WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines Online
All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.
WSET Diploma Information Session
Are you thinking about pursuing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines? Please join us for a live information session and meeting and greet at IWEG!
The information session will take place on Wednesday, May 29th at 6pm – 8pm. RSVP by May 15th to ssangster@iweg.org.
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. Intensive self study is complemented by a strong online program with weekly assignments and student forums which will assist you in your studies and provide engaging opportunities for feedback. 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. You are advised to taste a range of wines during your studies; 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.
The online program includes key skills workshops facilitated virtually for tasting and theory preparations. All exams are held in Toronto.
Course details
The market-leading WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines qualification provides expert level knowledge and develops key analytical skills for success in the global wine business. Perfect for both the trade professional and the serious enthusiast, the course will arm you with specialist-level skills and experience, plus international recognition as an expert in the field of wine.
Holders of the Diploma will be able to identify characteristics of the principal wines of the world, make informed assessments of a product's quality and value, and identify appropriate opportunities for the products within a given market.
You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to underpin the job requirements in such roles as Food & Beverage Manager, Wine Buyer or Sales Executive.
The Diploma fulfills the prerequisite for the wine qualification requirement for entry to the Master of Wine (MW) program.
The IWEG experience
As the leading organization in wine, spirits and sake education in Canada, IWEG has offered the WSET Level 4 Diploma since 1988.
Our Diploma graduates over the years have gone on to become vital members of the wine and spirits industry in Canada and worldwide. IWEG holds the record for having the largest amount of Diploma graduates in Canada!
IWEG has been offering Diploma studies for longer than any institute outside of the WSET School in London, which means we enjoy a long history of student success. Our passionate and highly qualified Diploma educators, who come from different fields within the trade, provide on-going support to help you master the analytical tasting skills and supplemental theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed.
Prerequisite: To enroll in the Diploma, you must have successfully completed the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (previously known as the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits or WSET Advanced Certificate). If your first language is not English, you are strongly recommended to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above or be able to demonstrate an equivalent ability level.
This 128-hour course is a rewarding, demanding and challenging program. The Diploma is comprised of six essential units of study, each designed to develop expertise in a specific area.
It normally takes between 18 months and three years to complete the Diploma. Each unit is weighted differently in terms of hours of study required; the table below shows the minimum guided learning time, private study time and the weighting applied against each unit:
| Unit | Weight | Minimum guided learning time | Minimum private study time | |
| D1 - Wine Production | 20% | 16 hours | 80 hours | |
| D2 - Wine Business | 10% | 8 hours | 40 hours | |
| D3 - Wines of the World | 50% | 70 hours | 170 hours | |
| D4 - Sparkling Wines | 5% | 8 hours | 16 hours | |
| D5 - Fortified Wines | 5% | 12 hours | 16 hours | |
| D6 - Independent Research Assignment | 10% | 2 hours | 48 hours |
You are strongly encouraged to participate in all activities and access all of the study tools provided to facilitate success. This level of the program requires significant independent study as well as classroom work. Expect to spend 500 hours of preparation and review outside of the classroom.
As a WSET Diploma graduate, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the factors affecting the production of wine and how these factors influence style, quality and commercial value in a variety of market sectors
- Display an understanding of the trade and legal structures of the identified wine and spirit producing regions
- Demonstrate specialist product knowledge of wines and spirits and apply that knowledge to make commercial decisions
- Through the use of the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT), identify the style, quality and commercial value of wine
- Produce accurate tasting notes for a range of wines
- Understand the commercial and economic importance of wine in global and local markets
- Demonstrate an ability to make informed decisions based on in-depth understanding of the global business of wine
- Present information in a format that meets business requirements
To complete the Diploma you must pass all six units, successfully meeting the rigorous assessment requirements across the syllabus. Assessment varies by unit. Upon successful completion of theory and blind tasting exams, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo and DipWSET post nominal.
All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.
View the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines specification for more information about the course.
For more information about the WSET Diploma, contact diploma@iweg.org.
Read our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Upcoming courses
The 2024-26 online program will start on Monday, September 30th.
The 2024-26 in-class program will start on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at IWEG, 211 Yonge Street, Suite 501. Learn more.
Email ssangster@iweg.org to sign up for more information, date announcements and to register.