WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
About this course
A beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring wines and spirits for those working in the industry or wine and spirit enthusiasts.
For individuals seeking a core understanding of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they are grown. You’ll learn about the styles of wines produced from these grapes as well as key classifications and labelling terminology. A basic overview of the key categories of spirits and liqueurs will also be provided. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
FAQ's
Are there any pre-requisites for this course?
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
How is this course evaluated?
Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions.
What is included in the course?
All study materials, class instruction, tasting samples and exam fees are include in the course.
Students are required to bring 6 ISO tasting glasses to each class. Alternatively, a Cru Classe Tasting Kit can be purchased for $40 + taxes. Please indicate if you would like to purchase this Tasting Kit in your Booking Form and it will be delivered at the start of the course.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- Up to 1 month before 1st day of class commencement: 100% of course fee less $50 administration fee is refundable.
- Up to 14 days before 1st day of class commencement: 50% of course fee less $50 administration fee is refundable.
- After 14 days before 1st day of class commencement: No refund.
What are the benefits of learning with Cru Classe?
- Cru Classe is a fully accredited Approved Program Provider for WSET.
- Our principal instructor, Lara Victoria is one of Vancouver’s most highly and diversely qualified hospitality professionals. In addition to earning the WSET Diploma amongst her other qualifications, she is also a WSET Certified Educator for all levels of wines, spirits and sake certification.
- We do not sell any beverage alcohol products, nor do we represent or work on behalf of any agency, winery, distillery or brewery, therefore the samples that we select for class cover an unbiased broad selection that are meant to benefit the students alone. We are also known to pour more samples of great quality products than required for the curriculum, to help our students learn better.
- Given our small class sizes we can afford focused attention to all our our students’ learning needs. We are certainly proud of the fact that we have a very good pass rate amongst our students.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum covers key factors about how wine is made and what factors influence wine style. The key white and black grape varieties and their characteristics are explained. The course also introduces the important wine-producing regions of the world in which these grapes are grown. Students also learn about the production of sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines along with label terminology and food and wine pairing principles. Additionally, the principal categories of spirits and liqueurs, and how they are made are explained. Most importantly, students learn how to assess wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Introduction, tasting technique, food and wine pairing And Social Responsibility
At the end of the session students will be able to outline the correct procedures for the storage, selection and service of wine, identify common faults found in wines and identify the key considerations when making a food and wine paring recommendation. Social considerations as well as health and safety issues relating to the consumption of wines and spirits are explained.
Factors influencing wine style, quality and price as well as how to read a wine label
Learn about the conditions needed for the vine to produce healthy grapes and the impact the growing environment has on the grapes. Outline the vineyard activities, the winemaking and maturation processes and describe their effect on the wine style. Understand labelling terms that are commonly used to indicate the style and quality of still wines.
Understanding the main grape varieties
Describe the characteristics of the different grape varieties. Understand how climate and winemaking techniques can affect the style and quality of a wine. Identify key wine producing regions of the world. Using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®, learn to describe the style and quality of a wine.
Sweet wines
Outline the methods used in the production of sweet wines and describe the style of these wines produced in the key wine producing countries of the world.
Sparkling wines
Outline the methods used in the production of sparkling wines and describe the style of these wines produced in the key wine producing countries of the world.
Fortified wines
Outline the methods used in the production of fortified wines and describe the style of these wines produced in the key wine producing countries of the world.
Spirits
Outline the key principles and methods used in the production of the principal categories of international spirits and describe the styles of the spirits produced.