Welcome to our guide to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 in Wines. WSET Level 3 in Wines is a great course wanting to take their wine knowledge to the next level. Whether you are a budding wine expert or already working in the wine industry it is a great qualification. In this guide we’ll help you to navigate the details of the qualification and decide if it is the right one for you.
The introduction to wine course gives you a solid introduction to the world of wine. Over the duration of the course you’ll be cover a range of varieties and be taken on a tour of the key winemaking areas of the world.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines – Syllabus
The WSET Level 3 in wines covers six main topics:
Natural and Human Factors in the Vineyard
This forms the learning outcome 1 of Unit 1. You will learn about:
- Natural factors in the vineyard that affects the quality and style of the wine
- The human natural factors in the vineyard that affects the quality and style of the wine
- How human decisions in the winery can effect the quality and style of the wine
Still wines from Principle Regions
This forms the learning outcome 2 of Unit 1 . You will learn about:
- The key areas of still wine production in the world
- The key components that affect the style, quality and selling price of the wine
Principal Sparkling Wines of the World
This forms the learning outcome 3 of Unit 1 . You will learn about:
- The key areas of sparkling wine production in the world
- The key components that affect the style, quality and selling price of the sparkling wine
Principal Fortified Wines of the World
This forms the learning outcome 4 of Unit 1 . You will learn about:
- The key areas of fortified wine production in the world
- The key components that affect the style, quality and selling price of fortified the wine
Providing Information and Advice
This forms the learning outcome 5 of Unit 1 . You will learn about:
- Identifying key wine faults
- Food and wine pairings
- Social and health implications of wine consumption
- Factors to consider in making wine recommendations
Analytic Tasting of Wine
This forms the learning outcome 1 of Unit 2. You will learn how to analytically assess wine using WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) framework.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines – Teaching
You’ll need to register for the course with an approved WSET course provider. Depending on the teaching method that you choose this may involve 5 consecutive days or it could be broken up across multiple weeks. There is a minimum of 30 hours of classroom time and a recommended 51.5 additional hours of personal study time.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines – Examination
The level 3 exam has 3 components:
30 minutes tasting exam. This exam is closed book and involved applying WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) framework to assess 2 different wines.
A two hour, closed book, written exam comprising:
- A 50 multiple choice questions
- 4 short written questions
The short answers section will have 2 questions from learning outcomes 1&2, 1 question from learning outcomes 1, 2 & 5 and one question from learning outcomes 1, 3, 4 & 5.
You’ll need to pass all 3 components in order to pass the examination.
For your multiple choice exam you will face questions from each of the five Unit one learning outcomes:
- Learning Outcome 1 (natural and human factors in the vineyard): 8 questions
- Learning Outcome 2 (principal still wines of the world): 28 questions
- Learning Outcome 3 (principal sparkling wines of the world): 5 questions
- Learning Outcome 4 (principal fortified wines of the world): 5 questions
- Learning Outcome 5 (providing information and advice): 4 questions
To help you gain some experience with the exam we’ve put together timed mock exams for the multiple choice component of the level 3 in wine exam.
Prerequisites for Entry
It is recommended that candidates have passed the Level 2 Award in Wines or similar qualification before commencing level 3. If you have not passed level 2 it is best to speak to your course provider to ascertain the best way forward.
Candidates who are below the local legal drinking age are allowed to take the examination written examination, but will not be allowed to take part in the classroom wine tasting. They can receive a record of achievement for completing the written component but will not be allowed to receive the full WSET Level 3 in Wines qualification.
WSET Level 3 in Wine – Conclusion
The WSET Level 3 in Wines is perfect for those incredibly interested in wine and those at the cutting edge of wine service. It provides you a great knowledge base and gives you exposure to a wide range of wines from around the world. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a budding wine professional, the level 3 exam will give you a great base of wine knowledge.