May 5, 8, 15, 22, 2009 (Tuesday, Friday)
In the month of May, I decided to take the official courses of Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London! I took 2 courses:
- One day Foundation Courses (Level I) on 5.5.09 (9:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.) [official price £140]
- 3 full-day Intermediate Courses (Level II) on 3 consecutive Fridays (9p.m.-4:30p.m.) [official price £335]
WSET Level 1 Foundation
The Level 1 Programme provides a basic introduction to the main styles of wines, including the technique of tasting wine and the characteristics of the common grape varieties used to produce wines. 
With my passion in wine, I have taken lots of wine tasting courses in the past – both in U.K. or H.K. But I find the WSET courses in London are very systematic, with more than 20 different types of wine to taste in 1 course. In particular I like the food and wine matching workshop section very much. I am amazed to see the change of taste of the wine after eating different types of food!
The 1 day course ended by a multiple choice exam papaer of 30 questions.
Course Programme
- 9:15-9:30 Enrolment
- 9:30-9:35 Introduction to Course
- 9:35.-10:45 Introduction to Wine: Types and Styles
- 10:45-11:15 Wine Tasting -1
- 11:30-12:45 Customer Service & Professional Responsibility
- 13:30-14:15 Wine Tasting -2
- 14:15-15:15 Food and Wine Workshop
- 15:15-15:45 Food and WIne Activity
- 16:00-17:00 Examination
WSET Level II Intermediate Course
Digging into more details of wine & spirit, the intermediate course focuses on certain types of wine – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Grenache and Riesling, Fortified Wines, Spirits and Liqueurs. With tones of wine to taste in 1 session, I can build up a portfolio of tasting notes!
Course Programme
08/05/2009
- 8:30-9:00 Enrolment
- 9:00-11:00 Introduction to course, Tasting Technique, Storage and Service, Responsible Drinking & Food and Wine Matching
- 11:30-13:30 Factors Influencing the Style of Wine
- 14:30-16:30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
15/05/2009
- 9:00-11:00 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc
- 11:30-13:30 Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache and Riesling
- 14:40-16:30 Other European Grape Varieties (Italy, Spain and Portugal)
22/05/2009
- 9:00-11:00 Sweet and Sparkling Wines
- 11:30-13:30 Fortified Wines, Spirits and Liqueurs
- 15:15 -16:30 Examination
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Reference:
- Library / Resources – International Wine & Spirit Center
- The London Wine & Spirit School is located near London Bridge: wset@wsetglobal.com
- Student Services Contact for Level 1 Foundation
- Karen Newton – Bookings Administrator / knewton@wset.co.uk / 02070893829
- Short Courses: Level 1-3 (www.wsetglobal.com)
- Level 1 Foundation Certificate in Wines – Confidence for Frontline Stafff
- Level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Wines & Spirit – Looking Behind the Label
- Level 2 Professional Certificate in Spirits – Distillign Knowledge
- Level 3 Advanced Certificate in WInes & Spritis – Explorign the World of Wines & Spirits
