Do you ever find that in your personal or professional life you lack the skills and knowledge to choose, serve and talk about wines with confidence? Whether for your work or personal development, this course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to feel comfortable choosing, serving, and communicating about all types of wine.
Who is it for?
anyone who wants to work with wine - wine sellers, restauranters and waiters, vineyard guides, and more.
any enthusiast who wants to have more confidence around wine, whether within a business environment or social group.
Read more
Do you ever find that in your personal or professional life you lack the skills and knowledge to choose, serve and talk about wines with confidence? Whether for your work or personal development, this course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to feel comfortable choosing, serving, and communicating about all types of wine.
Who is it for?
anyone who wants to work with wine - wine sellers, restauranters and waiters, vineyard guides, and more.
any enthusiast who wants to have more confidence around wine, whether within a business environment or social group.
Do you ever find that in your personal or professional life you lack the skills and knowledge to choose, serve and talk about wines with confidence? Whether for your work or personal development, this course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to feel comfortable choosing, serving, and communicating about all types of wine.
Who is it for?
anyone who wants to work with wine - wine sellers, restauranters and waiters, vineyard guides, and more.
any enthusiast who wants to have more confidence around wine, whether within a business environment or social group.
This course is based on the WSET Wine Level 2 syllabus, and thus is a beginner- to intermediate-level course suitable for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts. Although not an official preparation course, anyone approaching this examination would find this course useful.
While our companion course "Wine in 9" provides a framework for understanding different types of wine, this course looks at the wider world of wine, giving an overview of major wine regions and varieties. We'll also cover technical aspects of wine pricing, storing and serving. As a taster, the course contains 4 videos taken from our companion "Wine in 9" course, while the remaining 95% of this course material is completely new and unique. This course is the perfect partner to "Wine in 9".
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The ability to connect grapegrowing and winemaking processes to the effects on the wine in the glass.
- The skills needed to taste wine in order to maximise your enjoyment and to objectively assess the wine's quality
- The confidence to choose the best examples of a particular variety from a range of specialised regions from around the world.
- The ability to choose the best wines of a country and of a type for yourself, your friends and for your wine business.
- The skills needed to serve wine to others, both at home and in the workplace.
- The knowledge and confidence to build your wine collection and to store it effectively.
- The confidence to take the wine & spirit education trust (w.s.e.t.) level 2 wine certificate
- The ability to connect grapegrowing and winemaking processes to the effects on the wine in the glass.
- The skills needed to taste wine in order to maximise your enjoyment and to objectively assess the wine's quality
- The confidence to choose the best examples of a particular variety from a range of specialised regions from around the world.
- The ability to choose the best wines of a country and of a type for yourself, your friends and for your wine business.
- The skills needed to serve wine to others, both at home and in the workplace.
- The knowledge and confidence to build your wine collection and to store it effectively.
- The confidence to take the wine & spirit education trust (w.s.e.t.) level 2 wine certificate
Syllabus
Know the outline of the course and which extra resources are available to them to maximise their learning potential.
Welcome to the wonderful world of wine. Please join me as we broaden our wine horizons and as we deepen our appreciation for wine in its infinite variety.
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Syllabus
Welcome to the wonderful world of wine. Please join me as we broaden our wine horizons and as we deepen our appreciation for wine in its infinite variety.
Learn how to access the extra resources and content provided in this course by watching this video. The complete wine list that is mentioned in this video is attached as a PDF to this lecture.
What do Chihuahua's and Great Danes have to do with grape varieties? Find out by watching this video!
Before we can talk about how grapes are grown, it is instructive to think about where grapes are grown.
For extra content, see what factors make the La Poja vineyard of Valpolicella so special by clicking on the 'Resources' button and then the video link.
What is vine balance and how does that impact wine quality? Watch this video to find out.
For a look at the vineyard itself to see how different varieties grow, click on the 'Resources' button and then follow the link to the video.
Timing is everything. Such a phrase readily applies to the question: What makes a good vintage? Learn why one year can be better or worse than another year in this video!
A few words can be all you need to start speaking a new language. Learn the language of wine with this video!
Perfectly ripe, hand-harvested white grapes have been picked. Now what? Watch this video to learn the winemaking process for white wines from grapes to glass.
To learn how Fred Loimer makes his famous Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners in Kamptal, Austria, click on the resources button and follow the link to the video.
Watch this video to follow the process of red winemaking from grapes to glass.
Click on the resources button to learn how the Runcot Barolo Riserva is made at the Elio Grasso winery in Barolo, Piedmont.
Multiple Choice
See, Swirl, Sniff........and then? What are the steps to tasting wine like a professional? Watch here to find out. This is a sample video from our companion course "Wine in 9."
Why is 'lemon' a better tasting term than 'straw'? Find out in this video and learn the language to describe what we 'see' in a wine.
What are primary, secondary and tertiary aromas and how do they help us understand where aromas come from? This bonus video helps us link what happens in the vineyard and winery to what we detect in our glasses of wine. This is a sample video from our companion course "Wine in 9."
It's the nose that knows. Describing what is 'on the nose' of a wine is the focus of this video. Let's see how many aromas you can detect from the wine's bouquet.
After sipping, slurping and swallowing, we have summarizing. What is this wine about? What am I detecting on my palate. Learn here some of the most common ways to describe what is happening 'on your palate'.
This sample video from our companion "Wine in 9 - the Complete Wine Tasting Course" shows you how it is possible to train your palate to recognize aromas and flavours - plus it's fun!
Where do wine aromas come from? How do you taste wine like a professional? How should you describe wine? This section will answer these questions and more.
These great shortcut reveals the world of wine through the varieties that act as the national ambassador for the country.
From the Mosel to Marlborough, Riesling spans the globe, yet it has very specific locations in which it shines most brightly. Learn more in the video and please see the pdf to learn more about the particular Riesling (as part of the producer's catalogue) presented in this video as an example.
Go to the external resources to see videos where Ernst Loosen of Dr. Loosen winery is interviewed. See what Ernst say about the Mosel's microclimate and how to pair Riesling with food.
From the minerally-driven wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume in the Loire Valley to the pungently fresh gooseberry and passionfruit-filled wines of Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc spans a wide range of styles. Learn more in this video, and to read more about the particular Sauvignon Blanc seen here, please go to the pdf attached to the Riesling video for the producer's catalogue.
Ignore the ABC's of wine (Anything but Chardonnay / Anthing but Cabernet Sauvignon). Chardonnay continues to delight the world of wine lovers with its versatility and range of styles and types. Learn more in this video and to read more about the particular wine being presented here, go to the Riesling video and download the producer's catalogue.
There exists an extremely passionate and obsessed sub-group of wine lovers known as Pinot-philes, lovers of the grape variety: Pinot Noir. Learn what makes this particular grape variety so beguiling and so seductive to so many people. Read an interview with a well-known biodynamic Czech producer of Pinot Noir by clicking on the pdf attached.
For extracts of an interview with the late Sylvain Pitiot of the Clos de Tart winery in Morey St-Denis, Burgundy, please go to the external resources found when clicking the 'RESOURCES' button.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can make outstanding wines by themselves, but when blended together, they make some of the finest and most consistent wines in the world, depending on where the vineyards are situated, of course. This Bordeaux or Meritage blend has travelled the world. Watch to find out where to go around the globe for the best examples.
We also have for you an interview with Pierre Lurton of Chateau Cheval Blanc from St Emilion in Bordeaux. Watch the video to find out how he makes this world-famous First Growth wine from Bordeaux's Right Bank. You can find the link by clicking on the 'Resources' button.
Finally, there is a pdf guide to buying the wines of Bordeaux according to their classification and value-for-money.
From Chateauneuf du Pape to the Rhone Rangers of California, the G.S.M. blend (Grenache, Syrah or Shiraz, Mourvedre) has taken the world by storm. See where these grape varieties thrive.
Quiz 3 - Section 4
What is an appellation? Why do I need to memorize so many of them? How does this knowledge help me choose better wine? Watch here to find out.
Italy has hundreds of indigenous varieties which makes it one of the most diverse wine-producing countries in the world. Learn about the wonderful variety of wines produced there by watching this video. You will also learn the hack known as the ABC's of Italian red wine. A useful mnemonic for remembering the most famous red wines of Italy.
For extra content, click on the 'Resources' link to find interviews with some famous Italian wine producers, such as Vie di Romans from Friuli, in the Veneto region and Elio Grasso from Barolo in Piedmont.
Portugal is perhaps second only to Italy in the number of indigenous varieties that it can lay claim to. What are they and where are the best examples from? Watch to find out more.
Riesling is Germany's national wine ambassador, but what else does it offer? Find out in this video!
This land of the long white cloud makes arguably one of the most popular white wines in the world: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. But what else does it have to offer? Watch this video to find out!
The land where every region makes outstanding Shiraz. But wait, there's more! Find out which places to go to for some of the longest-lived white wines on the planet made from Riesling and Semillon. Which is the best state for sparkling wines? Which regions grow the best Pinot Noir. Find out all the answers to these questions and more by watching the video!
Is there wine beyond the California state limits? Of course there is. Watch this video to find out which wines do well in which states.
Quiz 4 - Section 5
What makes orange wines orange and rose wines pink? Watch this video to find out!
Quiz 5 - Section 6
What is the difference between the label terms: 'Bottle-fermented' and 'Fermented in this Bottle'. The answer reveals a fascinating difference between the 2 best ways of making high quality sparkling wine.
Do you want to learn how Louis Roederer's Cristal Champagne is made? Then click on the 'Resources' button for the link to the video. There, Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, the Chief Winemaker, explains how this iconic wine is made.
How is Prosecco made and what makes it so attractively fizzy? Watch this video to find out!
What term should you know that will let you buy top quality sparkling wine from France at a fraction of the price of Champagne, and yet uses exactly the same high-quality method? Watch this video to find out.
Quiz 6 - Section 7
Madeira comes in a range of ages and sweetness levels. There is also the tendency to use specific varieties for making wines with particular levels of sweetness. Learn more in the video and don't forget to download the technical sheets attached to learn more about the wines being presented.
Which Ports should you drink as soon as you buy them and which need time, sometimes even decades before they are ready to drink. Watch this video to find out.
Quiz 7 - Section 8
In this video, learn which particular varieties consistently benefit from decanting.
Quiz 8, Section 9
How to make your cheapest and second-cheapest wines on your wine list some of the most interesting wines in your portfolio. Find out by watching this video.
What are the 10% or 1% wines and why should you stock them? Learn more here to see how you can be prepared for those special occasions as well as diners with food allergies and those who are vegans or vegetarians.
This is a sample video from our companion course "Wine in 9." Please check out the resources for the pdf which helps you and your guests do your own food and wine interactions workshop/activity.
Which document contains a brief history of the winery, a background of its vineyards, a summary of the winemaking processes, a description of the taste, food pairing recommendations and a host of other information? The wine technical sheet, of course. Learn here how you can make use of this versatile document.
What are the tips and tricks to wine storage, especially in a restaurant setting? Watch this video to find out.
What's next. Find out from this video how to extend your current knowledge and experience by taking advantage of the host of learning opportunities out there. Congratulations, this is the last video of this course. Don't forget to make good use of all the resources available to completely embed all of this information into your long-term memory. I wish you a long and satisfying wine journey from here on out!
Save this course
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive introduction to wine
Course modules are well-organized and easy to follow.
Offers useful tips for real-world wine situations.
Covers many key aspects from grape growing to serving.
Instructor explains complex topics in an understandable way.
Provides a strong foundation for the WSET Level 2 exam.
Activities
Review Wine Regions and Appellations
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of key wine regions and appellations before diving into the course. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the nuances of different wines.
Show steps
-
Identify major wine-producing countries and their signature regions.
-
Create flashcards for key appellations and their associated grape varieties.
-
Locate the regions on a map.
Read 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to wine. This book will help you visualize and understand key concepts covered in the course.
View
Wine Folly: Magnum Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters related to the current week's topics.
-
Take notes on key grape varieties and regions.
-
Try the suggested wine pairings.
Blind Tasting Practice
Show steps
Sharpen your tasting skills through regular blind tasting exercises. This will help you develop your palate and objectively assess wine quality.
Show steps
-
Gather a selection of different wines.
-
Cover the labels and have someone pour the wines for you.
-
Use the systematic approach to tasting to analyze each wine.
-
Compare your notes with the actual wine characteristics.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Wine Region Profile
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific wine region by creating a profile. This will help you connect grapegrowing and winemaking processes to the final product.
Show steps
-
Choose a wine region of interest.
-
Research the region's climate, soil, and grape varieties.
-
Write a profile summarizing the region's history, winemaking practices, and signature wines.
-
Include photos or maps to illustrate your profile.
Explore 'The World Atlas of Wine'
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of wine regions with a detailed atlas. This book will provide you with a visual and informative overview of the world's wine-producing areas.
View
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Browse the atlas to explore different wine regions.
-
Focus on regions covered in the course.
-
Study the maps and read the descriptions of each region.
Build a Wine Collection
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by starting your own wine collection. This will give you practical experience in choosing, storing, and serving wine.
Show steps
-
Set a budget for your wine collection.
-
Research different wine styles and regions.
-
Purchase a selection of wines that you enjoy and that represent different styles.
-
Store your wines properly.
-
Track your wines and tasting notes.
Volunteer at a Local Winery or Wine Shop
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at a local winery or wine shop. This will allow you to learn about the wine industry firsthand and practice your wine knowledge.
Show steps
-
Contact local wineries or wine shops to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Assist with tasks such as bottling, labeling, or stocking shelves.
-
Ask questions and learn from experienced professionals.
Review Wine Regions and Appellations
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of key wine regions and appellations before diving into the course. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the nuances of different wines.
Show steps
- Identify major wine-producing countries and their signature regions.
- Create flashcards for key appellations and their associated grape varieties.
- Locate the regions on a map.
Read 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to wine. This book will help you visualize and understand key concepts covered in the course.
View
Wine Folly: Magnum Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read chapters related to the current week's topics.
- Take notes on key grape varieties and regions.
- Try the suggested wine pairings.
Blind Tasting Practice
Show steps
Sharpen your tasting skills through regular blind tasting exercises. This will help you develop your palate and objectively assess wine quality.
Show steps
- Gather a selection of different wines.
- Cover the labels and have someone pour the wines for you.
- Use the systematic approach to tasting to analyze each wine.
- Compare your notes with the actual wine characteristics.
Wine Region Profile
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific wine region by creating a profile. This will help you connect grapegrowing and winemaking processes to the final product.
Show steps
- Choose a wine region of interest.
- Research the region's climate, soil, and grape varieties.
- Write a profile summarizing the region's history, winemaking practices, and signature wines.
- Include photos or maps to illustrate your profile.
Explore 'The World Atlas of Wine'
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of wine regions with a detailed atlas. This book will provide you with a visual and informative overview of the world's wine-producing areas.
View
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026
on Amazon
Show steps
- Browse the atlas to explore different wine regions.
- Focus on regions covered in the course.
- Study the maps and read the descriptions of each region.
Build a Wine Collection
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by starting your own wine collection. This will give you practical experience in choosing, storing, and serving wine.
Show steps
- Set a budget for your wine collection.
- Research different wine styles and regions.
- Purchase a selection of wines that you enjoy and that represent different styles.
- Store your wines properly.
- Track your wines and tasting notes.
Volunteer at a Local Winery or Wine Shop
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at a local winery or wine shop. This will allow you to learn about the wine industry firsthand and practice your wine knowledge.
Show steps
- Contact local wineries or wine shops to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Assist with tasks such as bottling, labeling, or stocking shelves.
- Ask questions and learn from experienced professionals.
Career center
Sommelier
Wine Buyer
Restaurant Manager
Wine Educator
Food and Beverage Director
Wine Sales Representative
Catering Manager
Vineyard Tour Guide
Wine Importer
Wine Journalist
Event Planner
Retail Sales Associate
Bartender
Travel Agent
Personal Chef
Reading list
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