by your WSET instructor. If you miss the scheduled sessions, watch the recorded version posted in the “WEBINAR” module in the online course.

COMMUNICATE and taste wines with your instructor, and interact with your fellow students, during the four week instructor-led portion of your course.

ACCESS the course material for 12 months so you can keep studying following the instructor-led portion up till your selected exam date.

WINE KIT.  We’ve included a 6 bottle (100 ml) wine tasting kit with the course (additional shipping of $25 is applied at checkout for students in our shippable states).

 

We are able to have wine kits shipped to the following states ONLY: AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

NO SHIP LOCATIONS: International, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

Live in a State or Country we can’t ship wine to?  We invite students in these locations to source similar or equivalent wines locally.  We assist you by including a list of wine options in our WINE KIT info found inside your course.

STUDY MATERIALS:  The WSET Level 1 Wines course is entirely available online.  Contact us if you wish to purchase a hardcopy or ebook version in addition to the online materials.

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 8-12. In addition, we recommend you participate in the two webinars to pass the exam with distinction. Please plan on investing this amount of time for your success and long term goals.

EXAM is timed with 30 multiple choice questions and can be done online. Multiple exam dates are available, so you can  schedule one that works best for you within one year of the course start date.  Additional fees may  apply with changing your exam date. Exam cost is included with the course and you can register for the exam inside your course.

PREREQUISITE: This is an introductory course and suitable for students with little or no prior knowledge.

IN-PERSON COURSE & WORKSHOP REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Cancellations of confirmed in-person course enrollments and workshops are accepted up to 60 days before the start of the course. An administration fee of $50 plus the full cost of the study materials and exam fees will be deducted, and the remainder of the course fee refunded to the payee. Separate WSET exam cancellation/transfer rules apply.
Transfers of a confirmed enrollment to another course are accepted 60 days before the course start date with an administration fee of $50.

Cancellations less than 60 days before the in-person course start date or course no shows forfeit any refund/transfer options unless students can provide medical documentation. If medical documentation is provided, students can be transferred to a later course. No refunds will be applied.

Course Transfers cannot be carried forward to the next academic year (which commenced on January 1).

Students are highly encouraged to purchase separate travel insurance.

You've got this!

Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

3555 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

 

You've got this!

Mariott Santa Ynez

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

April 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

555 McMurray Road

Buelton, CA 93427

 

You've got this!

Art Hotel Denver

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Mountain)

at

1201 Broadway

Denver, CO 80203

 

You've got this!

Aloft Nashville

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Central)

at 

1719 West End Ave.

Nashville, TN 37203

 

You've got this!

Epicurean Hotel

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Eastern)

at

1207 S Howard Ave,

Tampa, FL 33606

 

You've got this!

Street View of HQ

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

2501 Oak Street

Napa, CA 94559

 

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