15 Wine Appreciation & Oenology courses in Manchester

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification. Through a combination of tasting and theory you will explore the factors that impact the style and quality of wine and learn how to describe wines with confidence. Course Schedule: The 8 x 2-hour online sessions on -  What the course covers Wine tasting: You will learn how to taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) Food and wine pairing: You will learn the principles of food and wine pairing Wine service and storage: You will learn the correct way to store and serve wine and how to recognise common faults found in wine Labelling: You will learn how to decode and understand wine labels Factors influencing the style of wine: You will explore how environmental factors, grape-growing, vineyard and maturation options influence the style and quality of the wines made all over the world Grape varieties: You'll learn about the styles of wines produced by the key international red and white grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah/Shiraz) as well as the styles of wines made with 22 regionally important grape varieties grown in 70 wine regions (GI's) around the world Sparkling and Fortified wines: You will be taught how grape varieties and winemaking processes influence the style of wines in these two key wine categories. No prior wine knowledge is required however the course builds upon the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course. It is not essential to complete Level 1 to join the Level 2 course but if you are a complete begineer you may wish to consider this option. We recommend you read the course specification document HERE for full details of the content, structure and assesment criteria. Any questions please get in touch. Course delivery The Level 2 Award in Wines online course covers the same syllabus as the classroom course and is delivered in LIVE interactive online lessons by one of our certified wine educators This course includes 16 hours online tuition in 8 x 2hr sessions and we recommend a minimum of 12 hours additional study Your tutor will give you a guided tasting of 12 wines on this course (for details of how to order the wines see below) You will receive access to practice multiple-choice revision questions specific to this course - FREE OF CHARGE Please note a reliable broadband connection is essential for the completion of this online course as are basic computer skills. Examination To obtain the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Qualification, you will need to successfully pass the exam. The exam is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour. A mark of 55% is required to pass the exam. The exam is taken online via a Remote Invigilation service giving you the flexibility to take the exam at a time and date of your choice. More details will be sent upon registration. Please ensure you read the information HERE if you wish to take the exam online.  Whats included All WSET course materials posted to you at no extra charge including: Looking Behind the Label course manual, Study Guide, specification and SAT Tasting Card LIVE virtual interactive sessions taught by a Local Wine School WSET Certified Tutor Exclusive access to practice multiple choice questions provided FREE OF CHARGE WSET exam fee Remote Invigilation service Internationally recognised WSET qualification, certificate and pin for those who pass the exam VAT at 20% (VAT receipt can be provided on request) Course Wines It is recommended that at least 12 wines are tasted as part of this course, although this is optional and the cost of wines is not included in the course fee above. Our wine experts have specially selected wines for this course designed to demonstrate specific learning outcomes. We have negotiated a discounted price only available to our online students. Details of how to order your case of wines will be provided when you book your place. The cost is approx £150 including VAT and delivery.  Wine preservation advice is give so that after each tasting exercise you can reseal and return to the wines over the coming days. Special Educational Needs Please make the school aware if you have a condition which may mean that you will qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. Important dates Registration deadline: please book at least 5 days before the start of the course, to allow time to send materials and order the tasting wines.

A payment plan is available, please contact us for more details. WSET Level 3 in Wines Award is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts. If you are looking to delve deeper into the world of wines, this qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Upon completion you will be able to assess wines accurately, and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality.  What the course covers Wine Tasting: Taste, describe and analyse wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Food and Wine Matching: A guide to the key considerations when matching food and wine successfully Labelling: Learn how to decode and understand labels Wine Production: Learn about the production factors influencing the style, quality and price of wine from vineyard to bottling Light Wines: Learn about the styles of wines produced in the key wine regions and districts of the world: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Greece, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, England and Wales Sparkling Wines: Learn about the methods of production and the main styles of sparkling wines from the key wine producing countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, New World - Australia, California, New Zealand, South Africa Fortified Wines: Learn about the methods of production/main styles of fortified wines from the key wine countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Australia Examination: The examination is in two parts and takes place in the afternoon session of the final day of the course. The WSET Exam fee is included in the course cost. Theory paper: a combined theory paper consisting of a 50 question multiple-choice section and a four question short answer written section. 2 hours. Tasting: a blind tasting of two wines. A mark of 55% required in all sections to pass. 1 hour. The qualification has full accreditation from the UK Government’s Qualifications & Curriculum Authority as a Level 3 Vocational Qualification. To view the full course specification, including examples of exam questions, please click HERE. Recommended Private Study: 56 hours additional private study is recommended for this course. It is strongly recommended the majority of the private study is done in preparation for each session. Private study is essential to ensure that you are ready and prepared for the exam. Entry requirements: Although not essential, we do recommend you have completed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines before enrolling on the course. The syllabus assumes that candidates already possess a good basic understanding of simple wine making techniques, key grape varieties and viticultural patterns. The fee of £825 includes All WSET course materials including; 'Accounting For Style And Quality' course manual (comprehensive 250 page textbook), Study Guide and Full SAT Tasting Card All wine tasting samples (60 to 70 wines) The use of professional ISO tasting glasses 6 days of professional WSET tuition by a WSET Certified tutor Teaching of the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT) ® which will enable you to analyse wines objectively and consistently in preparation for the tasting exam Two fully marked mock tasting exams and weekly written exam technique sessions to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam Comprehensive student support by WSET certified educator outside of class time should you have any questions before, during and after the course Registration with WSET and all examination fees Internationally-recognised certificate and pin badge upon successful completion VAT at 20% (VAT receipt can be provided on request) Special Educational Needs Please make us aware if you have a condition that may mean you qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. Funding Funding for this course is available:  DEVELOP is the educational programme of The Drinks Trust, the drinks and hospitality industry charity. DEVELOP offers fully funded training and skills courses, delivered by industry-leading providers for people already working, or with an ambition to work, in the drinks and hospitality industry. Manchester Wine SChool has partnered with The Drinks Trust to bring courses free of charge to eligible students. All of the WSET courses are available for funding with DEVELOP. To learn more please visit the Drinks Trust website HERE Criteria of eligibility for DEVELOP funding: must be 18 or over, eligible to work in the UK, have a National Insurance Number, and be earning less than £26k/pa

The WSET Level 2 Wine award course is suitable for anybody who has a serious interest in wine and wishes to broaden their knowledge in a structured way.  The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification. Through a combination of tasting and theory you will explore the factors that impact the style and quality of wine and learn how to describe wines with confidence. What the course covers Wine Tasting: Taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Food and Wine Matching: You will learn about the key considerations when matching food and wine successfully Wine Service and Storage: Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wines Labelling: Learn how to decode and understand labels Factors influencing the Style of Wine: Study the factors influencing the style, quality and price of wine in the vineyard and winery Grape Varieties: You'll learn about the styles of wines produced by the key international red and white grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah/Shiraz) as well as the styles of wines made with 22 regionally important grape varieties grown in 70 wine regions (GI's) around the world Sparkling and Fortified wines: You will be taught how grape varieties and winemaking processes influence the style of wines in these two key wine categories Key Wine-Producing regions of the World: Learn about the main styles of wines from the key wine-producing regions. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, USA, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Examination: The 1 hour, 50 multiple-choice question exam is taken in the afternoon of the final day of the course and the exam fee is included in the course cost. A mark of 55% required to pass. Certification: All students who pass will be issued with a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin. N.B. In addition to classroom teaching, students are expected to complete around 12 hours of private study in their own time. No prior wine knowledge is required however the course builds upon the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course. It is not essential to complete Level 1 to join the Level 2 course but if you are a complete beginner you may wish to consider this option. We recommend you read the course specification document HERE for full details of the content, structure and assessment criteria. Any questions please get in touch. The course fee includes All WSET course materials including; Looking Behind the Label course manual, Study Guide, Specification book, and SAT ® Tasting Card Approx 40 delicious wines to taste including Champagne & Port The use of professional ISO tasting glasses 3 days of professional WSET tuition by a WSET Certified tutor Teaching of the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT) ® which will enable you to analyse wines objectively and consistently Registration with WSET and all examination fees Internationally-recognised certificate and pin badge upon successful completion Practice multiple choice questions provided FREE OF CHARGE Comprehensive student support outside of class time should you have any questions before, during and after the course VAT at 20% (VAT receipt can be provided on request) Special Educational Needs Please make us aware if you have a condition that may mean you qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. Funding Funding for this course is available:  DEVELOP is the educational programme of The Drinks Trust, the drinks and hospitality industry charity. DEVELOP offers fully funded training and skills courses, delivered by industry-leading providers for people already working, or with an ambition to work, in the drinks and hospitality industry. Manchester Wine School has partnered with The Drinks Trust to bring courses free of charge to eligible students. All of the WSET courses are available for funding with DEVELOP. To learn more please visit the Drinks Trust website HERE Criteria of eligibility for DEVELOP funding: must be 18 or over, eligible to work in the UK, have a National Insurance Number, and be earning less than £26k/pa

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wines is an ideal starting point for any wine enthusiast who: is considering embarking on a professional career in the drinks industry would like to improve their knowledge of wine through more structured training, and be awarded a certificate to prove they know their stuff It is an enjoyable, relaxed and interactive course designed to introduce participants, in a structured way, to wine styles, storing and serving of wine, and food and wine matching. No prior experience of wine tasting is necessary. There is a short multiple-choice assessment at the end of the day to ensure you have met all the criteria, and can be awarded the certificate. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as part of the UK Qualifications & Credits Framework as a Level 1 Vocational Qualification. The Fee includes: All WSET course materials Professional WSET tuition by WSET Certified tutor Wine samples to taste during the day. We teach you the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT) ® which will enable you to analyse wines objectively and consistently registration with WSET, all examination fees, and an internationally-recognised certificate upon successful completion Tea & coffee breaks VAT at 20% Funding Funding for this course is available:  DEVELOP is the educational programme of The Drinks Trust, the drinks and hospitality industry charity. DEVELOP offers fully funded training and skills courses, delivered by industry-leading providers for people already working, or with an ambition to work, in the drinks and hospitality industry. Manchester Wine School has partnered with The Drinks Trust to bring courses free of charge to eligible students. All of the WSET courses are available for funding with DEVELOP. To learn more please visit the Drinks Trust website HERE Criteria of eligibility for DEVELOP funding: must be 18 or over, eligible to work in the UK, have a National Insurance Number, and be earning less than £26k/pa

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is the ideal starting point for anybody new to wine or those beginning a career in wine or hospitality. It lays the foundation for understanding wine, giving you confidence for food and wine pairing and an introduction to different wine styles. What the course covers: The basic skills and product knowledge required for the service and retail of wine The main types and styles of wine Common wine grapes and their characteristics How to make food and wine pairings How to store and serve wine How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT) The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as part of the UK Government’s Qualifications & Credits Framework as a Level 1 Vocational Qualification. We recommend you read the course specification document before you sign up for the course. Course delivery The Level 1 Award in Wines online course covers the same syllabus as the classroom course and is delivered in LIVE virtual lessons by one of our certified wine educators The course includes 6 hours online tuition in 3 x 2 hour sessions Your tutor will provide a guided tasting of 6 wines with you on this course (for details of how to order the wines for your course see below) You will receive access to practice multiple-choice revision questions specific to this course You will be sent details of how to join your LIVE sessions when you book Please note a reliable broadband connection is essential for the completion of this online course as is basic computer skills. Examination To obtain the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Qualification, you will need to successfully pass the exam. The exam is made up of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. You must answer at least 70% correctly to pass the exam. The exam is taken online via a Remote Invigilation service. We will arrange a suitable time/date for you to take your exam when you are ready to do so. Please ensure you read the information HERE if you wish to take the exam online.  The course fee includes: Course study guide, posted to you at no extra charge LIVE virtual, interactive sessions taught by a Local Wine School WSET Certified Tutor Exclusive access to practice multiple choice questions Registration with WSET and all examination fees Remote Invigilation service *Please note there are some minimum system requirement (contact us for more information) Internationally recognised WSET qualification certificate and pin for those who pass the exam VAT at 20% (VAT receipt can be provided on request). Course Wines: It is recommended that 6 wines are tasted as part of this course, although this is optional and not essential to complete the course. Please note that the cost of wines is not included in the course fee above. Our wine experts have specially selected wines for this course aligned to demonstrate specific learning outcomes. They have even negotiated a specially discounted price only available to our online students. The price of the 6 bottle case around £75.95 including delivery. Details of how to order your case of wines will be provided when you book your place. Special Educational Needs Please make the school aware if you have a condition that may mean that you will qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. Important dates Registration deadline: please book at least 5 days before the start of the course, to allow time to send materials and order the tasting wines.

‘Both of these wines are [Grape X] from [Country Y] – so why is this one twice the price?’ It’s a question that we’re often asked, so for summer 2024, we’re putting on a trio of tastings to show what happens when you fork out some extra money. Each week, we’ll try four pairs of popular styles of wine, one bottle of we’ve bought for under £10, while the other has cost at least twice as much. And we’ll be trying each pair ‘blind’ – you’ll know what the wines are, but not which is in Glass 1 and which in Glass 2… We’ll have a chat about what it is in each case that makes one of the wines more expensive, then we’ll see which you prefer before revealing which is which. Do you have expensive tastes, or are you more at home with the cheap and cheerful? It’s a great opportunity to find out – and to taste some lovely wines!  The line-up for each week will be: Week 1 WHITES: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Pinot Grigio REDS: Australian Shiraz, Red Bordeaux Week 2 WHITES: Loire Sauvignon Blanc, South African Chenin Blanc REDS: Rioja, New Zealand Pinot Noir Week 3 WHITES: White Burgundy, German Dry Riesling REDS: Red Rhône, Argentine Malbec Each week’s tasting will include 8 wines, and there’ll be some tasty cheese as accompaniment. The cost for each tasting is £37.50, but if you book for all three sessions, the price will be just £100, saving £12.50.

World Malbec Day is April 17th, although for some reason it’s actually called Malbec World Day. Meanwhile, May 6th is International Sauvignon Blanc Day. So how about a very special event between the two to celebrate these very special grapes? It’s a great opportunity to see how the “Old World” originals such as Sancerre and Cahors stack up against their “New World” counterparts such as New Zealand Sauvignon and Argentine Malbec. But it’s also a chance to see the success that winemakers are having with the two grapes in other parts of the world. Expect to see a range of styles too – in previous years, we’ve kicked off the day with a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, and finished with a fortified Malbec, for example. And we’ll have a dig through our cellars to see if we can find some rare older examples of both grapes We’ll taste 12 wines on the day (yes 6 of each!) with a break in the middle for a tasty two-course lunch. This is usually one of our most popular tastings, so do book soon to avoid disappointment

For many people we know, the first rule of wine is that it should be sparkling. If you fall into that bracket, or you know someone who does, allow us to introduce our Prestige Champagne and Sparkling Wine Masterclass.  There are two main ways in which this event stands out over our regular and very popular sparkling wine tastings. Firstly, we’ll be featuring eight wines rather than the usual six. Secondly, we’ll be focussing on more expensive bottles, with the line-up including a Prestige Cuvée from a well-known Champagne producer. What else can you expect? At least another couple of Champagnes as well as sparkling wines from other parts of Europe (England included) and a selection of the best of the New World. And with that amount of wine, we’ll have a couple of specially-selected cheeses on hand to mop up the bubbles and to show just how well fizz and cheese can go together. If you had to buy a bottle of each of these wines, it would cost over £300, which makes our price per ticket of just £55 look very appealing. We’re expecting this tasting to prove very popular, both for sparkling wine enthusiasts and also for those looking to buy a present for the fizz fans in their life. So if you’d like to book a place, we’d advise you to move quickly before they’ve all gone.

The combo of Fish and Chips with good white wines is a brilliant one – especially if some of those wines are sparkling! We’re equally thrilled to be able to host this tasting at The Real Greek in central Manchester, home of impeccable fish and chips and much more besides. We’ll kick off the evening by trying a trio of still wines that make great Fish and Chip partners – expect things like Spanish Albariño, Australian Riesling, Greek Assyrtiko and South African Sauvignon Blanc. There’ll also be some classic Greek flatbread and dips on the side to stop tummies rumbling too much. And then for the main event, we’ll try our fish and chips alongside three sparkling wines, including Champagne. If past experience is anything to go by, expect a fun-filled tasting where you’ll learn a little, laugh a lot and enjoy a great evening of food and wine. (a vegetarian alternative of Halloumi & Vegetable Skewer and Chips is also available - please notify us at the time of booking if you'd prefer this option. Also, let us know at the time of booking if you have any specific dietary requirements and we will liaise with the restaurant to try and accommodate them.)

Spain’s most famous wine region could arguably stake a claim to being the world’s most popular one too – it’s a rare wine drinker who hasn’t been wooed by the charms of Rioja. And while we’re big fans of the good everyday bottles – what we think of as Wednesday night, sausage-and-mash gluggers – we thought it was time for another tasting to show what happens when the producers pull all the stops out. Because this is a place with a magnificent heritage, a magnificent terroir – or to be more accurate several magnificent terroirs – and a magnificent array of grape varieties. So join us as we explore the higher reaches of Rioja, and look at the many expressions of its wines. There’ll be traditional wines, there’ll be modern ones. There’ll be wines made from a variety of grapes, there’ll be ones made from just one. There’ll be young wines, there’ll be older wines. There'll be blends from across the region, but there'll also be examples of the recently-introduced 'Viñedo Singular' - single vineyard wines. And in among the delicious reds, there’ll be at least one of the undersung white wines. We’ll be trying at least eight wines with an average price of over £25 – and there’ll be some Manchego to nibble on the side. It’s a great opportunity to see what makes a great wine region great, and we look forward to sharing these treasures with you.