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Program Overview
Ready to take your wine and spirits knowledge to the next level?
Johnson & Wales University is an Approved Program Provider for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a globally recognized organization providing education and qualifications in wine, spirits and sake for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Offering 3 progressive levels of study, these qualifications are suitable for those just beginning their career, as well as established professionals and wine enthusiasts eager to pursue their passion.
Courses are offered in person at JWU’s Charlotte Campus; in addition, online classes are offered through the WSET Online Classroom.
WSET LEVEL I AWARD IN WINE
$395 in person | $300 online | One-day session | Dates and times vary
For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands on introduction to the world of wine. Explore the main types and styles of wine. Gain the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive a WSET certificate and pin. Minimum requirement of 6 hours of study or classroom time. The assessment consists of a 30 question multiple choice exam. Course specification (PDF)
WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS
$395 in person | $300 online | One-day session | Dates and times vary
An introduction to the world of spirits. Explore the main styles and types of spirits through hands-on tasting to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavor and aroma. Ideal for consumers, retail and hospitality professionals who want to gain a better understanding of the principle characteristics, service and storage of spirits. Minimum requirement of 6 hours of study time in a classroom or online, concluding with a 30-question multiple choice exam. Course specification (PDF)
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
$895 in person | $695 online | Dates and times vary
Build on your knowledge and learn about the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the factors that influence the wine’s style and quality. Using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wines, learn how to properly taste wine, describe the characteristics and assess the quality with confidence. Minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time, including 16 hours of classroom or online delivery time; course concludes with a 50-question multiple choice exam. Course specification (PDF)
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS
$895 in person | $695 online | Dates and times vary
An intermediate course for individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs. Learn about fundamental production methods and principal raw materials of the key spirit styles, as well as the principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails. Minimum requirement of 26 hours of study time, including 14 hours of classroom or online delivery time, and concluding with a 50-question multiple choice exam. Course specification (PDF)
WSET ADVANCED LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINE
$1,525 in person | $1295 online hybrid | Dates and times vary
This advanced level qualification is for industry professionals as well as wine enthusiasts interested in delving deeper into the world of wine. Gain a detailed understanding of wine production, including location, grape growing, wine making, maturation and bottling, and how these key factors influence the style and quality of wines around the world. Learn to assess wine accurately and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality – making this an ideal course for anyone wishing to expand their wine knowledge or to gain confidence and authority to make informed decisions in the wine trade. Minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom or online delivery time, and concluding with a 50-question multiple choice exam, a paper requiring short written answers, and a blind tasting of two wine samples. Course specification (PDF)