The course is based around a 9-week structured online programme with a recommendation of 10 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. There is also a 1 day tasting tutorial. The course follows a weekly structure, but it allows the student to work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars.
All study materials will be couriered to you as they are required to accompany the online tuition.
The course prepares the student for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines examinations and are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities that guide the student through the key wine regions of the world looking at the factors in the vineyard and winery that influence wine styles.
Attendance at a tasting session, introducing the Level 3 tasting technique is required in order to gain an advanced knowledge of the Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine© which is not only used in most major international competitions but also the standard required for the blind tasting exam paper element of the exam.
Students are advised to taste a range of wines during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Course Specifications PDF. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. Additional tastings may be included at our discretion.
Students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or HTML5 compatible mobile or tablet with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0 or other HTML5 compatible; web browser with Javascript and cookies** enabled; Adobe Reader XI or equivalent; Internet access (broadband recommended)
Please note:
It is considered a prerequisite for candidates planning to study for the WSET Level 4 Diploma. This highly professional qualification is taught by MWs, MW students, WSET Diploma graduates and other senior industry specialists.
This course is NOT suitable for beginners and you will need to have either completed WSET Level 2 or have a similar level of knowledge to be able to succeed in this course. If you have any questions, please email info@thewinecentre.co.za
Who it is aimed at
The Exam
The exam at the end of the course consists of two parts. A blind tasting paper of two wines and a theory paper of both multiple choice and short answer questions. A mark of 55% is required on both the tasting and theory papers to pass.
Please note: The course fee does not include wine samples, but you will be given guidance on what styles to source and taste. However, being able to taste wine throughout the course will naturally assist your studies, it is not compulsory to do so.
Lesson Dates | Exam Date | Enrolment Deadline |
---|---|---|
25 Jan - 28 Mar 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | CLOSED |
22 Feb - 25 Apr 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | CLOSED |
22 Mar - 23 May 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | 12 Mar |
19 Apr - 20 Jun 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | 09 Apr |
17 May - 18 Jul 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | 07 May |
07 Jun - 08 Aug 2021 Tasting day: TBA |
TBA | 28 May |
The exam comprises of two papers; a Tasting Paper and a Theory Paper. You need to attain a pass mark of 55% or above in both papers to pass overall.
Below are the results you can attend and the marks required.
Pass with Distinction | 85% and above | |
Pass with Merit | Between 70% and 84% | |
Pass | Between 55% and 69% | |
Fail | Between 45% and 54% | |
Fail unclassified | 44% and below |
The Tasting Paper consists of a blind tasting of two wines that you have 30 minutes to complete.
The Theory Paper consists of both 50 multiple choice questions and four short written answer questions that you have two hours to complete.
As with every WSET exam around the world, the exam papers are sent to WSET in London, UK to be marked to ensure global continuity with the results.
Results are know up to 10 weeks later when we will inform you by email. The certificate and metal lapel pin for successful candidates will follow from London approximately a week later.
If you are unsuccessfulDuration: | 9 weeks |
Exam: | 30 minutes Tasting paper + 2 hour Theory paper |
Award: | Certificate and Metal Lapel Pin |
Cost: | R13,500 |