WSET Level 1 Wine Online | Instructor-Led Course

Next cohort: Sep 2 - Sep 29, 2026
Enroll Now – $329

WSET Level 1 Wine Online | Instructor-Led Course

$329
Most awarded WSET school in the US
Trusted by thousands of students

Begin Your Wine Journey with Confidence

You enjoy wine but feel unsure about describing it. You wish you knew why wines taste different and how to pair them well, but you’re not sure where to start.

Now picture learning from expert instructors through live webinars, videos, and interactive tastings. You’re exploring styles, regions, and flavors with confidence. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (Online) at Napa Valley Wine Academy gives you everything you need to discuss and taste wine like a professional. This hands-on, four-week program combines live sessions, video lectures, quizzes, and instructor feedback to help you build real-world wine knowledge in a fun, flexible format.

You’ll learn to describe wines accurately, understand food and wine pairing, and use the WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting® with confidence—all from home.

Join America’s most awarded wine school and start your wine education journey today.

What is Napa Valley Wine Academy’s WSET Level 1 pass rate?

From 3,524 graded exam sittings between 2024 and 2026, 97.0% of Napa Valley Wine Academy students passed the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. See our pass rates for every WSET level.

WSET Level 1 course facts

  • Price: $329, including three live instructor-led webinars, the downloadable textbook, 12 months of platform access and your exam registration
  • Duration: four weeks, 10–12 study hours. WSET specifies a Total Qualification Time of 6 hours for this qualification; our course adds live webinars, video lectures and quizzes on top of that minimum.
  • Exam format: 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, taken online with remote invigilation
  • Pass mark: 70%. Level 1 is graded pass or fail — there are no Merit or Distinction grades at this level.
  • Prerequisite: none. There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines and no previous knowledge of wine is required.
  • Next step: the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

A recommended wine purchase list will be provided for this course. An optional wine kit is available as an add-on and includes 6 curated 100mL wine samples, which are tasted throughout the course. A link to purchase the kit will be included in your course registration confirmation email.

➡️ Click here for Course Webinar Timetables

➡️ Download the Course Specification

What’s Included

Your Registration Fee 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. (LINK TO WEBINAR SCHEDULE on help.napavalleywineacademy.com)
  • TEXTBOOK for Level 1 is downloadable in the first online course module, which you can access right after registration.
  • 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!
  • EXAM registration within 12 months of the course

A  list of recommended wines you can source locally, or you may choose to purchase a wine kit from our trusted partner, Small Lot Bottles. Please keep the wine kit delivery time of 7-10 days in mind when choosing a course. All webinars are recorded in case you are not able to get your wines on time.

Format & Exam

This is a four-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.

➡️ Click here for Course Webinar Timetables

Exam Registration
You need to register for your WSET online exam within 12 months of your course start date. To view available exam dates and register, visit: WSET Level 1 Exam Dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines online course schedule?

  • A: 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.

Q: Are the webinars essential to the WSET Level 1 course, and what if I miss a live session?

  • A: 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.

Q: How do I communicate with instructors and fellow students during the course?

  • A: 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.

Q: How soon do I get access to the online course after purchase?

  • A: You will receive email links to access the first module of your online course within 30 minutes of your purchase.

Q: Is there a textbook for the WSET Level 1 course, and how do I access it?

  • A: Yes, there is a downloadable textbook for Level 1, which is accessible within the online course.

Q: What about wine kits for the course, and what if I don’t order one?

  • We provide a list of recommended wines you can source locally, or you may choose to purchase a 6 x 100 ml wine kit from our trusted partner.

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

  • A: After the initial 4-week instructor-led portion, students retain access to the online course materials for a full 12 months.

Next cohort: Sep 2 - Sep 29, 2026

Limited seats available

STUDENT LEVEL

Basic - Beginner

Class Format

4-week instructor-led course with three webinars, 10–12 study hours, with 12 months of access

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Exam Format

Proctored Online Click the arrow to see available dates

Why choose Napa Valley Wine Academy

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.

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2 Students $329 $312 5% OFF
3 Students $329 $302 8% OFF
4 Students $329 $296 10% OFF
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