Next courses:
Helsinki: 24.11 & 1.12.2026, two nights 17:30-21
Helsinki: 13.1 & 20.1.2027, two nights 17:30-21
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course is ideal for anyone interested in wine. You may be just starting to learn about wine or have been a wine enthusiast for some time.
The training will take place on two evenings from 17:30 to 21:00. On the second evening there will also be an exam at the end (duration 45 min.) The location is a wine cellar in the centre of Helsinki.
The course will cover wine making, wine tasting and evaluation, the most common grape varieties, wine serving and storage, and food and wine pairing.
Many people struggle with describing wines. In WSET courses you learn how to describe and analyze wines in a meaningful way that others will understand.
The language of the course material and the exam is English.
Those who pass the course exam will receive an electronic diploma.
We also teach WSET courses in Tampere. Teaching in Tampere will be in Finnish language. See more information in Finnish pages.
Price: 255 €
The course price includes everything! (VAT, study materials, exam and wine tasting during the course).
Read the specification for this course: WSET Level 1 specification
Wineserver Wine Academy Policy
WSET Level 1 Online
The WSET wine qualification can also be taken as an online course. Language for the course in English. An online course may also be a suitable option for those who live further away from Helsinki or Tampere, or if their work allows them to taste a lot of wines.
WSET Level 1 and 2 courses can be done at home, including the multiple choice exam with remote invigilation.
Read more about online courses from this link: WSET Online course
Answers to frequently asked questions about the WSET Level 1 wine course
What is WSET?
WSET stands for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. WSET is the world’s largest and most respected provider of wine and spirits education. It was founded in England in 1969 and operates in 75 different countries.
Who is the WSET Level 1 Awards in Wine course suitable for?
The course is suitable for absolutely anyone with an interest in wine. You do not need any previous experience of wine or to have studied wine before. You may be just starting to explore wine or have been an enthusiast for some time.
Why take the WSET Level 1 wine course?
With just a little study, you’ll get much more enjoyment out of wine. Many people find it challenging to describe wines and put their observations into words. On the WSET course, you’ll learn the vocabulary for describing wine, how to make observations about it, and how to produce logical and clear wine evaluations. The WSET Level 1 course provides a solid foundation for your interest in wine and for studying at the next levels.
What is covered on the WSET Level 1 course?
The course covers wine production, wine tasting and evaluation, the most common grape varieties, wine service and storage, as well as food and wine pairing. On WSET courses, you’ll learn the vocabulary used to describe wine, how to make observations about wine, and how to produce logical and clear wine evaluations. The course Specification sets out the detailed content of the course.
How long does the WSET Level 1 course last?
The WSET Level 1 introductory wine course lasts two evenings.
Where is the WSET Level 1 course held?
In central Helsinki: Classic Wine Cellars, Eteläesplanadi 20, 00130 Helsinki.
Who is teaching the WSET Level 1 course?
The teacher is Tomi Naarvala, a DipWSET wine educator and founder of Wineserver, who has several years’ experience in organising wine courses, tasting events and wine tours.
Is a WSET wine qualification useful in the job market?
Studying wine gives you a significant advantage in the job market; it demonstrates your level of knowledge and proves your motivation to learn about wine. WSET is the world’s largest and most respected provider of wine and spirits education. Over 100,000 students study WSET courses each year in more than 75 different countries.
What is the final exam for the course like?
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, and you have 45 minutes to complete it. To pass the exam, you need to answer at least 70 per cent of the questions correctly.
What if I don’t pass the exam?
It is possible to retake the WSET Level 1 exam. A resit costs approximately €30.
What other costs are involved in the qualification?
Everything is included in the course fee! VAT, study materials, the exam and the wines tasted during the lessons. The only possible additional cost is exam resit.
How is the course grade determined?
The course grade is based on the exam result: Pass or Fail.
Is the WSET Level 1 course useful for someone who has been interested in wine for a long time?
More experienced wine enthusiasts can enrol directly on the WSET Level 2 course.
Can I buy the WSET Level 1 course as a gift?
If you’d like to give the course as a gift, you can purchase a gift voucher from our online shop. This allows the recipient to choose a suitable date for the course themselves. WSET Level 1 courses are held several times a year.
Where can I take the WSET Level 1 wine course with Wineserver?
Courses are currently available in Helsinki. It is also possible to take the course online.
In which language is the WSET Level 1 course taught?
The study materials and exam are in English. Lessons are also conducted in English if there are international students in the group.
How often do you have WSET 1 wine courses?
New courses start approximately every other month.
What to study after the WSET 1 wine course?
It is recommended to continue to WSET 2 wine course. WSET wine courses offer a structured study programme which teaches you the most important topics in the right order.
