If you’re hoping to start a career in hospitality, you already work in the drinks industry and are looking to deepen your wine knowledge, or you’re simply passionate about wine, a WSET course will get you where you want to go.
What is WSET?
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust, more commonly known as WSET, provides the world’s most recognised qualifications in wine, spirits and sake. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that offers education to individuals and businesses.
Depending on your needs, interests and experience, there are a range of different WSET courses available. Whether you are taking your first steps into a career in hospitality, you’re an established wine industry professional, or you’re simply a wine enthusiast wanting to dive deeper into your hobby, we have a program for you.
Visit the official WSET website to find out more about the organisation.
How many WSET levels are there?
WSET qualifications are divided by wine, spirits and sake (Japanese rice wine). There are three different Wine Awards (Level 1, 2 and 3) as well as a Level 4 Diploma in Wines.
If you’re interested in a WSET course in Mallorca, Spain, the Drink In Academy offers three different wine course options: WSET Award in Wines Level 1, WSET Award in Wines Level 2, and WSET Award in Wines Level 3.
WSET Award in Wines Level 1
Our 1-day Level 1 WSET wine course in Mallorca, Spain is a fantastic hands-on introduction to the world of wine. It’s the perfect choice for anyone starting out in the hospitality industry, as well as those who are passionate about wine and want to improve their knowledge.
In this course, you’ll learn how to taste wine like a professional and recognise different styles of wine, while gaining the basic skills to describe them to others. You’ll also begin to explore food and wine pairings, and understand how to properly open, store and serve wine.
What is covered on the WSET Level 1 course:
- How to taste wine like a professional, using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- The qualities of the world’s principal grape varieties
- The most important wine regions and geographical indications
- An introduction to viticulture (grape-growing) and wine-making
- The basic principles of food and wine pairing
- How to properly open, store and serve wine
- Health, safety and legal issues
How is L1 WSET assessed?
The Level 1 WSET course is assessed via a closed-book exam with 30 multiple-choice questions.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a WSET Level 1 Certificate and lapel pin.
Click here to book your course or find out more.
WSET Award in Wines Level 2
Drink In’s Level 2 WSET course in Mallorca, Spain is a more advanced and thorough exploration of wine. It is designed for those at beginner to intermediate level, and the natural next step after completing our WSET Level 1 course – but don’t worry, you don’t need Level 1 to take part in Level 2!
We recommend WSET Level 2 for those already working in the hospitality or wine industry who want to take their knowledge of wine to the next level, as well as those new to wine and wine enthusiasts who are serious about understanding the art form.
During our seven-day wine course (five days of education and two days of adventure), you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of the most important grape varieties in the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce. You’ll discover the factors that affect the style and quality of a whole host of wines, as well as how to properly read a label and how to store and serve wine.
Through a diverse range of tastings, you’ll be given the basic tools and practise to train your palate to recognise the complex flavours in wine. You’ll also broaden your understanding of food pairings and how each of the main flavour types interact with each other.
By the end of the course you’ll be able to describe the liquid you love with confidence and clarity, and be well on your way to wine expertise.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the stunning island of Mallorca during your course. Mallorca is home to one of the most important wine making regions in Spain, Binissalem, which makes it an ideal place to dive into the world of wine. Guided visits are available, so you can take a look behind the scenes at the process from grape to glass.
Accommodation is also available at our gorgeous beachside villa, with the weekend included! This means you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Mallorca, which has a thriving food and drink scene, over 300 beaches, and loads more to see and do. (See some of our top picks at the bottom of the article!)
What is covered on the WSET Level 2 course:
- How to taste wine like a professional, using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- The style and quality of wines made from 22 regionally important grape varieties (e.g. Nebbiolo and Malbec) produced in over 70 geographical indications around the world
- How the environment, the grape-growing process and other factors influence the style and quality of wines made from eight important grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz)
- How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of sparkling wines and fortified wines
- How to read and understand a wine label
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
- Principles of food and wine pairing
How is WSET Level 2 assessed?
WSET Level 2 is assessed through a one-hour closed-book exam comprising 50 multiple-choice questions.
On successful completion of the exam you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
Click here to book your course or find out more.
WSET Level 3
The WSET Level 3 wine course is considered one of the top wine courses in the world, and will give you a level of expertise that is hard to find anywhere else.
Drink In’s WSET Level 3 wine course in Mallorca, Spain is a high-intensity, advanced program that is designed for industry professionals, those interested in becoming sommeliers, those with professional-level palates and those for whom wine is a true passion, and something that they want to enrich their passion for with professional level knowledge, tasting and education.
If you have completed the WSET Level 2 course, WSET Level 3 will help you take your wine knowledge and experience to a professional level. It is not essential to have completed WSET Level 2 before you continue to Level 3, but it is generally recommended. Pre-study for this course is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience.
Our eight-day course will teach you how to taste, evaluate, describe and explain wine across a broad range of styles and regions, with a high level of confidence and credibility. You’ll further refine your palate and gain true understanding of over 80 of the world’s most important wines, and how to make appropriate wine recommendations.
Mallorca is home to one of Spain’s principal wine making regions, the picturesque D.O. Binissalem. This makes the island the perfect location to deepen your knowledge of wine with a guided visit to a vineyard, where you can see the production process first-hand and learn some trade secrets.
We also offer optional beachside accommodation at our stunning villa, so you can make the most of your time in Mallorca with beach visits, nights out and more.
What is covered on the WSET Level 3 course:
- How to taste wines like a professional using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- Tutored tastings of 82 wines from around the world
- The key factors in the production of wine: location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation and bottling
- The key characteristics of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world
- How to make appropriate wine recommendations
You will also have access to WSET’s Online Classroom for the duration of the course, including useful video links and other resources.
How is WSET Level 3 assessed?
WSET Level 3 Unit 1 is assessed via a closed-book exam comprising 50 multiple-choice questions and a short written answer paper. Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two different wines.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
Click here to book your course or find out more.
What are the benefits of a WSET qualification?
A WSET certificate is an internationally recognised and highly respected qualification. Having a WSET course on your CV will help you stand out to employers, whether you’re just starting out in the hospitality industry or you’re looking to get promoted.
Various career options are available to you on completion of a WSET course, from working as a sommelier to buying wine for a hospitality company. The qualification is an asset across the hospitality industry, from fine dining restaurants and upscale bars to yachts and holiday resorts.
Alternatively, you could use your newly acquired knowledge to start your own wine-related business, such as a wine bar or wine shop.
If you don’t work in the wine or hospitality industry and are simply a wine enthusiast, signing up for a WSET course will allow you to become an expert in your favourite hobby. You’ll learn the skills to select the perfect bottle for any meal or occasion, impressing your friends and family. Plus you’ll get much more enjoyment out of your wine when you really understand the process from grape to glass. A WSET course also makes a great gift for the wine lover in your life!
About Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. It attracts tourists from all over the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With 300 days of sunshine per year, incredible beaches and coves, a rich culture and history, excellent restaurants and lively nightlife, it’s an amazing holiday destination. There’s also no better place to do a wine course than Mallorca, as the island boasts over 70 wineries and is home to the famous wine producing town of Binissalem. Drink In’s newest, purpose-built Academy is right in the heart of the capital of Mallorca, Palma.
Best things to do in Mallorca
- Explore Palma
Palma is a dynamic city, with a beautiful Old Town filled with fantastic shops and markets, as well as lots of galleries and museums. Many historic sites of interest can also be found here, from the Catedral de Mallorca (a beautiful Gothic cathedral) to Castell de Bellver (a 14th century castle with gorgeous views).
- Soak up the drinks culture
Mallorca is famous for its nightlife, with bars on practically every corner in Palma. Some of our favourites include Chapeau 1987, Clandestino, Ginbo and Door 13. If you want to continue your wine tasting after class, Palma has lots of great wine bars too, including El Vinho and Wineing.
- Visit Binissalem
Binissalem is a pretty little town that is considered to be the capital of wine production in the Balearic islands. Here there is a wide selection of bodegas where you can participate in wine tasting, learn more about the production process and witness it first-hand. Some of the best bodegas to visit include Bodegas José L. Ferrer, ANA Vins, and Bodegas Oliver.
No matter which module of our WSET courses you decide to do, rest assured you’ll be well on your way to becoming a wine expert.
To find out more about our Mallorca Academy or book your course click here. If you’d like to get in touch with us directly you can email us at [email protected].
