About the Course
Who It’s For:
Wine lovers, both consumer-level and those entering the wine or hospitality trade who have limited wine knowledge.
Level 1 is optional. Those who already feel comfortable around wine may begin studying at Level 2.
Is Online Learning Right For Me?:
Before enrolling in an online course, consider the following –
Successful online students are those who value flexibility in their learning schedule, but who also understand that this requires more self-discipline and self-guided learning. Comfortability with technology, the ability to communicate well in writing, taking initiative to contact your moderator if you have questions or concerns, and participating actively in group discussion and chat activities are all musts in order to get the most from your online learning experience.
What You’ll Learn:
The main styles and types of wine, the characteristics of the primary wine grape varieties, wine service and tasting technique and the legal and health issues surrounding wine and service. You’ll learn how to analyze wines and why they do or don’t pair well with the primary elements in food.
Online Course Format:
Online. A 4-week, 6-module online self-study program with a recommendation of 1.3 hours of online activities and textbook study per week.
You have 1 week to study each module and you may access the content — including online discussions, moderating educator chats, and feedback — 24/7. You can catch up on activities as your schedule permits, as there are no set meeting times. You’ll study under the moderating support of one of International Wine Center’s experienced educators, who is on hand to review assignments, answer questions and guide you for the duration of the course.
You’re advised to taste various wines during your studies. These wines are purchased by you, at your expense, from a list of recommended tasting samples. You can post your tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by your moderating IWC educator.
Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential.
Course Syllabus:
Level 1 Award in Wine Syllabus
Exam Format:
Your exam will take place via secure remote online proctoring on a specific day and time. You need to take your exam in a private environment of your choice using a desktop or laptop computer AND your cell phone.
Technical Requirements:
For a complete list of requirements please visit this page.
Registration Requirements
- 21 years of age
Interested in Taking This Course?
View DatesWhat You'll Achieve
- The ability to select and serve wines with greater confidence.
- An understanding of the main types and styles of wine available.
- Basic knowledge of proper wine storage and service.
- Understanding and experience in the core principles of food-and-wine pairing.
- An understanding of the issues relating to the safe consumption of wine.
- Successful candidates receive the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine.
* This course is a non-occupational course. Non-occupational courses are not intended to provide instruction that will result in the student’s acquisition of occupational skills.
About the Exam
45 minute exam consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Your exam will take place via secure remote online proctoring on a specific day and time. You need to take your exam in a private environment of your choice using a desktop or laptop computer AND your cell phone. Further details are available here.
You may defer your remote exam date with three week’s notice to info@internationalwinecenter.com. Change of exam date incurs a $25 Change Fee. To subsequently reschedule your remote exam, choose one of our scheduled dates from our Exams Rescheduling page, in our Resources section. If instead of one of these dates, you wish to choose a date that is not one of our regularly scheduled dates, you will be charged a $75 Rescheduling Fee.
You are welcome to choose an in-person paper exam in NYC instead, pending availability. If you prefer an in-person paper exam, you must defer your scheduled remote exam with three weeks prior notice of its date, and request a paper exam instead. Do this by emailing info@internationalwinecenter.com. Because of capacity limitations in our classrooms, you might need to wait some time before space is available in one of our scheduled in-person exams.
Course Materials
The WSET Level Wines study guide will be part of your online study content.
Study Guide: An Introduction to Wine
How Much Does It Cost?
Registration Fee: $18
Exam: $120
Tuition: $180
Total: $318
Your online study materials are included in the price of the course.
How Do I Sign Up?
- Choose a class date that works for you. You can View Dates by clicking the button to the right, or browse available dates and times by going to the Registration section.
- After choosing the date that’s best for you, complete the required Enrollment Agreement, to streamline your registration process.
- Click the Register button. (If you have not yet completed the Enrollment Agreement, you can complete it during the registration process.)
