WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Online Learning

For students unable to attend scheduled classes, the Independent Wine Education Guild offers online study courses.

The WSET Level 3 Award In Wines provides an in-depth exploration of a wide range of wines.  While there is no prerequisite, successful completion of the WSET Level 2 Award In Wines is recommended, or an equivalent level of wine knowledge.

This qualification is ideal for trade employees working in a supervisory capacity, advising management, answering customer queries and making informed selections of wines in a wide variety of situations. This course is also the next step for the wine enthusiast wishing to build on knowledge gained on WSET Level 2.

Samples are not provided as part of the tuition cost of each WSET course, but WSET will give you guidance on the styles to taste. All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

The course is based around a 9-week structured online programme with a recommendation of 10 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. It will be assumed that students have basic computer literacy, internet navigation skills and a good level of English.

The course prepares the student for the qualification and is guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions.

Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities that guide the student through the key wine regions of the world looking at the factors in the vineyard and winery that influence wine styles.

Students are advised to taste a range of wines during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the specification.. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. Please note that students are responsible for purchasing their own wine samples and the cost of these is not included in the course fee.

Programme Schedule

Week 1: Factors influencing Style, Quality and Price of wine

Week 2: Tasting technique, wine laws and service

• Learn to taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. 
• Learn about the fundamental rules of wine labelling.
• Learn about the principles of food and wine pairing, storage and service of wine.

Weeks 3-5: Factors affecting the wine, style and quality of wines from Europe

Weeks 6-7: Factors affecting the wine, style and quality of wines from the rest of the world

Week 8: Sparkling and Fortified Wines

• Learn about the methods of production and the main styles of sparkling wines from the key wine producing countries.
• Learn about the methods of production and the main styles of fortified wines from the key wine producing countries.