WSET wine course (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

This course is conducted by the certified WSET program. At the beginning of the course, you will go through the tasting technique (WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® SAT), combining wine and food, and serving and storing wine. The course continues with the cultivation and production of wine.

The course proceeds to the following themes: wine classifications and labels, key grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz), key wine countries, and sparkling and fortified wines.

At the end of the WSET wine course, you will be able to interpret the labels of the wines, give guidance on suitable choices when it comes to drinks and, above all, master professional tasting technique.

Objective

The aim of the course is to familiarize the student with different types of wines and their general uses.
After completing the course, the student:
• understand the basics of the wine world: types and styles of wine and the factors affecting them
• has adopted a method of systematic tasting and sensory evaluation and is able to use it as a tool for continuous product knowledge;
• understand the basics of storing wine and combining and serving wine and food

Content

During the course, students are studying according to the WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines course programme. The form of study is lectures that include tasting exercises.

The key content themes are:
• Systematic tasting of wines
• Impact of cultivation and production on the taste, style and quality of wine
• Quality labels for wine regions and labels
• Comparative examination of the main grape varieties and wine regions
• Different types of wines: red, white, rosé, sparkling wines, fortified wines
• Principles relating to the storage and serving of wine
• Basics of combining wine and food

Location and time

Lectures as contact teaching in C112 Wine Lab wine class

Materials

The course material package includes the WSET level 2 Award in Wines English textbook, study guide and assignments.

Teaching methods

Lectures (by WSET Level 2 Award in Wines ® Qualification structure)
Systematic tasting (WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® SAT)
Group discussions and peer learning
Exam

Exam schedules

The course includes a course credit exam, which date is announced when the course begins.

There is also a voluntary possibility to take international WSET level 2 Award in Wines certificate exam, which costs 40€ per student. The certificate exam is in English and it consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Certificate exams are ordered from London 2 weeks beforehand and the exam costs are paid to the Rajakatu main info office.

Upon successful completion of the WSET level 2 Award in Wines exam, a student will receive a WSET certificate and a pin. The minimum pass limit for the exam is 55% correct answers. A failed exam can be renewed on the day of the exam held in connection with the next course.

Student workload

3 credits:
30h lectures, sensory evaluation, course credit exam and voluntary certificate exam
51h self-study
Total 81 h of studying

Due to the intensity of the course, the student is recommended to study independently the theme indicated by the teacher before each lecture.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Applies the structure of professional tasting but not terminology. Identifies the wine terminology with little and names some of the factors affecting the quality of the wine. Identifies only part of the characteristics of wine regions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Applies the structure and terminology of professional tasting. Moderately identifies the wine terminology and factors affecting the quality of the wine. Able to name the characteristics of many wine regions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Applies the structure and terminology of professional tasting impeccably. Is able to combine wine terminology and factors that affect the quality of wine commendably. To recognize the characteristics of wine regions commendably.

Qualifications

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is for those with little or no knowledge of wines. It is a necessary background if you need a comprehensive and concise basic information pack on beverages and their backgrounds in your work.

Further information

0-5 scale evaluation (exam)