About the Course
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is a structured three day course that provides a deeper understanding of the world’s most important grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles.
This globally recognised qualification focuses on how grape varieties, climate, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques influence the style and quality of wines.
Across three Tuesdays you will taste 35+ wines while building the knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand wine with confidence.
By the end of the course you will be able to interpret wine labels, describe wine styles, and make informed wine selections.
What’s Included
Your course fee includes
- 35+ wine samples
- Official WSET Level 2 textbook and workbook
- Over 18 hours of guided tuition with wine educator Sophia Luckett
- WSET Level 2 examination
- Internationally recognised WSET certificate and lapel pin upon passing
Why Choose This Course
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or work in hospitality, this course will transform your understanding of wine.
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Understand wine: Look at any bottle and instantly know the style of wine inside.
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Talk wine confidently: Use the right vocabulary to describe wine and its flavors.
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Learn about grape growing and winemaking: Dive into how grape growing, soil, and climate influence the wines you drink. Explore the winemaking process and the techniques that shape each bottle, from vineyard to glass.
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Explore key grape varieties & wine regions: Gain knowledge about the world’s most important grape varieties and the regions they thrive in.
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Pair wine & food like a pro: Become a true foodie, matching wines with the perfect dish.
What is WSET
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading provider of wine education with qualifications recognised internationally across the wine and hospitality industries.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is one of the most respected wine qualifications globally.
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
Proudly Hosted with Ake & Humphris
This course is delivered in collaboration with Ake & Humphris, one of Harrogate’s most respected independent wine merchants.
The classes take place in their beautiful new wine shop and bar on Oxford Street in central Harrogate, providing an inspiring setting to learn about wine.
During the course we will showcase a range of fantastic wines from the Ake & Humphris shelves, giving you the opportunity to taste quality wines selected by experienced local merchants.
Who Is This Course For
This course is ideal for
- Wine lovers who want to deepen their knowledge
- Hospitality professionals working in restaurants, bars, hotels, or wine retail
- Anyone interested in learning about grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles
- Beginners and intermediate wine enthusiasts looking to build confidence and knowledge
- WSET Level 1 is helpful but not required.
Course Structure
The course takes place across three Tuesdays and attendance is required for each session.
The examination takes place at the end of the third Tuesday.
Students are encouraged to read the relevant chapters ahead of each class to help prepare for the sessions.
In addition to classroom learning, a minimum of 12 hours of private study is recommended.
What Will I Learn
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How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
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How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking, and maturation influence wine styles from 8 principal grape varieties:
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Chardonnay
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Pinot Grigio/Gris
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Sauvignon Blanc
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Riesling
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Cabernet Sauvignon
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Merlot
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Pinot Noir
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Syrah/Shiraz
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The style and quality of wines made from 22 regionally important grape varieties (e.g., Nebbiolo, Malbec, and Viognier)
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Wines produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) worldwide
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The influence of grape varieties and winemaking processes on sparkling and fortified wines
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Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style, and quality
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Principles of wine storage, service, and food pairing
View the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Specification here
Exam Information
The Level 2 Award in Wines examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes.
Successful candidates will receive the internationally recognised WSET Level 2 Award in Wines qualification.
How Do I Prepare?
This qualification combines guided learning and private study. You’ll need a minimum of 12 hours of private study in addition to the 16 hours of guided learning.
Study materials: The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines study pack will be sent to you approximately two weeks before the course start date. For bookings made closer to the course date, materials will be dispatched as soon as possible.
On Successful Completion
After completing the course you will be able to
- Taste and describe wines with confidence
- Understand the key grape varieties and the regions where they are grown
- Interpret wine labels and recognise wine styles
- Store, serve, and pair wine with food effectively
Recent Review
"I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who is interested in wine and wants to learn more. I would particularly recommend doing it with
Sophia as she is such an engaging speaker and fantastic teacher that she really brings the content to life. I learnt so much about wine. It was fun, interesting, interactive and really accessible."
Samantha Welsh
WSET Level 2 student with The Drink Talking
About Your Educator
The course is taught by Sophia Luckett, founder of The Drink Talking.
Sophia delivers the WSET curriculum in a lively and engaging way, combining expert tuition with interactive tasting exercises, revision games, and group activities to help bring wine education to life.
Her goal is to make wine learning accessible, enjoyable, and a good time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior knowledge
No prior knowledge is required. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some existing wine knowledge. WSET Level 1 is not necessary.
What language is the course delivered in
The course is delivered in English so a good level of English is beneficial.
Questions
If you have any questions please email
sophia@the-drink-talking.com
