WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines

American Wine School is an Approved Program Provider for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the only Diploma center in the mid west. This is a specialist qualification where detailed knowledge is combined with commercial factors and a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wines and spirits. The qualification will prepare those who are required to make managerial decisions, interpret information and have a thorough understanding of market trends and requirements in a variety of trade and industry sectors. The WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines aims to provide specialist product knowledge and understanding of the global and domestic markets for wines and develop a candidate’s ability to present information in a format suitable for business. The total study time required to earn the WSET® Level 4  Diploma in Wines award is (at a minimum) approximately 600 hours

The American Wine School provides candidates with both self-study guidance via the WSET Global Classroom & Virtual, instructor-led lectures by American Wine School educators on Zoom. In-person exams are followed by in-person tastings to help candidates perfect their tasting notes.

Course Requirements: You must be over the legal minimum drinking age where the course and examination is taken. You will be required to hold the WSET® Level 3 in Wines or the WSET® Level 3 in Wines & Spirits to enroll in the WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines. For Detailed Program information, please download the course Specification Guide.

D1 On Demand: Begin your Diploma Journey today

To begin your Diploma Journey, simply purchase the Registration Course Fee of $600 at any time of the year. Once registered, you will immediately receive access to your Diploma study materials online and can begin your studies. Having immediate access allows you to begin your studies right away. The actual course sessions are offered twice a year; Jan & June. If you have any questions or are in need of further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Diploma@americanwineschool.com

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Program Overview

The WSET® Level 4 in Wines consists of 6 units:

D1 Wine Production: D1 delves into the science of wine to include viticulture & vinification practices as well as maturation, treatments, and packaging around the globe. It is assessed by means of an open-response paper. 90 min exam.

D2 The Global Business of Alcoholic Beverages: D2 examines the dynamics of the global market for alcoholic beverages, the local market and the marketing of alcoholic beverages. It is assessed by an open-response exam. 60 min exam.

D3 Light Wines of the World: D3 takes an in-depth look at the light wines of the world to include: Northern and Western Europe, Central, South, and South-Eastern Europe, Africa, Australasia, and Asia as well as the Americas. D3 is assessed by 1) a closed-book theory paper of 5 questions, and 2) a practical tasting paper of 12 wines. Exams over two days.

D4 Sparkling Wines of the World: D4 explores the methods of sparkling wine production as well as the types and styles of sparkling wines around the globe. D4 is assessed by a combined tasting and theory, closed-book examination, consisting of a tasting paper of three sparkling wines and one theory question. 90 min exam.

D5 Fortified Wines of the World: D5 outlines the methods of production of fortified wines around the world as well as defines the types and styles of fortified wines. D5 is assessed by a combined tasting and theory, closed-book examination, consisting of a tasting paper of three fortified wines and one theory question. 90 min exam.

D6 Research Paper: D6 requires candidates to submit a 3,000-word research paper on a topic provided for by WSET. Each academic year, two topics are released on Aug 1st. For this current year, one paper will be due on Jan 31, 2020, and the other paper will be due on July 31, 2020. Candidates will choose which paper they would like to submit.

All live classes, tastings and exams are held at the Sofitel , 20 E. Chestnut Street in Chicago. On completion of all 6 units candidates will be award the WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines. Successful candidates are entitled to use the letters DipWSET after their name, giving them the recognition they deserve. The WSET® Diploma in Wines is recommended by the Institute of Masters of Wine for candidates wishing to pursue membership.

Please note: D1 MUST be studied at the beginning of a Diploma program because it provides the knowledge and understanding required to complete the assessments in the product-knowledge units.