About the Course

Who It’s For:

Wine professionals and consumers who have a broad foundation of wine knowledge — including appellation systems, major wine-producing regions and grape types — and are experienced in tasting technique. This course will provide them with in-depth product knowledge to underpin job skills such as product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors. Successful students will be in a position to advise management, to answer customer queries authoritatively, and to make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.

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:

Besides building your skills, this course provides a thorough understanding of the principal wines of the world, and their commercial importance in the world market.

Specifically, it covers:

  • The natural factors and human processes in the vineyard and the winery that influence the style, quality and price of wines.
  • The characteristics of the world’s major sparking, still and fortified wines and how aspects of grapegrowing, winemaking, law and commerce contribute to the wines’ style, quality and price.
  • Details of wine service and storage relevant for advising customers and staff.
  • How to evaluate quality, style and price in the glass.
Online Course Format:

Online. A 9-week online self-study program with a recommendation of 10 hours of online activity 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 a range of 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.

During your online studies IWC will host one optional in-person tasting technique course day / practice exam. IWC will also host one remote Zoom webinar and mock theory exam.

Exam Format:

The course includes a 2.5 hour in-person tasting and exam prep session at IWC before your exam. Your exam will be an in-person exam at International Wine Center in NYC.

Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential.

Course Syllabus:

Level 3 Award in Wines Syllabus

Technical Requirements:

Students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or smartphone or tablet with one of these browsers:

  • Chrome 80 and 81
  • Firefox 74 and 75 (Extended releases are not supported*)
  • Edge 80 and 81
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
  • Safari 12 and 13 (Macintosh only)

Interested in Taking This Course?

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What You'll Achieve

  • The professional ability to describe the characteristics of key wines from the principal regions of the world and explain the reasons for their style, quality and value.
  • Professional skills to advise management, answer customer queries authoritatively, and make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.
  • The ability to evaluate wines by tasting and to judge their quality and readiness for drinking.
  • Candidates who successfully complete both units of the exam will receive the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines.

The WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines is a prerequisite for the WSET® Level 4 (Diploma) course.

Registration Requirements

  • At least 21 years of age AND
  • A passing grade in the WSET® Level 2 Wines Course/WSET® Level 2 Wines & Spirits; OR
  • Successful completion of the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) course of the Society of Wine Educators; OR
  • Successful completion of a WSET-sanctioned entrance exam ($25 fee).

About the Exam

Two-and-one-half-hours, in-person exam at International Wine Center in NYC on a specific date. The exam has two parts: a practical tasting of two blinded wines; and a written exam composed of 50 multiple-choice questions and four short-answer questions. You may reschedule your exam up to four weeks before the exam date by e-mailing info@internationalwinecenter.com.

Exam Rescheduling Information

Course Materials

The WSET Level 3 Wines study pack will be shipped to you before your course.

Study pack contents:

  • Textbook: Understanding Wines – Explaining Style & Quality
  • Course Specification booklet
  • Student Workbook
  • Laminated SAT Card
Course Materials

How Much Does It Cost?

Total: $1258

How Do I Sign Up?

  1. 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.
  2. After choosing the date that’s best for you, complete the required Enrollment Agreement, to streamline your registration process.
  3. Click the Register button. (If you have not yet completed the Enrollment Agreement, you can complete it during the registration process.)

Interested in Taking This Course?

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Ready to Enroll?

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Meet the Instructors!

IWC Instructors
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