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
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
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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
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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.
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A 45 minute closed-book examination comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions
Online students must take their exam 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.
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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)
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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
2026 - 2027 course dates will be released by mid June of 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.