WSET Courses

Crystal Palate offers Wine Spirit & Education Trust (WSET) courses in Coastal Virginia as a satellite provider of the Capital Wine School out of Washington DC. All registrations must go through the Capital Wine School.

Your educator will be Crystal Cameron-Schaad, a WSET Diploma Graduate and nominated educator with the WSET. Crystal is one of 10,000 people worldwide who has achieved the prestigious WSET Diploma since the program began in 1969.

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Tuition: $395 

Upcoming 2025 Level 1 Courses 

Saturday, January 18th | 9am-3:45pm- Register Here!

Monday, March 31st | 9am-3:45pm- Register Here!

Saturday, June 14th | 9am-3:45pm- Register Here!

Saturday, October 18th | 9am-3:45pm- Register Here!

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. For individuals new to wine study, 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. Tuition for Level 1 is $395.

What you'll learn:

• The main types and styles of wine
• Common wine grapes and their characteristics
• 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)

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
Tuition: $850 

Upcoming 2025 Level 2 Courses

Beginning on Monday January 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & Exam on Monday March 10th. Register Here!

This 5-class course will be held in person at the Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

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. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

The course fee includes the 5 classes at Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet; PDF copies of the class lectures; the WSET course book, study guide, and guide to the systematic approach to tasting wine; practice quizzes; 40 – 50 different wines; and the exam at Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet. Tuition for Level 2 is $850 . Click on the link below to register for the course. This is a 5 week course, plus exam. All class sessions are from 6pm-9pm

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:
  • made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
  • produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
• How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
  • Sparkling wines
  • 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