Curious about wine but not sure where to start? The WSET Level 1 Wine Course in Manchester is the perfect first step, and here is exactly what to expect on the day.
You need no experience at all, just an interest in wine and a free day in your diary. By the time you leave, you will be tasting with more confidence, talking about wine like you mean it, and holding a respected qualification to prove it.
Book your WSET Level 1 Wines course
This is a true beginner course, so it suits anyone who wants to understand wine properly without any prior knowledge. We welcome complete newcomers, enthusiasts who want to learn in a structured way, and people starting out in hospitality, catering or wine retail across Greater Manchester.
It also makes a brilliant gift. If you are buying for the wine lover in your life, a Level 1 course gives them a real experience to enjoy rather than another bottle for the shelf. Take a look at our gift options if that sounds like the one.
Starting something new is always easier in good hands. We have been teaching wine in Manchester since 2014, and our small team of qualified educators is known for putting complete beginners at ease, with no jargon and no snobbery.
We are independent and founder-led, set up by John Callow, so you are a real person to us rather than a booking reference. Thousands of people have started their wine journey with us, and our steady stream of five-star reviews on Google, Tripadvisor and Facebook suggests we tend to get the welcome right.
You will not have to revise alone. Every Northern Wine School student gets our exclusive study guides for free, written in plain English to make that end-of-day exam feel far less daunting.
They are a big reason our pass rate sits comfortably above the WSET average, and they are yours to return to whenever you need them. Have a look at our WSET Wines study guides before you book.
Classroom courses run at The Castlefield Hotel, opposite the Museum of Science and Industry and next to the Castlefield Bowl. The nearest tram and train stop is Deansgate Castlefield, a short walk along Liverpool Road, so you are well connected wherever you are coming from.
There is a car park on site, but we would gently suggest leaving the car at home. Even with spitting, a little wine finds its way in, so the tram is the better bet.
You can take Level 1 in the way that suits you best:
You can also spread the cost and pay in three instalments at no extra cost, so booking is easy on the budget too.
Your day is led by John, a WSET Certified Educator, and you will work through five friendly modules together:
We ask you to arrive about 15 minutes early, usually for 9.15 am, so you can be welcomed, checked in and meet the others before we begin. You will have a coffee break in the morning and afternoon, plus a sandwich lunch included in your fee, and the day wraps up by around 5.30 pm.
Your day ends with a short assessment of what you have learned. Bring valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, because you cannot sit the exam without it.
The exam is 45 minutes long, with 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 21 of the 30 correct to pass. Level 1 is graded simply as pass or fail, and every successful student receives a certificate and a WSET lapel pin to mark the achievement.
Marking is handled by WSET in London, so results take up to around two weeks. We will email you the moment we hear, then post your certificate and pin by signed for delivery shortly after.
Caught the bug? The natural next step is the WSET Level 2 Wines and Spirits Course, which goes deeper into grapes, regions and tasting. You can also save by booking levels together with our course bundle deals.
Not quite ready to commit to a qualification? Our relaxed wine tasting events are a lovely way to dip a toe in first. And if you like to read up beforehand, 5 Reasons to Study a WSET Course and our WSET Questions and Answers post are both worth a look. For a bit of fun, our Wine Glossary is a handy way to start learning the lingo.
Do I need any wine knowledge to start?
None at all. Level 1 is designed for complete beginners, so you can arrive knowing nothing and leave with a qualification.
How much does it cost?
Classroom courses start from £260, with online options also available, and you can pay in three instalments. Pop over to the booking page for the latest dates and prices.
What do I need to bring on the day?
Valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. Without it, you will not be able to sit the exam, so it is worth checking the night before.
Do I have to be over 18?
Yes. There is wine tasting involved, so the course is for over-18s only.
Should I drive to the venue?
We would suggest not. You will take in a little wine even when spitting, and the tram to Deansgate Castlefield drops you just a short walk away.
You now know exactly what to expect, so there is nothing standing between you and a brilliant first step into wine. Pick your date and join us in Manchester.
Book your WSET Level 1 Wines course
Prefer a chat first? Get in touch, and we will help you find the right option for you.
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