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Get 10% off 6 still wines. Enter code SAVE10 during checkout. Excludes some fine wine and Sparkling.
Get 10% off 6 still wines. Enter code SAVE10 during checkout. Excludes some fine wine and Sparkling.
There's a moment most wine lovers reach sooner or later. You've found a few bottles you enjoy, you've got a rough sense of what you like, and then someone at dinner mentions malolactic conversion or asks whether you prefer Left Bank or Right Bank, and you realise there's a whole world behind the label you haven't quite got to grips with yet.
The good news is that learning about wine is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a drinker. The better news is that it doesn't have to be intimidating.
The simplest answer is that knowledge makes wine more enjoyable. When you understand why a Chablis tastes so different from a Californian Chardonnay, or why a cool vintage in Burgundy matters, every glass becomes more interesting. You start noticing things you'd have missed before.
It also makes buying easier. Rather than relying on a familiar label or a price point, you can walk into a shop or scroll a wine list and make choices with confidence. You'll know which regions offer great value, which grapes suit your taste, and which wines will work with the meal you're planning.
And for plenty of people, it simply becomes a genuine passion: a subject that combines geography, history, science, farming and, of course, a lot of very good drinking.
There are lots of ways in. Books, podcasts and tastings all have their place, and nothing replaces opening bottles side by side and comparing them. But if you want structure, a clear path and something to show for your efforts at the end, a recognised course is hard to beat.
That's where the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) comes in.
WSET is the world's leading provider of wine education, with courses taught in dozens of countries. Its qualifications run from Level 1 through to the Level 4 Diploma, and they're respected by the trade and enthusiasts alike.
For most people who already enjoy wine and want to go deeper, Level 2 is the perfect starting point. Here's why.
You don't need Level 1 first. There are no entry requirements for Level 2. Level 1 is a very gentle introduction, and if you already drink and buy wine regularly, you'll likely find you can go straight to Level 2 without missing anything.
It covers the things that actually matter. The course looks at the key grape varieties and the regions where they're grown, how factors like climate and soil shape the wine in your glass, and how winemaking decisions affect style. It also covers sparkling and fortified wines, how to read a label, and the basics of food and wine pairing.
It teaches you how to taste properly. One of the most valuable parts of the course is learning WSET's Systematic Approach to Tasting. It gives you a clear, consistent way to describe what you see, smell and taste, and once you've got it, you'll never taste wine in quite the same way again.
It's manageable alongside everyday life. Level 2 is designed to fit around work and other commitments. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including classroom sessions over several weeks, intensive few-day courses and online options, so you can choose whatever suits you.
The exam is fair and achievable. Assessment is a short multiple-choice paper. If you've attended the sessions and done the reading, you'll be well prepared, and passing gives you an internationally recognised certificate.
It opens doors. For some, Level 2 is the end goal: a solid foundation that makes wine more enjoyable for life. For others, it's the first step towards Level 3, the Diploma or even a career in the trade. Either way, it's time and money well spent.
A few tips if you decide to take the plunge:
Tasting widely is one of the best ways to prepare for WSET, and we'd love to help. Highbury Vintners offers 15% off to anyone studying for a WSET qualification, so you can explore the grapes and regions on your syllabus without it costing the earth.
To register, simply email us at sales@highburyvintners.co.uk and we'll get you set up.
Please note that the student discount can't be combined with our loyalty scheme, and no further discounts apply.
If you've been thinking about learning more about wine, WSET Level 2 is the ideal way to turn curiosity into real understanding. It's approachable, well structured and genuinely enjoyable, and it will change the way you think about every bottle you open from here on. And with 15% off your study bottles at Highbury Vintners, there's never been a better time to start tasting.
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