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 Level 1 Courses 

Saturday, April 6 | 9am-3:45pm

Monday, June 10 | 9am-3:45pm

Saturday, August 10 | 9am-3:45pm

Saturday, October 19 | 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 Level 2 Courses

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

Begins on Monday, April 22. Register here.

Class Dates: April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20. The exam is in person at the Crystal Palate on June 3 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

Begins on Tuesday, July 30. Register here.

Class Dates: July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27. The exam is in person at the Crystal Palate on September 10 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

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

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Tuition: $1,500

Upcoming Level 3 Courses

Begins on Tuesday, February 20. Register here.

This 10-class course will be held in person at the Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet from 6:00pm – 9:00pm on the following dates: February 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16 and 23. The exam is in person at the Crystal Palate on May 7 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. 

The aim of the course is to provide detailed analysis of the principal wines of the world. Students will also benefit from in-depth tastings where they will learn to identify product style and quality. Emphasis is given to tasting assessment skills. Course content includes the following:

Unit 1 – Wines of the World

  • Production of Wine (location, viticulture, vinification, maturation, and bottling)
  • France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Central and South Eastern Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, North America, South and Central America
  • Still Wines
  • Sparkling Wines
  • Fortified (Liqueur) Wines
  • This unit is evaluated by a multiple choice paper of 50 questions and a question paper requiring short written answers

Unit 2 – Tasting and Evaluating Wines of the World

  • How to taste wines and evaluate the quality, style and price
  • Students will learn to write tasting notes by tasting and assessing 8-10 wines during each class.
  • This unit is assessed by a blind tasting paper of two wines

The exam consists of a multiple choice paper of 50 questions, a question paper requiring short written answers, and full written tasting notes on two wines.  Those who pass the exam receive the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, an internationally recognized credential in the wine industry.

Note: This qualification is open to students who hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits or can demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge.  It is recommended that students complete the Level 2 Award in Wines & Spirits before progressing to the Level 3 Award. This qualification is a prerequisite for candidates planning to study for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines qualification.   A student must pass the WSET Level 3 exam before registering for the Diploma program.

32.5 Guided Learning Hours (including the 2.5 hour examination) and 51.5 hours private study.

 

 

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