Woking Academy

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

Looking to dive into the world of wine? The WSET Level 1 in Wine is the perfect place to start. Whether you are thinking about a professional career in the drinks industry or just want to up your wine-tasting game, this course is a fun, relaxed, and interactive way to start your wine journey. You can complete the whole course, including the exam, in just one day, resulting in a qualification to accompany your new knowledge.

£185

Friday Nov 8th 2024

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Fully booked

Tuesday Nov 26th 2024

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Places available

What to expect

Our WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) courses offer everyone the chance to earn an internationally recognised qualification in wine with us here at the Gordon Ramsay Academy. 

Join top sommeliers from the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants group for a daytime course learning about the essentials of wine tasting. Your friendly hosts will talk you through the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting, giving you practical insights into food and wine pairing like a pro.

The course will also cover wine service and storage (because nobody wants a corked bottle ruining the party!), including how to identify common faults in wine. You’ll explore the main grape varieties, both white, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and black, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, tasting at least nine wines throughout the day.

At the end of the course, you will sit a 45-minute exam comprising of 30 multiple choice questions. A mark of 70% and higher will pass the course, with all who pass receiving an official certificate and a WSET lapel pin.

This course will not only provide you with a wine qualification that is recognised around the world, but also the foundations to continue to explore the huge world of wine and spirits. 

Alongside the course material, you’ll also receive tasters from the Academy chef team to help you identify food and wine pairings, hear anecdotes and hints and tips from Gordon Ramsay Restaurant’s top sommeliers, and have plenty of time for questions, too! 

Know someone who is a wine-lover? You can gift them a voucher to take the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on a date that suits them. Buy a wine course gift voucher here.  

Class details

Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions prior to booking this course. 

Course requirements: You are required to provide authorised photographic ID (e.g. passport, photo driving licence or national ID card) in order to take the examination.

All participants must be over 18 years old. 

No previous experience of Wine Tasting is necessary to join this course

Course starts: 9.30am, arrive anytime from 9am to check in at reception

Course finishes: 4.30pm

Course size: Maximum 8 guests (please note, the course may be subject to rescheduling if less than a minimum 4 guests are attending)

Course details: 

  • Wine Tasting: Taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting
  • Food and Wine Matching: A practical guide to the key considerations when matching food and wine successfully
  • Wine Service and Storage: Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wine
  • Types and Styles of Wine: Learn about what makes wines taste different
  • Grape Varieties: Learn about the characteristics and styles of wines produced from the main grape varieties
    • Main white grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio
    • Main black grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz
  • Notable wines include: Sancerre, Chablis, Sauternes, Beaujolais, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rioja, Chianti

What’s included

  • Expert guidance from our top Sommeliers and wine educators
  • All wines and equipment
  • WSET Level 1 study materials and resources
  • Refreshments and tasters throughout the class and a scheduled lunch break (please note, lunch is not provided)
  • 45-minute multiple choice examination
  • WSET Level 1 Award in Wines certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)

For more information, please view the WSET course specification.