Building on the knowledge gained through the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, the Level 3 Award in Wines goes both broader and deeper. It is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world.

Our specialist educators will guide you in developing your tasting skills through a carefully selected range of wines ranging from household brands to outstanding bottles from iconic producers. You'll learn how to use your tasting notes to make objective conclusions on a wine's style, quality and readiness for drinking.

Who is this course designed for:

The WSET Level 3 course is an essential resource for wine professionals, collectors, and serious enthusiasts who already have a broad foundation of wine knowledge, including an understanding of appellation systems, major wine-producing regions, and grape varieties, along with experience in tasting techniques. This advanced course offers in-depth product knowledge to support key job skills such as product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors. Additionally, it deepens the knowledge and confidence of wine consumers, empowering them to assess quality and value, make informed wine selections, and engage with wine on a more authoritative level. Industry graduates will be well-equipped to advise management, respond confidently to customer queries, and navigate a variety of professional and personal wine-related scenarios.

The course will cover: 

• The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation and bottling
• The key characteristics of the principal:
  • still wines of the world
  • sparkling wines of the world
  • fortified wines of the world
• How to make appropriate wine recommendations
• How to taste wines using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
• Tutored tastings of 81 wines (except online course)

Course format

• 38 hours of classroom learning and 51.5 hours of private study plus a 2 hour 30 minute exam. The exam has two parts: a practical tasting of two blinded wines; and a written exam composed of 50 multiple-choice questions and four short-answer questions.
• The course assessment is split into two essential units: Unit 1 focuses on your theoretical understanding of the subject and your ability to communicate this, while Unit 2 focuses on your tasting abilities.
• Both units are examined in person on the same day, with a short break between the papers.
  

  Unit 1

  A closed book theory exam in two parts, which must be completed in two hours.

  • Part 1 comprises 50 multiple-choice questions. This part will assess your knowledge and understanding across the unit.
  • Part 2 is a question paper requiring short written answers. This part will consist of four questions of 25 marks each, and will assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have gained across the unit.

  You must attain a minimum mark of 55% in both parts to pass Unit 1. Sample questions can be found in the Specifications.

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  Unit 2

  A blind tasting exam featuring two still wines, which must be completed in 30 minutes. This will assess your ability to accurately describe a wine and draw conclusions about its quality and readiness for drinking based on your observations.

  You must attain a combined mark of 55% across the two wines to pass Unit 2.

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  Pass marks

  • Pass: mean average mark of 55% - 64%
  • Pass with Merit: mean average mark of between 65% - 79%
  • Pass with Distinction: mean average mark of 80% or above (with no individual examination paper below 65%)

  All students who pass the exam will receive a WSET certificate and a lapel pin and use of the official logo — WSET® Certified Advanced — on your business cards, websites, and other professional material.

• This course is a prerequisite for WSET 4 level (Diploma) in Wine.

Fees and Materials:

• $1,499
• Course fee includes:
  • Textbook: Understanding Wines – Explaining Style & Quality
  • Course Specification booklet
  • Student Workbook
  • Laminated SAT Card
  • Enrollment fee
  • Exam fee
  • In-person classroom instruction
  • Certificate
  • At least 80 wines tasted during course
• PLEASE NOTE THAT WSET UK (THE COURSE ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION)  REQUIRES THAT ALL COURSE STUDENTS PROVIDE THEIR DATE OF BIRTH AS PART OF COURSE REGISTRATION. PRINCE OF WINE ACADEMY WILL SEND YOU AN EMAIL FORM AFTER CHECKOUT FOR OFFICIAL ENROLLMENT.

Pre-requisites for this course

• The Level 3 Award in Wines is designed to build on a solid foundation of knowledge, equivalent to that which is gained through Level 2 Award in Wines (previously known as the Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits). For this reason, the course is primarily open to students who have studied for this qualification. If you do not hold the Level 2 qualification but believe you have the relevant knowledge, you can also gain entry through our Level 3 Award in Wines Online Entry Test .

For more details on specifications, click here.

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.