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Understand the major grape varieties and wine regions, so a wine label gives you useful clues about what to expect.
- SommWine's Ultimate Guide to WSET Level 1 is only $25
WSET LEVEL 2 AWARD IN WINES
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines — online
Go beyond knowing what you like. Understand why wines taste the way they do — and build confidence choosing, tasting and talking about wine.
$699 CAD · Five weeks online
Educator support · Live webinars · SommWine Ultimate Guide included
View course dates & enrolYou do not need Level 1 before taking Level 2.
MAKE WINE MAKE SENSE
Move from recognising a flavour to understanding the wine.
Learn to connect grape variety, climate, grape growing and winemaking with the style in your glass. You will have a clearer way to read wine labels, compare wines and make food-pairing and service decisions.
Taste with purpose
Use systematic tasting to describe aroma, flavour and structure — and connect those observations with how a wine was made.
Recommend with confidence
Bring practical wine knowledge to meals, conversations and hospitality service.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
Ready for structured wine knowledge?
Level 2 is for curious wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, people building a wine career and Level 1 graduates who want to go further.
You do not need Level 1 first.
You can start at Level 2 without previous wine qualifications. Bring curiosity and time to study; the course gives you a structured foundation.
Prefer a gentler introduction? Explore WSET Level 1 online →
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A useful framework for understanding wines of the world.
Grapes & regions
Explore 22 key grape varieties and 70 benchmark European wines, alongside important wine styles from around the world.
Climate & grape growing
Understand how the growing environment and vineyard choices influence a wine’s style.
Winemaking & ageing
Connect white, rosé and red winemaking with the aromas, flavours and styles you taste.
Tasting & evaluation
Build a consistent approach to observing and describing wine.
Food pairing & service
Learn the foundations of food and wine pairing, appropriate glassware and serving temperatures.
Labels & wine styles
Use grape varieties, regions and production methods to make better sense of a bottle.
HOW THE FIVE WEEKS WORK
Flexible study, with a clear path and support.
Study in WSET’s online classroom, Canvas. Work through the course over five weeks, at times that fit your schedule, while keeping pace with the course activities.
01 — Study
Read the ebook and work through the online activities. Your classroom orientation introduces the platform on the first day.
02 — Taste & submit
Taste recommended wines and submit tasting notes for educator feedback. You can also learn from classmates’ notes.
03 — Ask & connect
Use Discussions or Chat for questions. Educator announcements highlight key themes, resources and feedback, usually three times per week.
04 — Join live webinars
Meet your educator and classmates in 1–2 live webinars. Sessions are scheduled at the start of the course and recorded if you cannot attend.
Plan for about 30 hours of online reading and tasting assignments over five weeks, plus 11–16 hours for revision and Ultimate Guide exercises.
Choose your Level 2 course date
THE SOMMWINE DIFFERENCE
Learn the why, with Joanne’s support.
Joanne is a WSET Diploma graduate, certified WSET wine educator and sommelier, with more than 15 years’ experience in wine and hospitality. She has taught WSET in Whistler since 2018, in person and online.
SommWine brings practical wine education and additional study support to your course. Joanne created the Ultimate Guide to help students connect the ideas, revise efficiently and prepare for the exam.
Your online educator supports the five-week course. After it ends, Joanne remains available for questions about your exam and next steps.
INCLUDED WITH YOUR COURSE
Your Ultimate Guide. Your study companion.
SommWine’s Ultimate Guide to WSET Level 2 in Wines is included with your registration — additional support alongside your official WSET materials.
Practice questions
Over 750 questions, flashcards and quizzes to test your recall and spot topics to revisit.
Videos & mind maps
See ideas explained and reorganise grapes, regions and styles into connections you can remember.
Exam preparation
Use revision and practice questions to prepare with purpose, without replacing the official course materials.
Study on the go
Mobile-friendly access lets you revisit the material on your phone or computer.
CONNECT THE THEORY WITH THE GLASS
Tasting is where the ideas start to connect.
Compare wines and practise describing what you notice. Submit tasting notes in Canvas for educator feedback; these assignments support your learning and do not count towards your final grade.
You buy your own tasting wines. SommWine provides a recommended list after enrolment, and Joanne can suggest suitable alternatives. You do not need to buy every bottle on the list.
EXAM & CERTIFICATION
A clear assessment. A recognised qualification.
50 multiple-choice questions
A one-hour, closed-book theory examination.
55% to pass
Pass: 55–69%. Pass with Merit: 70–84%. Pass with Distinction: 85% or above.
WSET digital certificate
Successful candidates receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines certificate.
Arrange your exam with Joanne when you are ready. You have up to one year after course completion to schedule it; give at least 12 days’ notice.
For the online exam, you need a reliable internet connection and two devices, such as a laptop and smartphone. WSET supplies a systems check before exam day.
Your questions, answered.
Do I need Level 1 before Level 2?
No. Level 1 is not a prerequisite. You can start at Level 2 without a previous wine qualification. If you would prefer a gentler introduction, the Level 1 online course is an alternative.
What is included in the $699 CAD course fee?
The five-week online course, course materials and exam are included, along with educator support, live webinars and SommWine’s Ultimate Guide. You receive an ebook code for Wines: Looking Behind the Label within a week after registration. Tasting wines are purchased separately.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about 30 hours for online reading and tasting assignments over five weeks, plus 11–16 hours for revision and Ultimate Guide activities.
Do I have to study at a fixed time?
You can complete assignments at times that suit you. Keep pace with the course to get the most from educator and class interaction. Live webinar times are arranged at the start, and recordings are available.
What happens after the five weeks?
You retain access to the online classroom for one year after the course. The online educator’s support ends with the five-week course; Joanne remains available for questions about your exam and next steps.
How do I enrol?
Choose an available course date on the existing registration page and pay. Complete the registration form sent by email. You then receive Ultimate Guide access, recommended tasting wines and an ebook code; WSET invites you to Canvas. Payment is due at least 10 days before the start date.
Do I need to buy tasting wines?
Yes, you source your own wines from the recommended list. You do not need to buy every bottle. Joanne can help you find alternatives, and restaurant by-the-glass options can make comparisons more affordable. Tasting notes are learning assignments, not part of your final grade.
Which wines are recommended?
Recommended wines include aromatic Gewürztraminer; light-intensity Pinot Grigio; Beaujolais or Pinot Noir; a sweet wine such as Sauternes or Tokaji; oaked and unoaked Chardonnay, Sémillon or Chenin Blanc; dry Australian and off-dry or medium-sweet German Riesling; a high-tannin red such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti Classico Riserva; a lower-tannin red such as Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône; traditional-method and tank-method sparkling wines; Fino or Oloroso Sherry; and LBV or Tawny Port. Your enrolment information supplies the recommended list and comparisons.
How much should I budget for wine?
Budget approximately $250 if you buy the whole recommended selection, with spending varying widely according to the wines and quantities you choose. You do not have to buy every bottle; ask Joanne for suitable alternatives.
When and how do I take the exam?
Schedule it with Joanne when you are ready, within one year after course completion. At least 12 days’ notice is required. The exam is one hour with 50 multiple-choice questions, and the passing mark is 55%.
What equipment do I need for the online exam?
A reliable internet connection and two devices, such as a laptop and smartphone. Complete WSET’s systems check before the exam. SommWine recommends taking the exam at home or another reliable location, avoiding heavy streaming on the same connection, and does not currently recommend Starlink for online exams.
What if I have questions before enrolling?
Email Joanne at joanne@sommwine.com to discuss your starting point, the course or your exam arrangements.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Confidence that carries beyond the course.
Sam Knox
“Joanne is amazing! She overprepared us for our exam. The online practice quizzes were so helpful for studying.”
F&B Manager, Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler
Laura Coclough
“I'd highly reccommend Joanne! Incredibly knowledgable, engaging and very passionate which made it super fun. Also, she absolutely wants you to succeed!”
Server, Wild Blue Restaurant, Whistler
Kim Jones
“I have more confidence in my workplace and enjoy drinking wine even more now!”
Bartender, The Bearfoot Bistro
Ready to understand wine more deeply?
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
$699 CAD · Five weeks online · Ultimate Guide included
No Level 1 prerequisite. Educator support and live webinars help you connect the theory with your own tasting experience.
View course dates & enrol
