Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Level 1 Award in Wine

Who should Take WSET 1

  • Individuals in the retail, hospitality, or wholesale sectors of the wine industry who possess limited wine knowledge.

  • Wine enthusiasts looking to develop their ability to taste and identify wines professionally.

  • Front-line staff seeking basic wine knowledge and skills related to storage and service.

Registration Includes

  • Level 1 Award in Wine e-book

  • Access to online programming

  • WSET Level 1 Award in Wines exam fees

  • Digital Certificate and badge upon completion

**Please note: wine tasting samples are not included or provided by the Oenophile Institute

Multiple glasses of red wine arranged in a line, with a blurred background

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines online

Looking to learn about wine? WSET Level 1 Award in Wine online course equips you with the essential skills to talk and taste like a pro. For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. There is no previous knowledge necessary to enroll in this course.

For full course requirements and further information, please download the Specification.

Before registering for WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Online course please read the WSET Remote Invigilation Essential Guidance about online exam scheduling and proctoring.

**At this time, the Oenophile Institute does not offer wine tasting kits for pick-up or delivery for the Level 1 course. However, we recommend students purchase an E-Tasting Kit to go along with their studies.

Level 1 Award In Wines - Online | $320

  • Interactive Online Classroom: Learn alongside global peers with guidance from a dedicated instructor.

    Course Format:

    • 4-week study program with webinars and instructor support.

    • Set start and finish dates.

    Weekly Structure:

    • Instructor-led online activities and group discussions.

    • Each module includes a series of independent activities to help students understand the differences between grape varieties and types and styles of wine.

    • Group tasting activities to practice the Systematic Approach to Tasting at the Beginner level. **Please note Level 1 Online cost do NOT include wines to be tasted.

    Course Syllabus:

    • Module 1 - What is wine and how is it made

    • Module 2 – Types and styles of wine

    • Module 3 – Grape varieties and wines

    • Module 4 – Storage and service of wines

    • Week 5 – Revision

    • WSET online courses are organized into modules or weeks, and students are expected to follow this schedule and keep up with the work. It’s recommended that you dedicate about six hours to complete the online activities and read the relevant e-book. Active participation in the online activities is key to your success in this course.

    • The course is designed to prepare you for the WSET qualification, and you'll be supported by a WSET educator. You can reach out to your educator with any questions at any point during the course. While an educator is assigned, they are not required to assess work if students fall behind.

    • The courses are asynchronous, there is no real-time interaction with educators, but students can work at their own pace. Success in online learning requires self-discipline. Students need to manage their time, stay motivated, engage in online activities, and complete readings.

    • Online students are expected to source their own wine for tasting modules. We recommend tasting a variety of wines during the course, and you can find a list of suggested tasting samples in the course specifications. You’re encouraged to post your tasting notes in the Online Classroom for feedback from your educator.

  • A 45 minute closed-book examination comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions

    Online students may choose to sit in-person at The Oenophile Institute during a scheduled exam or online with a scheduled Remote Invigilator (RI)

    Please read Remote Invigilation Guidance before signing up for the course

    If you need any reasonable adjustments made for either the WSET Level 1 Course or Exam please go to our WSET policies page on how to apply.

  • Students will require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 9, Firefox 9, Chrome 10 or equivalent with Javascript enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Adobe Flash Player 11. Internet access (broadband recommended)

  • O1WI2604: Sep. 15th - Oct. 12th 2025 | Exam: Oct. 18th  2025 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Aug. 29th 2025

    O1WI2606: Oct. 13th - Nov. 9th 2025 | Exam: Nov. 15th 2025 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Sep. 26th 2025

    O1WI2608: Nov. 10th - Dec. 7th 2025 | Exam: Dec. 13th 2025 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Oct. 24th 2025

    O1WI2610: Dec. 8th - Jan. 4th 2026 | Exam: Jan. 10th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Nov. 21st 2025

    O1WI2612: Jan. 19th - Feb. 15th 2026 | Exam: Feb. 21st 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Jan. 2nd 2026

    O1WI2614: Feb 16th - March 15th 2026 | Exam: March 21st 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: Jan. 30th 2026

    O1WI2616: March 16th - April 12th 2026 | Exam: April 18th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration Closes: Feb. 27th 2026

    O1WI2618: April 13th - May 10th 2026 | Exam: May 16th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: March 27th 2026

    O1WI2620: May 11th - June 7th 2026 | Exam: June 13th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: April 24th 2026

    O1WI2622: June 8th - July 5th 2026 | Exam: July 11th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: May 22nd 2026

    O1WI2624: July 6th - August 2nd 2026 | Exam: August 8th 2026 at 10:00AM EST | Registration closes: June 19th 2026

We are unable to make exceptions for registration deadlines. 

Registration closes 14 days before each course start date.

Please review our WSET refund and transfer policy before purchasing.