International Higher Level 3 Course Content

1.  Wine production (location, viticulture, vinification, maturation and bottling, EU labelling, study costs).
2. Still wines from the most important wine producing regions of the world.
3. Sparkling wines of the world (regions and districts, methods of production, factors which influence style, quality and price).
4. Fortified wines of the world (regions and districts, methods of production, factors which influence style, quality and price).
5. Spirits and Liqueurs (production process, spirits and liqueurs, factors which affect style, quality and price).
6. Information and advice for consumers and employers (characteristics of style, quality and price, principles of food pairing, sales and services, most common errors, aspects related to society and health).

7. During the course more than 75 wines and spirits from the mentioned regions are tasted.

Course Objectives
This International Higher Level 3 Course is designed to offer a broad knowledge of the main wines and spirits from all over the world, as well as studying their importance in the world markets. This course, once passed, is an important tool for those who need to make professional evaluations of wines and spirits in relation to their quality and commercial value; it also provides the necessary knowledge for the professional in the small retail outlets.

The holders of the WSET International Higher Certificate in wines and spirits will be able to describe the principal characteristics of wines and spirits of the world as well as provide relative information on key factors that affect style, quality and value. Consequently, they will be in a position to advise and respond in a professional manner to the questions of the clients and select wines and spirits for the different occasions.

This Course is Directed to:

• Winery personnel
• Oenologists
• Sommeliers
• Distributors and importers.
• Staff in wine retail shops.
• Staff in hotels and restaurants.
• Anybody in businesses related to the wine industry and other alcoholic beverages, and who have a basic previous knowledge.
• Amateurs who wish to expand their knowledge of wine.

Barring few exceptions, it is necessary to have passed WSET Level 2 before taking the Level 3 examination.

Examination Requirements
All candidates must be over 18 years of age.
Once completed the 5-day course, the students must pass an examination which consists of two parts:

Part 1 (15 min):
Blind tasting of a wine.
To correctly identify the wine between 4 possibilities.
To correctly identify the price range between 4 possibilities.

Part 2 (45 min):
Theoretical examination which consists of a multiple choice 50 questions exam.

Dates (See calendar)

Registration (Please download Registration Forms from the Registration Section)

• Course fees 2007-2008: 890€ plus 16% IVA (VAT).
• Registration deadline: ends15 days before the commencement of the course.
• Form of payment: Online (PAYPAL or credit card), money order or bank transfer.
• Registration ill only be valid once the payment has been confirmed.

Registration Includes:

• 5 day intensive course.
• Examination fees.
• Official study materials.
• Official WSET text book in English.
• Tastings.

Course Programme

Day 1
 9:30 - 10:00 - Registration
10:00 - 11:15 - Introduction & WSET Tasting Technique
11:15 - 11:30 - Break
11:30 - 13:00 - Viticulture & Vinification
13:00 - 14:30 - Lunch (not included in price)
14:30 - 15:45 - Bordeaux
15:45 - 17:00 - Burgundy

Day 2
10:00 - 11:30 - Alsace & South West France
11:30 - 11:45 - Break
11:45 - 13:15 - Loire, Rhône & South of France
13:15 - 14:45 - Lunch (not included in price)
14:45 - 16:15 - Champagne & other Sparkling Wines
16:15 - 17:00 - Service & Storage of Wine

Day 3
10:00 - 11:30 - Italy
11:30 - 11:45 - Break
11:45 - 13:15 - Spain & Portugal
13:15 - 14:45 - Lunch (not included in price)
14:45 - 16:15 - Fortified Wines
16:15 - 17:00 - Spirits & Liqueurs

Day 4
10:00 - 11:30 - Germany, United Kingdom & Central Europe
11:30 - 11:45 - Break
11:45 - 13:15 - Rest of Europe, Asia & North America
13:15 - 14:45 - Lunch (not included in price)
14:45 - 16:15 - South America & South Africa
16:15 - 17:00 - Review

Day 5
10:00 - 11:30 - Australia & New Zealand
11:30 - 12:00 - Break
12:00 - 14:00 - Exams

Note: The Wine Academy of Spain reserves the right to modify this programme if considered necessary in order to guarantee a better quality of the course.