Wine style & production
Discover the key factors that influence wine style and explore the fundamentals of viticulture and winemaking.
Eleanor Wine Academy · Amsterdam
Build a strong foundation in wine with an internationally recognised WSET qualification, taught in English in Amsterdam.
Develop a broad understanding of the world's principal and regionally important grape varieties, the styles of wine they produce and the factors that influence wine style and quality.
Before you enrol
Both WSET Level 1 and Level 2 are suitable for beginners. The right choice depends on how much depth you want and how much time you want to invest.
WSET Level 1
Choose Level 1 if you are completely new to wine and want a simple, accessible introduction to the main wine styles, basic food and wine pairing, and the fundamentals of tasting wine.
WSET Level 2
Choose Level 2 if you want to understand the major grape varieties, important wine regions, how climate and winemaking influence style and quality, and how to describe wines systematically.
You do not need to complete WSET Level 1 before enrolling in WSET Level 2.
Course content
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines gives you a structured understanding of the world's major grape varieties, wine styles and regions, while developing practical tasting and service skills.
Discover the key factors that influence wine style and explore the fundamentals of viticulture and winemaking.
Taste and understand the principal grape varieties and the important wine regions where they are grown.
Learn to describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®.
Learn the principles of wine storage, service and food and wine pairing.
6-class programme
Introduction to wine tasting using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. We also cover food and wine pairing, wine service and key labelling terms.
A deep dive into winemaking for red, white and rosé wines, with grape focus including Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Riesling.
White grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and other important international and regional varieties.
Black grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache and more.
Regional and lesser-known grapes including Tempranillo, Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage and key Italian varieties.
Sparkling and fortified wines, followed by a mock exam to help you prepare confidently for the final WSET assessment.
Course fee
Qualification
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is assessed by a closed-book theory examination. There is no practical tasting assessment in the final exam.
One closed-book theory examination
Multiple-choice examination
Pass: 55–69%
Pass with Merit: 70–84%
Pass with Distinction: 85%+
Official course specification
Review the official WSET specification for full details of the learning outcomes, syllabus and assessment requirements.
Questions
No. WSET Level 2 is suitable for people with little or no prior wine knowledge, so you can enrol directly without completing Level 1 first.
Yes. The WSET Level 2 course in Amsterdam is taught in English and the examination is also taken in English.
The programme consists of 6 weekday evening classes followed by the WSET Level 2 examination.
The final assessment is a 60-minute closed-book examination with 50 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 55% is required to pass.
Your course fee includes tuition, WSET Level 2 study materials, guided wine tastings, mock exam preparation, the examination and certification after successful completion.
Classes are held at Eleanor Wine Academy in central Amsterdam.
More questions? View our general WSET course FAQs →
Build your wine knowledge
Choose your preferred course date above and reserve your place at Eleanor Wine Academy.
View course dates & enrol