Level 1 Award in Wine
If you’re just beginning to explore the world of wine, start here. We offer:
Expert-led instruction
Small classes
Proven 90%+ pass rate
In-person and online classes
Course Overview
You’ll discover the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste. You’ll learn the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and how to pair food with wine. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. This course provides a solid foundation for moving onto Level 2.
This qualification requires a minimum of six hours of study time.
Schedules & Formats
In-person classes meet from 10- 4PM on Saturdays
Online classes are self paced.📍 Location: Fitler Club, 24 S 24th St, Philadelphia PA
📍 Location: Delaware County Community College, Southeast Ctr
📍 Location: Drexel University, Goodwin Campus
📍 Location: JMU Washington Center, Washington DC
📍 Location: JMU Ice House
📍 Location: Northampton County College📅 Upcoming session start dates: See 2026 - 2027 schedule
📍 This qualification has a minimum requirement of 6 hours of study time:
5 hours of delivery time with a WSET course provider (classroom or online)
A 45-minute examination
What you'll learn
The main types and styles of wine
Common wine grapes and their characteristics
How to store and serve wine
Principles of food and wine pairing
How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
Online Classroom course details
✔ Official WSET study materials included
✔ Exam included
✔ Registration and administration fees included
✔ Support from the PhillyWine team throughout your studies
Duration: Four weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule
Private study: At least three hours a week
Tasting Kit:Optional. WSET-approved tasting kit from E-Tasting can be included as part of your class. Simply add the kit to your order when you check out. The kit includes 10 50ml samples.
Also includes: Access to WSET's Online Classroom for one year, a dedicated online tutor, ebook, and your exam
Features: Revision videos, flash cards and exam tips
Technology: WSET recommends that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To take your exam online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet
Exam details
The exam is made of up 30 multiple-choice questions.
PhillyWine reserves the right to refuse to administer exams to in-person and online students who do not meet minimum grade, participation, or attendance requirements.
Exams must be taken within one year of completion of the course. If the exam is not completed in that timeline, students must resit the class (at a reduced price) or take a qualifying exam.
If a student signs up late (pass the published deadline) or ‘no-shows’ for an exam, PhillyWine reserves the right to charge additional late/no show fees as set forth by WSET.
Requirements
You must be 21 or older to sign up.
Cancellation / Refunds
No refunds are given for Level 1 cancellations with less than 15 days’ notice. Please contact PhillyWine for the option of applying tuition toward a future class. Tuition includes a non-refundable $100 deposit. If PhillyWine cancels the class, you will be given the option for a full refund or reschedule date.
Level 1 2026-2027
UPCOMING
In-Person Class - Drexel University
August 29
10AM-4PM
Drexel Goodwin
➡️ Sign up by August 14 (link to Drexel signup)
Price: $400
In-Person Class - Northampton Community College
October 5
10AM-4PM
Fowler Center
➡️ Sign up by September 18 (link to NCC signup)
October 10
10AM-4PM
Fowler Center
➡️ Sign up by September 25 (link to NCC signup)
In-Person Class - Delaware County Community College
Oct 17
10AM-4PM
📍 Southeast Center
➡️ Sign up by Oct 2 (link to DCCC signup)
Price: $400
Price includes
Non-refundable registration fee ($100), wine, food samples, a hardcopy of the book, and the exam.
Online Classroom
Four weeks of self-guided study in addition to private study
Next Classes:
Aug 17 - Sept 13
Sign up by Aug 7Aug 31 - Sept 27
Sign up by Aug 21Sept 14 - Oct 11
Sign up by Sept 4Sept 28 - Oct 15
Sign up by Sept 18Oct 12 - Nov 8
Sign up by Oct 2Oct 26 - Nov 22
Sign up by Oct 16Nov 9 - Dec 6
Sign up by Oct 30Nov 23 - Dec 20
Sign up by Nov 13Jan 4 - Jan 31
Sign up by Dec 18Jan 18 - Feb 14
Sign up by Jan 8Feb 1 - Feb 28
Sign up by Jan 22Feb 15 - Mar 14
Sign up by Feb 5Mar 1 - Mar 28
Sign up by Feb 19Mar 15 - April 11
Sign up by Mar 5Mar 29 - April 25
Sign up by Mar 19April 12 - May 9
Sign up by April 2April 26 - May 23
Sign up by April 16May 10 - June 6
Sign up by April 30May 24 - June 20
Sign up by May 14June 7 - July 4
Sign up by May 28June 21 - July 18
Sign up by June 11July 5 - Aug 1
Sign up by June 25July 19 - Aug 15
Sign up by July 9
Cost for Online Class:$350
Includes non-refundable deposit ($100), access to Online Classroom for one year, an online tutor, the exam, and the ebook.
Wine tasting kit (optional): +$134.99
Exam Nights are held once a month.See the schedule here.
You may also take the exam remotely. Please contact us to make arrangements.
Discover the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste. Learn the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and how to pair food with wine. This course provides a solid foundation for moving onto Level 2. Visit this link for full details and schedule.
The Tasting Kit by Vinovae contains 10 50ml of WSET approved wine samples.