The following updates will be made live from August 1st 2016:

  • NEW Level 3 Award in Wines
  • NEW Level 1 Award in Sake
  • UPDATED Level 1 Award in Spirits 

Level 3 Award in Wines
The Level 3 Award in Wines replaces the current Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits. The spirits component has been removed, allowing the qualification to focus solely on wine education. The new qualification and materials were piloted for a year at WSET School London. The course textbook, study guide and complementary teaching materials (including a series of informative videos) have been thoroughly revised to improve the students’ experience of this qualification.

The qualification’s emphasis is on the influence of natural and human factors in the vineyard and winery on the final style, quality and price of the wine. To encourage students to make connections and comparisons between wines from similar climates or using similar winemaking techniques, the classroom sessions are now grouped by wine style, rather than by country. Additionally, the sessions now include more interactive elements to better aid learning.

Level 1 Award in Sake
The Level 1 Award in Sake is a one-day programme that provides a beginner-level introduction to sake, suitable for those working with or pursuing an interest in sake. Students explore the main styles and types of sake through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas.

Level 1 Award in Spirits
The focus of the course is on understanding spirits production, focussing on four key production steps, and providing an introduction to service and cocktails, including insights into some of the underlying principles that explain why the classic cocktail recipes work.

​Continual development and improvement of our qualifications and teaching materials is imperative in ensuring students receive best-in-class education. These updates are a reflection of this ongoing commitment. - Karen Douglas, WSET Director of Education

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET and WSET Awards) is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader.

WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.

A total of 72,171 WSET exams were taken globally in the academic year finishing July 31st 2016, an increase of 17% on last year, marking 14 consecutive years of growth.

WSET’s global network also expanded, with courses now available in Bulgaria, Serbia, Peru, Israel and Latvia, bringing the total number of countries WSET courses are available in to 73. The total number of approved course providers for the year reached 678.