Combining theory notions and sensory tasting training of 65 wines, the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced-level course that offers a detailed understanding of grape growing, winemaking, and tasting techniques of the world’s wines. The WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines also delivers significant international market knowledge. This certification course, which is very comprehensive in technical and tasting aspects, establishes a solid foundation in the wine industry.
Upon successful course completion of the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines, you will be able to assess wines accurately and give expert advice to your customers. In addition, you will have the in-depth product knowledge required to underpin highly-valued job skills and competencies for a worldwide career in the wine industry. Please note that the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines requires at least 80 hours of self-study. At WiSP, you can follow this course in classroom mode at our Bordeaux or Toulouse campuses.
Accessibility of training to people with disabilities. Contact our disability advisor on 05 57 71 75 61 or by email contact@wisp-campus.com in order to study together the necessary arrangements.
Success Rate
61 %(year 2024-25)
Tuition Fees
€1390
Delivery Mode
Blended
Level
Advanced
Entry Requirements
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines or equivalent
Duration
1,5 month of e-learning + 5.5 days (50 hours)
Sensory Training
65 tasting samples
Languages
English / French
Self-Study Time
80 hours(of pre-course preparation)
Campuses
Bordeaux / Toulouse
Examination
50 MCQs + short-written answer paper + blind tasting of two wines (Resit Exam: Available)
Registration deadline
15 days before the course begins
I validate my registration with the support of the WiSP team.
10 days after my registration validation, I receive the textbooks necessary for my pre-course preparation and access codes to the e-learning plateform. Self-study time recommended before in-class days: 80 hours.
15 days before the course start date, an e-mail will provide me with all the necessary information.
On Day 1, I join fellow learners in my group training session. The in-class mode alternates between theory, consolidation and tasting practice.
The examination occurs on the last day and last hour of training. The last half-day of training is entirely dedicated to the exam. First, the theoretical test (2 hours) and then the tasting test (30 minutes).
12 weeks after the exam, I will receive my results by e-mail. Twelve weeks after the exam, I will receive my certificate and WSET lapel pin in digital version by email.
Industry professionals and wine lovers who already have good basic knowledge of wine tasting.
Wine enthusiasts wishing to discover a wide range of wines and obtain an internationally recognised certification.
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines holders looking to build on their acquired knowledge.
Industry professionals wishing and needing to build on their acquired knowledge to engage in a motivating career path: wholesale distributors, wine merchants, product or marketing managers, sommeliers and restaurant managers, etc.
Industry professionals wishing to obtain an internationally recognised wine selection and customer service expertise.
Industry professionals or amateurs who are in the process of retraining.
Identify the main natural (terroir) and human factors involved in producing still wines from vine to bottle.
Learn to demonstrate how terroir influences a wine's style, quality and price.
Identify and describe the characteristics of still, sparkling and fortified wines produced in the principal wine-producing regions of the world.
Gain in-depth knowledge of the leading regions and appellations of the largest wine-producing countries: France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, England, Central and South-Eastern Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and South American countries (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru). Be able to explain their style, quality and price.
Demonstrate the ability to provide professional information and advice to customers.
Accurately taste and describe the key characteristics of the world's principal still wines and use this sensory analysis to assess quality and readiness for drinking (ageing potential).
Describe and distinguish the most common wine faults and flaws.
Understand the impact of alcohol on society and the legal issues related to the consumption of wine and spirits.
The Leading Still Wines
Annabelle holds the Diplôme Universitaire d’Aptitude à la Dégustation (DUAD) delivered by the demanding Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin (faculty of oenology) of Bordeaux. Perfectly bilingual,
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Originally from the Côtes-du-Rhône, Cécile is an oenologist by training. She worked in her native region in Gigondas and then in Saint-Tropez. She then resumed her studies with the Master
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Matthias is originally from Bordeaux and holds the WSET Diploma. He began by training as a salesman specializing in the wine industry and worked for ten years in various family
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Emiliano is from Argentina and holds the WSET Diploma. He graduated from the Sorbonne in Foreign Languages and has a Master’s degree in pedagogy specialized in wine. He worked for
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The WSET® book Understanding Wines: EXPLAIN STYLE AND QUALITY
covers the entire course content. You must read the book before attending class. This book contains valuable, helpful information to use throughout the course duration and your professional career.
The WSET® Study Guide
contains good tips for the exam and precise vineyard maps that will help you during training sessions.
The WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
will be used during your sensory training practice.
Dedicated Videos
We also provide videos dedicated to the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines onwww.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/videos/ or the YouTube channel: WSET® 3-Minute Wine School Series.
WiSP E-Learning Platform Access
For the French version of the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines, WiSP has developed several online activities on its e-learning platform to enhance your learning experience. These resources consist of videos, quizzes, and fun and interactive activities that you can access on a PC or through an application on your tablet or Smartphone. Moreover, you have unlimited access to these additional resources starting enrolment and the whole course duration.
October 2026
November 2026
November 2026
January 2027
To enroll in the WSET Level 3 wine course, you must meet certain prerequisites. You should have obtained the WSET Level 2 wine certification or an equivalent qualification.
Feel free to contact our team to discuss your eligibility.
The WSET Level 3 wine course is designed for wine industry professionals, sommeliers, wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge, as well as individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in wine tasting and sensory analysis. It is also suitable for those aspiring to take on roles of responsibility in the wine industry or individuals undergoing a career change.
The WSET Level 3 wine course provides a solid foundation for various careers in the wine industry. Graduates of the WSET Level 3 wine course can work as sommeliers, wine consultants, cellar managers, buyers, or even start their own wine-related business. This certification also opens doors in wine import- export, distribution, and wine marketing.
A globally renowned certification, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a leading authority in wine education. The WSET Level 3 wine course delves into winemaking, tasting techniques, wine regions around the world, wine chemistry, cellar management, and food and wine pairings. It also prepares students for complex blind tastings and in-depth theoretical assessments.
The WSET Level 3 wine course is a comprehensive tour of the world of wine. You will study the main still wines from France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United States, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, you will explore fortified wines like Ports, Sherries, and fortified Muscats.
You will be taught by passionate experts, all holders of the Diploma, WSET level 4 in wines. Some of the instructors include Fanny Darrieussecq, Annabelle Mispelblom Beiger, Emiliano Stratico, Matthias Seignette, Cécile Debroas Castaing, Gauthier Bernado.
Yes, our students have appreciated the richness of the course, the pedagogical and patient instructors, the comprehensive coverage of both Old and New World regions, the high quality of the 65 wines tasted, the diversity of vineyards studied, the interactive teaching methods, and the quality of the e-learning content. They also value the time taken to explain, clarify complex concepts, the adaptable pace, and the opportunities for discussion and debate on various topics, as well as interactions with fellow participants.
The course is structured as follows: for a month and a half, you have access to e-learning materials created by the WiSP educational team. Then, the in-person portion lasts 5.5 days, totaling 50 hours of training. It is also recommended to set aside time for personal study.
We recommend that students allocate approximately 60 hours for personal study before the course begins. This may include reading books provided upon registration and revisiting key wine concepts.
The exam consists of three parts: a blind tasting, a theoretical assessment, and a wine service project. It is designed to thoroughly evaluate students’ wine knowledge.
The in-person training sessions for the WSET Level 3 wine course at WiSP are held at the Bordeaux campus or in Paris, depending on the session and instructors.
The WSET Level 3 wine course may be eligible for funding based on your professional status. You can explore financing options through the Personal Training Account (CPF), your employment agency (Pôle emploi), or inquire with your company about financing arrangements with their OPCO.
Yes, WiSP offers retake sessions for students who do not pass the initial exam. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
WiSP stands out for its commitment to excellence in wine education. Our qualified instructors and high- quality pedagogical approach ensure a rewarding learning experience. With WiSP, you will receive personalized support throughout your journey to achieve your professional goals in the wine industry. Contact us for more information or to enroll in our WSET Level 3 wine course.
