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WINE COURSES

THE WINE & SPIRITS
EDUCATION TRUST

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All our courses are certified by The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), whose qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine knowledge and education.  

 

WSET courses provide best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s wine professionals and enthusiasts.  Their qualifications are recognised in over 70 countries and available in 15 languages. The courses are designed to work for everybody - from those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and for the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines.

 

South Coast Wine Academy is a WSET Approved Program Provider servicing the South Coast including the Illawarra, Wollongong, and the Southern Highlands.  We teach Level 1 and Level 2 WSET Wine Courses.

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Who says school can't be fun?

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Build your knowledge and confidence in wine in a fun, friendly environment.

Know what course you are looking for? Jump straight to WSET Level 1 or WSET Level 2

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WSET LEVEL 1 COURSES

COURSE OVERVIEW

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For individuals new to wine, WSET Level 1 is an ideal starting point for you to get to grips with the basics. In a short space of time, you’ll find yourself feeling much more confident tasting wine, navigating a wine list, storing wine, buying bottles and pairing wine with food. 

 

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.

 

The qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main types and styles of wines, for example people who work with wines as part of a larger beverage portfolio in the retail and hospitality sectors. Successful candidates will be able to know the key stages in grape growing and winemaking, list the principal types and styles of wine, state the key characteristics of wines made from the principal grape varieties as well as other examples of wines, and know the key principles involved in the storage and service of wine. They will consequently be in a position to answer customer queries and provide recommendations for the service of wine.

 

What you'll learn:

  • The main types and styles of wine

  • Common wine grapes and their characteristics

  • The key stages in grape growing and winemaking

  • How to store and serve wine

  • The principles of food and wine pairing

  • How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

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Tasting samples are included in the course fee - a minimum of 6 will be provided over the duration of the course.

 

Course delivery:

This qualification requires of six hours of learning time - it is delivered over 3 evenings with an exam on the final night.

 

Assessment:

The exam is a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. A candidate is required to pass with a minimum mark of 70%. 

 

Entry requirements:

You must be of legal drinking age to participate.

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Full course specifications can be found on the WSET Website here.

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UPCOMING COURSES:

WSET LEVEL 2 COURSES

COURSE OVERVIEW

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WSET Level 2 is a much more substantial course where you will learn about a wide range of grapes and wine styles. It is intended for beginners to intermediates where you’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence. This one is perfect if you wanted to build on what you learnt at Level 1 but Level 1 is not a prerequisite for Level 2; if you already have a basic understanding of wine then you can jump straight in to level 2.

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What you'll learn:

  • How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)

  • How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz

  • The style and quality of wines 1) made from 22 regionally important grape varieties 2) produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world

  • How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of sparkling & fortified wines

  • Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality

  • Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine

  • Principles of food and wine pairing

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Tasting samples are included in the course fee - a minimum of 43 will be provided over the duration of the course.

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Course delivery:

This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time:

  • 16 hours of delivery time with a WSET course provider (classroom or online)

  • 11 hours of personal study and revision

  • A 1-hour examination

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Assessment:

The final exam will take place at the end of the last session.  It will be a one-hour closed-book examination comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions. A candidate is required to pass with a minimum mark of 55%. On successful completion of the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

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Entry requirements:

You must be of legal drinking age to participate.

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Full course specifications can be found on the WSET Website here.

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UPCOMING COURSES:

"Marty was a great instructor and runs a really engaging course.  I came away with a much better understanding and appreciation for wine! I loved the hands on nature of the class, and how Marty got everyone involved in the learning and conversations.  Looking forward to L2!"

Luke, Level 1 Wine Course, 2024

"I really enjoyed the course with South Coast Wine Academy - Marty is very knowledgeable but speaks in a way the novice can understand.  Feel like I’ve gained quite a bit of confidence about wine!."

Pip, Level 1 Wine Course, 2024

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about our course details that are not covered on our website, please contact us: you can call us on 1300 364 505, use the contact form here, or email us at info@southcoastwineacademy.com.au.  We will endeavour to return your enquiry within 48 hours.

South Coast Wine Academy is committed to delivering WSET qualifications to the highest standard.  We achieve this through a quality assurance programme where all course providers must meet rigorous approval criteria and on-going monitoring requirements.  WSET is recognised as an awarding body by the English regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments, Ofqual. It is also a member of the UK’s Federation of Awarding Bodies.

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