wset Spirit qualifications
ABOUT WSET
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications. Trusted by the world’s most recognised drinks organisations, WSET has led the design and delivery of wine and spirit education for five decades. With four progressive levels of study offered through a network of course providers in more than 70 countries and translated into multiple languages, WSET qualifications inspire and empower drinks professionals and enthusiasts.
VinoZen Academy is proud to be a WSET Approved Programme Provider.
We thrive to provide quality wine learning experience to better equip you with the knowledge for both personal and professional aspirations.
Find out more about each courses. Course dates are updated regularly. For the desired level, please proceed and complete the booking form to proceed with the registration. To provide the highest standard of service to our students, we ask that all the information are entered with full intentions to complete the registration and commit to coming to the classes, study, and attain the qualification.
vinozen promise
Learning about wine and spirits is to know how to appreciate the complexities and respect all the hard work involved throughout the production process. VinoZen Academy was created from that passion and we thrive to elevate such appreciation for finer things in life. We are committed to bring you the best learning experience and are honoured to be part of your journey.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
Broaden the Scope
Online Classroom
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A beginner level introduction to spirits for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits.
For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. You’ll explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
We are also offering online distance learning for those who wants the flexibility.
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The basic principles of spirit production
The main types and styles of spirits
How to serve spiritsFactors affecting the flavour of spirits
How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
Classroom setting provides the students with more interactive guided learning experience. If you are unable to fit it into your busy schedule, we also provide online distance learning option:
Online Distance Learning
The course will be based around a 4-week, 5 module online learning programme with educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in order, but students are free to complete the modules at their own pace during this 4- week window. The course material should take about 6 hours in total to complete, plus revision time. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
At VinoZen Academy, we are also committed to offer you dedicated guidance and also available for live online tutorial sessions upon request to better help with your learning.
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This qualification has a minimum requirement of six hours of learning time. There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting.
Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
To attend the course:
Please be on time and ready to learn.
You will receive a copy of Level 1 Study Guide.
Please bring writing utensil.
Please bring 6 neutral and clean tasting glasses.
Online Distance Learning
Operating Systems - Windows 7 and newer, Mac OSX 10.6 and newer, Linux –chrome OS
Mobile Operating System Native App Support - Android apps require version 5.0 or later and iOS apps require version 11 or later. All Android and iOS both support the two most recent versions of their respective operating systems.
Computer Speed and Processor - use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible, 1GB of RAM, 2GHz processor.
Internet Speed - along with compatibility and web standards, system carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments, minimum of 512kbps
Supported Browsers - please visit the following website https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720
Other required software - Adobe Reader XI or equivalent.
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
We are offering all exams in Remote Invigilation format unless otherwise requested and applicable. Please contact kaichang@vinozen.ca for more information.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
We are offering all exams in Remote Invigilation format unless otherwise requested and applicable. Please contact kaichang@vinozen.ca for more information.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Appreciate the Journey
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WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is a beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring spirits and liqueurs for those working in the industry or spirits enthusiasts.
For individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs, you’ll learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. You’ll also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
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How production methods affect the characteristics of spirits and liqueurs
The characteristics of the principal international spirits and liqueurs
How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
Classroom setting provides the students with more interactive guided learning experience. If you are unable to fit it into your busy schedule, we also provide online distance learning option:
Online Distance Learning
The course is based around a 5-week, 6-module online programme with a recommendation of 6 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
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This qualification has a minimum requirement of 26 hours of study time:
14 hours of lesson time
11 hours of personal study and revision
A 1-hour examination
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting.
Assessment is an one-hour closed-book examination comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions.
On successful completion of the examination you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
To attend the course:
Please be on time and ready to learn.
You will receive a copy of Level 2 Study Pack that includes: Textbook, Study Guide, and SAT
Please bring writing utensil.
Please bring 6 neutral and clear tasting glasses.
Online Distance Learning
Operating Systems - Windows 7 and newer, Mac OSX 10.6 and newer, Linux –chrome OS
Mobile Operating System Native App Support - Android apps require version 5.0 or later and iOS apps require version 11 or later. All Android and iOS both support the two most recent versions of their respective operating systems.
Computer Speed and Processor - use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible, 1GB of RAM, 2GHz processor.
Internet Speed - along with compatibility and web standards, system carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments, minimum of 512kbps
Supported Browsers - please visit the following website https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720
Other required software - Adobe Reader XI or equivalent.
online classroom
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
We are offering all exams in Remote Invigilation format unless otherwise requested and applicable. Please contact kaichang@vinozen.ca for more information.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
Exam Dates are set at each month’s end and at least a month’s after the end date of each course. ie. Course ends Nov 29th 2026 will write the exam on Dec 30th 2026 (Considering New Year’s Eve). Alternative arrangements can be made.
Study Packs are offered in digital format, physical study packs are available at $150 CAD including shipping. Please request directly at kaichang@vinozen.ca.
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
We are offering all exams in Remote Invigilation format unless otherwise requested and applicable. Please contact kaichang@vinozen.ca for more information.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
Exam Dates are set at each month’s end and at least a month’s after the end date of each course. ie. Course ends Nov 29th 2026 will write the exam on Dec 30th 2026 (Considering New Year’s Eve). Alternative arrangements can be made.
Study Packs are offered in digital format, physical study packs are available at $150 CAD including shipping. Please request directly at kaichang@vinozen.ca.
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
Marriage of Arts & Science
online classroom
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The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is an advanced-level qualification for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to acquire a detailed understanding of the spirits of the world and develop the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a spirit.
This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. You’ll acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.
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UNIT 1
A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
Processing of raw materials
Alcoholic fermentation
Distillation
Post-distillation practices
Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying eleven core spirit categories in detail:
Scotch Whisky
Bourbon
Rye Whiskey
Tennessee Whiskey
Cognac
Armagnac
Caribbean rum
Tequila
Mezcal
Vodka
Gin
An overview of 23 additional spirit categories, focusing on:
Principal production methods
Key styles
Key labelling terms
UNIT 2
How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®(SAT)
Classroom setting provides the students with more interactive guided learning experience. If you are unable to fit it into your busy schedule, we also provide online distance learning option:
Online Distance Learning
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. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
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This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, which includes:
30 hours of lesson time
51.5 hours of personal study and revision
A 2.5 hour exam.
While there are no pre-requisites to enrol this course, it is recommended that you hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or can demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting.
Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a short-written answer paper. Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two spirit samples
You will need to pass both parts of the theory exam (Unit 1), and the tasting exam (Unit 2), to achieve the qualification..
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual
To attend the course:
Please be on time and ready to learn.
You will receive a copy of Level 3 Study Pack which includes: Textbook, Study Guide, and SAT
Please bring writing utensil.
Please bring 6 neutral and clear tasting glasses.
Online Distance Learning
Operating Systems - Windows 7 and newer, Mac OSX 10.6 and newer, Linux –chrome OS
Mobile Operating System Native App Support - Android apps require version 5.0 or later and iOS apps require version 11 or later. All Android and iOS both support the two most recent versions of their respective operating systems.
Computer Speed and Processor - use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible, 1GB of RAM, 2GHz processor.
Internet Speed - along with compatibility and web standards, system carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments, minimum of 512kbps
Supported Browsers - please visit the following website https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720
Other required software - Adobe Reader XI or equivalent.
ONLINE
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
Written Exams will be held in Port Coquitlam. Exam details will be determined and communicated
Exam Dates are set at each month’s end and at least 3 months after the end date of each course. ie. Course ends Oct 10th 2021 will write the exam on Feb 28th 2022. Alternative arrangements can be made.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE INTENSITY OF THE COURSE. A WELL-EXECUTED STUDY PLAN IS RECOMMENDED TO EXCEL AT THIS LEVEL.
Study Packs are offered in digital format, physical study packs are available at $220 CAD including shipping. Please request directly at kaichang@vinozen.ca.
One Tasting Tutorial is included in the tuition.
Candidates are welcome to join more than one at $150 per session.
ONLINE
PLEASE REGISTER MINIMUM 10 DAYS PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE
2026/27 Academic Year Course Dates have been posted.
Please Check the drop down list for course dates
Written Exams will be held in Port Coquitlam. Exam details will be determined and communicated
Exam Dates are set at each month’s end and at least 3 months after the end date of each course. ie. Course ends Oct 10th 2021 will write the exam on Feb 28th 2022. Alternative arrangements can be made.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE INTENSITY OF THE COURSE. A WELL-EXECUTED STUDY PLAN IS RECOMMENDED TO EXCEL AT THIS LEVEL.
Study Packs are offered in digital format, physical study packs are available at $220 CAD including shipping. Please request directly at kaichang@vinozen.ca.
One Tasting Tutorial is included in the tuition.
Candidates are welcome to join more than one at $150 per session.
Terms and conditions
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VinoZen Academy and VinoZen Canada Inc. assume no liability for any cancellation, injury, loss, accident or delay occasioned by the proprietor, employee, or service of any venues used by the above programs.
Learners, students, candidates, and participants at required to be minimum 19 years old and understands that the tasting of wine and spirits is purely for sampling and learning purposes. All participants are required to spit out the samples and not recommended to consume them during the course. It is all participants’ full understanding and should take full responsibility for the danger involved in the consumption of alcohol and actions that follow, especially of the danger involved with drinking and driving. Injuries to persons or properties that may arise during the operation of the above programs, including those that may be caused by occassional negligence of all representatives and stakeholders of VinoZen Wine Academy and VinoZe Canada Inc.
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All registrations require the full amount of tuition payable upon completion of registration.
Exam, Re-sit must be taken in the same language as the course. Cancellation and 100% refunds are allowed 3 weeks prior to the course commencement date. After which point, tuitions become non- refundable.
Cancellations are allowed up to 2 weeks prior to the commencement date with tuitions paid fully transferrable to future courses or another person to be used within the next 12 months. After which point, tuitions are considered forfeited.
In the event where the cancellation is required due to less than minimum class size or VinoZen Academy initiated cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive full refund or have the option to transfer your registration to our Pre-Registration option outlined above. We will make cancellation or postponement decisions no less than 2 weeks prior to the class start time.
Requests should be submitted by email. We do not refund missing classes.
Full refunds will also be given in the event of low registration.
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Although doing our best to make sure all candidates are well prepared to excel at WSET Exams, we understand that there will be cases that candidates fail to meet the minimum requirement to pass the qualifications. In such event, we allow candidates to re-sit the exam along with our regular exam schedule. Re-sitting fees is set at the following schedule: Level 1: $150, Level 2: $200, and Level 3: $200 (Theory), $175 (Tasting). Prices are subject to change due to availability and scheduling situations. Please discuss with your educator to arrange the exam resit. We also welcome candidates transferring from another APP to write exams with us, but could be subject to knowledge level re-assessment to determine whether re-taking the entire course is required. Minimum requirement for transferred candidates is to sit in a review session at $150 per candidate.