Wine basics & styles
Discover the main types and styles of wine and the key stages of grape growing and winemaking.
Eleanor Wine Academy · Amsterdam
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines – Amsterdam
Start your wine journey with a beginner-friendly, internationally recognised WSET qualification, taught in English in Amsterdam.
2 weekday evenings
Course & exam in English
Amsterdam
€320,00
Learn the essentials of wine in a clear, practical way: key grape varieties and wine styles, systematic tasting, food and wine pairing, and professional wine storage and service.
Certified educators
Learn with experienced wine professionals
Study materials included
WSET study pack and structured preparation
Exam included
30 multiple-choice questions
International qualification
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Before you enrol
WSET Level 1 or Level 2 — which course is right for you?
Both WSET Level 1 and Level 2 can be suitable for beginners. Level 1 is the shorter, introductory route; Level 2 goes into significantly more depth on grape varieties, regions, wine styles and the factors that influence quality.
WSET Level 1
A short introduction to wine
Choose Level 1 if you are new to wine and want an accessible introduction to wine styles, principal grape varieties, tasting, food pairing, storage and service.
WSET Level 2
Ready to go deeper?
Choose Level 2 if you want broader knowledge of major grape varieties, important wine regions, winemaking and the factors that influence wine style and quality.
You do not need to complete WSET Level 1 before enrolling in Level 2, but Level 1 is an excellent starting point if you want to build confidence first.
Course content
What you'll learn in WSET Level 1
Build a practical foundation in wine and learn how to taste, describe, store, serve and pair wine with confidence.
Principal grape varieties
Learn the key characteristics of important grapes such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Systematic wine tasting
Learn to describe wines using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®.
Service & food pairing
Understand wine storage and service and learn the key principles of food and wine pairing.
2-class programme
A practical introduction to wine over two evenings
Class 1
An introduction to wine: grape growing, winemaking, the main types and styles of wine, principal grape varieties and guided tasting using the WSET Level 1 SAT.
Class 2
Explore important wine examples and styles, wine storage and service, food and wine pairing, followed by revision and a mock exam to prepare for the final assessment.
Course fee
What's included
- 2 weekday evening classes
- Official WSET Level 1 study materials
- Guided tasting of 10 wines
- Mock exam preparation
- WSET Level 1 examination
- Official WSET digital certificate and badge after successful completion
Qualification
The WSET Level 1 exam
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book multiple-choice examination. There is no practical tasting assessment in the final exam.
Total exam duration
45 minutes
One closed-book theory examination
Format
30 questions
Multiple-choice examination
Minimum pass mark
70%
A minimum of 21 correct answers out of 30 is required to pass
Official course specification
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification
Review the official WSET specification for full details of the learning outcomes, syllabus and assessment requirements.
Questions
WSET Level 1 Amsterdam FAQs
Do I need any wine experience before WSET Level 1?
No. There are no prior knowledge requirements. WSET Level 1 is designed for people who are new to wine as well as hospitality and retail professionals who want a structured introduction.
Is the course taught in English?
Yes. The WSET Level 1 course in Amsterdam is taught in English and the examination is also taken in English.
How long is the course?
The programme consists of two weekday evening classes, each approximately 2.5 hours, followed by a separate 45-minute WSET Level 1 examination.
Will I taste wine during the course?
Yes. Guided tastings are part of the course and your fee includes tasting 10 different wines selected to support the Level 1 learning outcomes.
What does the WSET Level 1 exam involve?
The final assessment is a 45-minute closed-book examination with 30 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
What is included in the course fee?
Your course fee includes tuition, official WSET Level 1 study materials, guided wine tastings, mock exam preparation, the examination and digital certification after successful completion.
Where is the course held?
Classes are held at Eleanor Wine Academy, Prinsengracht 754, 1017 LD Amsterdam.
Is there a minimum number of participants?
Eleanor Wine Academy requires a minimum of 4 participants to run the course. If an intake does not reach the minimum, we will contact enrolled students about the available options.
More questions? View our general WSET course FAQs →
Start your wine journey
Ready for WSET Level 1 in Amsterdam?
Choose your preferred course date above and reserve your place at Eleanor Wine Academy.
View course dates & enrol