Join the class of 2025! Perfect for both the trade professional and the serious enthusiast, the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines will arm you with specialist-level skills and experience, plus international recognition as an expert in the field of wine. Learn more.

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Online

Image of a white wine grapes on a vine with the logo WSET Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the text WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - Online

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

Online

IWEG offers online WSET courses through WSET’s Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator. This course is based around a 5-week structured online program with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course follows a weekly structure, but you can work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study. You may contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities to help students understand wine label terminology and recognize the styles produced by the main grape varieties in key wine regions. You are advised to taste a range of wines during your studies though it is not mandatory for this course. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the specification. Please note that it is your responsibility to source these wine samples and the cost of these is not included in the tuition fee. You can post your tasting notes in the WSET Online Classroom for review by the educator.

Course details

This intermediate-level course is for those entering a profession in the wine industry as well as for enthusiasts who wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.

Prerequisite: None.

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for anyone wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce.

This 17-hour course provides fundamental product knowledge and systematic tasting skills. Expect to spend 11 hours on preparation and review outside of the classroom.

You'll learn:

  • How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
  • How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
    • Chardonnay
    • Pinot Grigio/Gris
    • Sauvignon Blanc
    • Riesling
    • Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Merlot
    • Pinot Noir
    • Syrah/Shiraz
  • The style and quality of wines:
    • Made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
    • Produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
  • How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
    • Sparkling wines
    • Fortified wines
  • Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
  • Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
  • Principles of food and wine pairing

Upon successful completion of a 50-question multiple-choice exam, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

View the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines specification for more information about the course.

Upcoming courses

Monday, June 12th - Sunday, July 16th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2WI2323APP. Course fee payment due Friday, June 2nd at noon.

Monday, June 26th - Sunday, July 23rd. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2WI2324APP. Course fee payment due Friday, June 16th at noon.

Monday, July 10th - Sunday, August 13th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2WI2325APP. Course fee payment due Friday, June 30th at noon.

Monday, July 24th - Sunday, August 27th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2WI2326APP. Course fee payment due Thursday, July 13th at noon.