WSET® Award in Wines · Luxembourg City
WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines
A relaxed one-day introduction to wine — taste 12 benchmark wines and learn to taste like a pro. Taught in English by a Master of Wine student and WSET Diploma award winner.
Book your place — €250Upcoming dates
| Dates | Saturday 5 September 2026 or Sunday 6 December 2026 |
| Time | 10:00–17:00 |
| Language | English |
| Location | Hotel Parc Belair, Luxembourg City |
New to wine, or want to finally understand what's in your glass? The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines is the perfect first step. In a single, relaxed day in the heart of Luxembourg City, you'll taste 12 carefully chosen wines and learn to describe them using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT) — plus the basics of food and wine pairing, and how to store and serve wine with confidence. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity.
Introductory — no experience needed
One day, in person
12 benchmark wines
English
What's included
- Official WSET course materials
- A guided tasting of 12 benchmark wines, hand-selected by your educator
- Canapés from Hotel Parc Belair for the food-and-wine-pairing session
- A full day of tuition with a Master of Wine student and WSET Diploma award winner
- Your first exam sitting (30 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes)
On passing, you'll receive a globally recognised certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
What you'll learn
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 1 SAT
- The key stages of grape growing and winemaking
- The principal grape varieties and their styles — Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah/Shiraz
- Other classic styles, from Champagne and Prosecco to Sherry, Port and Sauternes
- How to store and serve wine correctly, and the principles of pairing food and wine
The exam
A closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, held at the end of the course day. The pass mark is 70%, and your first sitting is included in the course fee. Bring photographic ID.
Booking conditions
- Students must be at least 16.
- Places are confirmed once payment is received; to pay by bank transfer, email jess@philosophyofwine.com.
- Cancel or transfer up to 10 working days before for a €25 admin fee plus the cost of any materials supplied. Within 10 working days, or once the course has started, no refund or transfer (we will already have registered you with WSET).
- Resit fee if needed: €85. Full terms in our Refund Policy and Terms & Conditions.
More from the Journal
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any wine knowledge before Level 1?
None at all. Level 1 is designed for complete beginners — if you can hold a glass, you're qualified to start. In one relaxed day you'll learn the main wine styles, how to taste properly, and how to pair wine with food.
What happens on the day?
One day, 9:45–17:00, in central Luxembourg City. We taste 12 benchmark wines together, cover the essentials of wine styles and food pairing, and finish with a 45-minute multiple-choice exam — 30 questions, and most people find it very manageable.
What if I fail the exam?
Very few people do — it's genuinely beginner-friendly, and everything you need is covered on the day. If it does go wrong, you can resit the exam for a small fee. 70% (21/30) required to pass.
Is lunch included?
No — lunch isn't included, but everything else is: all wines, materials and the exam fee. There's a proper break in the middle of the day, and you've got options: a two-course business lunch at the hotel (€29), plenty of places to eat nearby, or bring your own and eat in the classroom (overlooking Merl Park) or the garden.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Pass the exam (70% or more) and you receive the official WSET Level 1 certificate and lapel pin, recognised by the wine trade worldwide. Results usually arrive about four weeks after the exam.
I don't drink much — will I be drunk by 5pm?
No! Tasting is not drinking. You'll learn to taste the professional way — assess, spit, move on. Spittoons are provided for every student.
What if I need to cancel or move to another date?
Just email me with your order number and I'll help. Cancellations and transfers — to another date or another person — are accepted up to 10 working days before the start, for a €25 admin fee plus the cost of any study materials already sent; the balance is refunded. Within 10 working days of the start, or once the course has begun, I can't offer a refund or transfer, as the WSET registration and materials costs are already incurred (WSET registration and exam fees are non-refundable). And if I ever have to reschedule or cancel a course myself — for example if it doesn't reach minimum numbers — I'll tell you at least 10 working days ahead and refund you in full if none of the alternatives work.