If you’re looking to build a career in the wine industry, two things matter most—knowledge and experience. While experience comes from working in different roles, a WSET certification provides structured wine education that enhances your expertise and credibility.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) offers courses designed for beginners, professionals, and wine enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge. Whether you work in hospitality, wine retail, import/export, or winemaking, WSET qualifications help you gain a competitive edge.
But how do you choose between WSET Level 1 vs Level 2? Understanding the differences will help you decide which course best suits your goals.
What You Will Learn in WSET Level 1
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is ideal for beginners who want to develop a basic understanding of wine. This course introduces you to the fundamentals of wine types, styles, food pairings, and service techniques.
Key Learning Points in WSET Level 1:
✔ Types and Styles of Wine – Learn about white, red, and rosé wines, along with their key characteristics.
✔ Common Grape Varieties – Understand the flavors of popular grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
✔ Food and Wine Pairing – Discover how different flavors complement wines.
✔ Storage and Service – Learn the proper techniques to store, open, and serve wine correctly.
✔ Introduction to Wine Tasting – Use the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) to describe wines.
Exam & Study Requirements for WSET Level 1
✔ Requires approximately 6 hours of study with a WSET course provider.
✔ Available in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
✔ The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
✔ No tasting exam is required at this level.
WSET Level 1 is a great starting point for hospitality professionals, retail staff, and wine enthusiasts looking to improve their foundational knowledge.
What You Will Learn in WSET Level 2
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is a more in-depth course that expands on Level 1, covering grape-growing regions, winemaking processes, and wine styles worldwide.
Key Learning Points in WSET Level 2:
✔ Advanced Wine Tasting – Learn to analyze aromas, flavors, and structure using the WSET Level 2 SAT.
✔ Global Grape Varieties & Wine Styles – Explore how grapes like Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown and their regional influences.
✔ Winemaking & Maturation – Understand how climate, soil, and winemaking techniques affect the final product.
✔ Sparkling & Fortified Wines – Learn about the production and characteristics of Champagne, Prosecco, Port, and Sherry.
✔ Wine Labeling & Quality Indicators – Decode Geographical Indications (GIs) and quality classifications.
✔ Principles of Wine & Food Pairing – Enhance your ability to pair wines with different cuisines.
Exam & Study Requirements for WSET Level 2
✔ Requires approximately 28 hours of study, including 16 hours of classroom or online learning and 11 hours of self-study.
✔ The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes.
✔ No tasting exam, but tastings are an essential part of the course.
At Sonal C Holland Wine & Spirit Academy, students start developing tasting skills from Level 1, making it easier to progress to advanced certifications.
WSET Level 1 vs. WSET Level 2 – Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between WSET Level 1 and Level 2 depends on your current wine knowledge, career goals, and professional aspirations.
If you are new to wine and looking for a basic understanding, WSET Level 1 is the right choice. This course is perfect for hospitality staff, retail professionals, and wine lovers who want to gain confidence when discussing wines.
However, if you already have some wine knowledge or work in the hospitality, retail, or import/export sectors, you may find WSET Level 2 more beneficial. This course provides detailed insights into global wines, winemaking, and food pairings, making it ideal for sommeliers, wine consultants, and professionals looking to advance their careers.
If you’re still unsure, consider having a one-on-one consultation with a Sonal C Holland Wine & Spirit Academy expert to help you make the right choice.
Contact us at: learn@sonalholland.com
Why Choose Sonal C Holland Wine & Spirit Academy?
As India’s premier wine education provider, the Sonal C Holland Wine & Spirit Academy offers:
✔ WSET Level 1, 2, and 3 in Wines
✔ WSET Level 1 and 2 in Spirits
✔ WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
✔ Expert instructors with international wine industry experience
✔ Guided tastings and interactive learning
✔ Comprehensive study materials & exam preparation support
Enroll Today & Start Your Wine Journey with Confidence!
(Disclaimer: Course availability and pricing may vary. Check our website for the latest updates.)
