The WSET courses provide nationally-recognised qualifications for Wine Industry professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. The courses are all examined and certificated within the QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework) by the government.
The Level 3 Award in Wines (formerly known as the Advanced) is a course designed for anyone wishing to gain in-depth knowledge of wines and spirits and build upon the knowledge gained at Intermediate level. You will acquire a thorough understanding of the factors influencing the style, quality and price of wines from key wine producing regions of the world. You will also develop analytical tasting skills using the systematic approach to tasting; your blind tasting skills will form part of the examinations.
This qualification has full accreditation from the UK Government’s Qualifications & Curriculum Authority as a Level 3 Vocational Qualification. This qualification provides the knowledge required for those wishing to progress on to the Diploma Level 4.
If you are an employer wishing to train your staff this course will equip them with knowledge and understanding of a wide range of products. This course is suitable for someone in a supervisory level position in wine sales and service.
Subjects studied synopsis
| Wine Tasting | Describe and analyse wines using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® |
| Food and Wine Pairing | A guide to the key considerations when pairing food and wine successfully |
| Social Responsibility | A guide to sensible drinking |
| Labelling | Learn how to decode and understand labels |
| Wine Production | Learn about the production factors influencing the style, quality and price of wine from vineyard to bottling.
Learn about the styles of wines produced in the key wine regions and districts of the world: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Greece, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Argentina and Chile. |
| Sparkling Wines | Learn about the methods of production and the main styles of sparkling wines from the key wine producing countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, New World – Australia, California, New Zealand, South Africa |
| Fortified Wines | Learn about the methods of production and the main styles of fortified wines from the key wine producing countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Australia |
Course outline
| Duration | 31.5 hours min (either 12 x three-hour sessions)or (6 x 6 hour sessions). |
| Recommended Private Study | Students will be required to undertake substantial amounts of study outside the classroom. A minimum of Private Study 60 hours additional private study is recommended for this course. It is essential that the majority of the private study is done in preparation for the course. |
| Modes of Study | Wednesday Courses (6 days) / Evening (one evening a week for 12 weeks) |
| Online Classroom | All courses are supported by an online classroom resource which includes the facility for online self-tests to help check progress through the course. |
| Examination | The Level 3 Award in Wines examination comprises of two parts: Part one will be a combined theory paper consisting of a 50 question multiple-choice section and a five question short answer written section. Part two will be a blind tasting of two wines. A mark of 55% required in all sections to pass. |
| Certification | All students who pass will be issued with a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin. |
| Study Materials | Students will receive a Level 3 Award course study pack, consisting of the course book, study guide and tasting card, plus a set of ISO tasting glasses. |
Entry requirements
Students should hold the Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits or successfully complete the Level 3 Award entry test and have up-to-date knowledge of the Level 2 syllabus. It is essential that students read the Level 3 Award in Wines book prior to course start.
Cost
(Includes tuition, study materials and examination)
Important entry information
We recommend this course to those who have already completed the WSET Level 2 Wines and Spirits course, as this syllabus assumes that candidates already possess a good basic understanding of simple wine making techniques, key grape varieties and viticultural patterns. However, holding WSET Level 2 is not a requirement to enroll on this course – for anyone who wishes to enter the WSET programme at Level 3 without prior study, we strongly advise them to review the course specification on the WSET website.