FAQ Weeno Drinks Academy – 2026-2027

1 – Registration

Which courses does Weeno offer?

Weeno offers the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications:

• Wines: Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Spirits: Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Beers: Levels 1 and 2
• Japanese Sake: Levels 1, 2 and 3 (Level 3 is offered in Paris, in English)

The WSET Level 3 in Wines in French can now be funded directly through your CPF (French personal training account), in Marseille, in Paris or live online (see the section “WSET Level 3 in Wines and CPF”).

Weeno also runs themed classes throughout the year: The Great Wines of France, White Wines, Red Wines, Unusual Wines, Champagne & Sparkling Wines, Rums, Whiskies and Gins.

Specialised language courses in wines, spirits, beers and sake are also available with our partners CLOE and LanguageCert (LTE). Eligible for CPF funding, they are based on the WSET programmes and focus on learning English.

Finally, you can organise a private tasting event, with the option of obtaining a WSET Level 1 certification in wines, spirits, beers or sake, or request a private WSET course. Vanessa ([email protected]) will guide you and send you a personalised quote.

How can I register for a Weeno course?

Weeno courses are available by booking:

• Through our website
• Through your personal training account – CPF (Mon Compte Formation): for the WSET Level 3 in Wines in French (Marseille, Paris or live online) and for the CLOE and LTE language courses. The links are available on each course page of our website.
• Through your CPA (Compte Personnel d’Activité), if you are a civil servant
• Through your employer and its funding body (OPCO): we will send you a quote on request at [email protected]
• Through France Travail: we will send you a quote on request at [email protected]

Contact Vanessa ([email protected]), who will help you choose the most suitable course and funding option.

Which WSET level is recommended for my starting level?

Levels 1 and 2 are open to beginners.

• Level 1: a one-day introduction to wines, spirits, beers or sake. (approximately 6-10 hours of study)
• Level 2: a much more comprehensive introduction, lasting 2 to 4 days depending on the subject. (approximately 30-50 hours of study)
• Level 3: an advanced and demanding level, lasting 5 to 6 days depending on the subject, with at least 60 hours of personal study at home. We strongly recommend completing Level 2 before enrolling. (approximately 90 to 110 hours of study)

You do not have to take Level 1 before Level 2, nor Level 2 before Level 3, although the latter is strongly recommended. Vanessa ([email protected]) can help you choose the most suitable course.

Can I cancel, transfer or change the dates of my course?

Cancellations: you can cancel your course up to 30 working days before the start of your course or exam. We retain an administration fee of €30, plus the cost of the course materials (€90 for the WSET Level 2 in Wines textbook, €150 for the WSET Level 3 in Wines textbook).

Transfers: you can transfer your booking to another course or exam up to 30 working days before the start date. The €30 administration fee applies, plus any costs for new course materials. Send your request to [email protected] at least 30 working days before the original date. After this deadline, no changes are possible.

What conditions apply to bookings made through the CPF (WSET Level 3 in Wines, CLOE, LTE)?

For bookings made through your CPF, the general terms and conditions of Mon Compte Formation apply. Any change of date requires cancelling your CPF application and submitting a new course request on your CPF account.

2 – WSET Courses

How long do the courses last?

How should I prepare for my in-person course?

• Level 1: no specific preparation is required.
• Level 2: read the textbook sent before the course carefully (and the ebook if you chose a bilingual or English course). Allow around 12 h of personal study before the session.
• Level 3: same approach as Level 2, with a heavier workload. Allow around 60 h of preparation before the course starts. We recommend making summary notes for each chapter and working visually with the maps of each country.

How many samples will I taste during my course?

Online, the tasting kit is available as an option for wines (Levels 1 to 3), spirits (Levels 1 and 2) and beers (Levels 1 and 2).

How does the online course work?

Ten days before your course starts, you will receive your booking confirmation email. You will also receive the link to your ebook if you chose a bilingual or English course, as well as your printed textbook in French and your tasting kit if you chose these options. Not all samples in the kit will necessarily be tasted during the course: feel free to taste them at your own pace to illustrate what you have learned.

We offer two online formats:

• Self-paced (Levels 1, 2 and 3): no live classes or fixed schedule, you log in whenever suits you. Each week covers a topic through videos, exercises, quizzes and flashcards. Some exercises are to be submitted to your online tutor by a deadline (optional but very useful). An international forum, moderated by your tutor, lets you interact with other students and ask your questions.
• Live – WSET Level 3 in Wines: 9 two-hour video sessions with your educator, on Sundays from 10 am to 12 pm, taught entirely in French. Each session is available as a replay. You also have access to the official WSET platform. The exam takes place in person in Paris or Marseille.

How long do I have access to the online course content?

You have access to the platform content for 1 year from the start date of your online course.

3 – WSET Level 3 in Wines and CPF

Can the WSET Level 3 in Wines be funded through the CPF?

Yes. The WSET Level 3 in Wines in French can be funded directly through your CPF, under the title “Évaluer des vins pour concevoir et promouvoir une offre (WSET 3 en vins)”. It is available in three formats:

• In person in Marseille
• In person in Paris
• Live online: 9 two-hour sessions on Sundays from 10 am to 12 pm, live and available as replays

Links to Mon Compte Formation are available on each course page of our website.

What is included in the price when funded through the CPF?

• The WSET Level 3 exam is included, whatever the format.
• The tasting kit is included for the online version only. For in-person courses, the wines are tasted during the course.

Is the WSET Level 3 exam compulsory?

Yes. If your course is funded through the CPF, taking the WSET Level 3 exam is compulsory. It takes place in person, in Paris or Marseille.

Can other WSET courses be funded through the CPF?

No. Only the WSET Level 3 in Wines in French can be funded through the CPF. Other WSET courses (Levels 1 and 2, spirits, beers, sake, and the WSET Level 3 in Wines in English or self-paced) remain available through our website, your OPCO, France Travail or the CPA.

How does it differ from the CPF-funded CLOE and LTE courses?

CLOE and LTE courses are English language courses built on the WSET programmes. They lead to an English language certification, and the WSET exam is not included in their price. You can take it afterwards at a reduced rate (see the section “WSET Exams”).

The CPF-funded WSET Level 3 in Wines, on the other hand, is a full WSET course, exam included.

4 – Ebooks and Textbooks

Can I receive the ebook as a PDF?

No, the ebook is copy-protected. You receive a unique code to access it via the Kitaboo portal.

Only the WSET Level 1 textbooks are available as PDFs, in French or in English.

Are there ebooks in French and textbooks in English?

There is no ebook in French. For your online courses:

• Bilingual French-English option: the printed textbook is sent in French.
• In English: the textbook is sent in digital format only (ebook). We do not send printed textbooks in English.

When will I receive an ebook in English?

You receive an ebook in English if you take a Level 2 or 3 course, in the bilingual or English version.

I am taking a course in French; can I receive an ebook in English?

Yes, it will cost €60 for Level 2 and €120 for Level 3. Send your request to [email protected], or order it yourself via this link.

Can I order an additional textbook?

Yes, you can order additional printed textbooks, in French or in English: €90 for Level 2 and €150 for Level 3. Send your request to [email protected], or order them yourself via this link.

5 – WSET Exams

Where do I take the WSET exam?

In-person: in Paris or Marseille, in French or in English. Contact us at least 3 weeks before your preferred date.

Online: in English only and for Levels 1 and 2 only. Contact us at least 1 month before your preferred date. Fixed slots are available every week:

• Tuesday at 6 pm
• Thursday at 11 am
• Saturday at 11 am
• Sunday at 6 pm

Level 3: the exam must be taken in person in Paris or Marseille, including for online courses (self-paced or live). Here is the link to the upcoming WSET exam dates.

When will I take the exam?

• In-person course: the exam takes place on site at the end of your course, or by booking. WSET exam conditions are different and specific if your course is funded through the CLOE and LTE certifications via the CPF.
• Online course: you schedule your exam with us ([email protected]) from the slots listed above, with at least one month’s notice. You have 6 months after the end date of your online course to take your exam. Here is the link to the upcoming WSET exam dates.

How is the exam structured and how long does it last?

• Level 1: 30 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes
• Level 2: 50 multiple-choice questions, 1 h
• Level 3: 3 h in total
  • Theory exam (2 h): 50 multiple-choice questions + 4 open questions
  • Blind tasting exam (30 minutes)

In which language will my exam be?

• In person (Marseille / Paris): in English or in French.
• Online: in English only.
• WSET Level 3 in Sake and Spirits (Paris): the course and the exam are in English only.

Can I take a WSET exam after a CPF-funded CLOE / LTE language course?

Yes. CLOE and LTE courses are language courses, not WSET courses: the WSET exam is not included in their price. (Only the WSET Level 3 in Wines in French is a CPF-fundable WSET course, exam included.)

After completing your language course and obtaining your certification, you can take the WSET exam at a reduced rate:

• Level 1: €30
• Level 2: €40
• Level 3: €100 for both papers

Once your CLOE or LTE result is issued, you will receive an email to register for a WSET exam session in person or online (in English, Levels 1 and 2 only). Payment is made directly on our website. For more information: [email protected].

6 – WSET Exam Results and Certificates

When will I receive my WSET exam results?

You will receive your results by email within:

• Online exam (Levels 1 and 2): 5 days
• In-person exam (Levels 1 and 2): 4 to 5 weeks
• In-person exam (Level 3): 12 weeks

What results will I receive?

• Level 1: Fail or Pass (70% or above).
• Level 2: Fail (below 55%), Pass (55-69%), Pass with Merit (70-84%) or Pass with Distinction (85% and above).
• Level 3: separate results for the theory paper and the tasting, with the grades Fail Unclassified (below 45%), Fail (45-54%), Pass (55-69%), Pass with Merit (70-84%), Pass with Distinction (85% and above). If you fail only one paper, you only retake that one. You cannot retake a paper you have passed to improve your score.

The WSET does not provide marks or feedback. However, you can request a detailed breakdown of your results within 10 days of receiving them. This option is chargeable and is not covered by the CPF. Contact us at [email protected] to receive the request form. Please note that Weeno has no visibility over exam marking.

What if I did not pass my exam?

You can retake your exam:

• Level 1: €100
• Level 2: €140
• Level 3: €170 per paper

To re-register, contact us at [email protected] within our usual deadlines: at least 3 weeks before your preferred date for in-person exams, at least 1 month before for online exams. Here is the link to the upcoming WSET exam dates.

What if I disagree with my results?

You can appeal. Contact us ([email protected]) to obtain the documents to send to the WSET, within 6 weeks (Levels 1 and 2) or 12 weeks (Level 3) of receiving your results.

When will I receive my certificate?

The WSET now issues digital certificates – faster and more convenient. You will first receive an email from the WSET asking you to verify your email address, then a second email with your official digital certificate.

Will I receive a printed certificate or a pin?

The WSET no longer sends printed certificates, but we can send you your pin on request. Contact us: [email protected]

7 – CLOE: Certification and Test

What is the CLOE certification?

The CLOE certification, developed by CCI France, assesses and certifies general and professional language skills, both written and spoken. It covers six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

In our wine, spirits, beer and sake courses, the CLOE certification in English provides professional language training tailored to these sectors. The courses are based on the WSET programmes. At the end of the course, you receive your English certification with the specialism “wines and spirits” (wine and spirits courses) or “hospitality and catering” (Japanese sake and beer courses). For more information: CLOE Certifications and France Compétences.

If your course is funded through the CPF, taking the CLOE certification is compulsory. The WSET exam is not included in the price of CLOE courses.

• In-person course with CLOE: bilingual French-English (recommended if your English level is between A1 and B1) or entirely in English (recommended between B2 and C2).
• Online course with CLOE: the course platform is the official WSET online learning platform, and all content is in English.

How can I find out my level of English?

You can take the short, free Oscar online test here.

What learning materials will I have access to?

Level 1: you receive a textbook published by the WSET in your chosen subject, in English. If your course is bilingual, you also receive a textbook in French. For online Level 1 courses in wines and spirits, a tasting kit is also sent to you to develop a rich and nuanced vocabulary (no kit for Japanese sake and beers).

Levels 2 and 3: you receive an ebook published by the WSET in your chosen subject, in English. For in-person courses, you receive a textbook in English. If your course is bilingual, you also receive the WSET textbook in French. For online Level 2 and 3 courses in wines and Level 2 in spirits, a tasting kit is also sent to you (no kit for Levels 1, 2 and 3 in sake and Level 3 in spirits).

In all cases, you have access to the CLOE English practice platform.

What does the CLOE test involve?

The CLOE test consists of a written paper (50 minutes) and an oral paper (15 minutes).

• The written paper, taken online, has 50 questions covering 3 skills: language use (vocabulary, grammar, expressions), reading comprehension and listening comprehension.
• The oral paper takes place by video call with a CLOE assessor, by appointment depending on available slots. It has 3 parts: questions, a role play and a discussion on a given topic.

You cannot fail the CLOE test: it simply determines your level of English in the chosen specialism.

When can I take the CLOE test?

One week after the end of your course, you will receive an email with a link to the CLOE test practice platform, and another link to take the written paper with your login details.

How can I best prepare for the CLOE test?

The learning materials, the exercises completed during the course and access to the international English-language platform (for online courses) are excellent preparation tools.

Do I have to take the CLOE test?

If you accessed the course through your CPF: yes, the test is compulsory.

Do I have to take the CLOE test for each course?

• Individual courses funded through the CPF: yes, a CLOE test is required for each course application.
• Course pack: no, a single test covers both levels.

Is the CLOE test included in the course price?

If you accessed the course through your CPF or chose the CLOE course on our website: yes. Otherwise, the CLOE test and preparation are available as an extra (€150).

Is there a deadline to complete the CLOE test?

Yes. All papers (written and oral) must be completed within 2 months of receiving the email containing the access links. After this deadline, the account is automatically deactivated. Reactivating a new test costs €150, at your own expense (not eligible for CPF funding).

8 – LTE: Certification and Test

What is the LTE certification?

The LTE certification (LanguageCert Test of English) is a suite of general English tests assessing comprehension and expression, both written and spoken. It covers six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), in line with the CEFR.

It helps you strengthen your English in a professional context specific to wines, spirits, beers, sake and hospitality, particularly in an international environment. LTE qualifications are recognised by employers and universities worldwide. They are reliable proof of English proficiency for UK employers and meet the requirements of many British and international qualifications. For more information: LanguageCert Test of English and France Compétences.

The courses are based on the WSET programmes.

If your course is funded through the CPF, taking the LTE certification is compulsory. The WSET exam is not included in the price of LTE courses.

• In-person course with LTE: bilingual French-English (recommended if your English level is between A1 and B1) or entirely in English (recommended between B2 and C2). Level 2 and 3 courses include access, before the in-person session, to the official WSET online learning platform. Its content, entirely in English, helps deepen your sector-specific vocabulary.
• Online course with LTE: the course platform is the official WSET online learning platform, and all content is in English.

At the end of your LTE course, you receive your certification.

How can I find out my level of English?

You can take the short, free Oscar online test here.

What learning materials will I have access to?

Level 1: you receive a textbook published by the WSET in your chosen subject, in English. If your course is bilingual, you also receive a textbook in French. For online Level 1 courses in wines and spirits, a tasting kit is also sent to you (no kit for Japanese sake and beers).

Levels 2 and 3: you receive an ebook published by the WSET in your chosen subject, in English. For in-person courses, you receive a textbook in English. If your course is bilingual, you also receive the WSET textbook in French. For online Level 2 and 3 courses in wines and Level 2 in spirits, a tasting kit is also sent to you (no kit for Levels 1, 2 and 3 in sake and Level 3 in spirits).

What does the LTE test involve?

The LTE test consists of three online papers: Listening & Reading, Speaking and Writing. These are general English papers, which you can schedule at different times. They last 2 h 30 in total.

You cannot fail the LTE test: it simply determines your level of English.

How can I best prepare for the LTE test?

The learning materials, the exercises completed during the course and access to the international English-language platform are excellent preparation tools.

Do I have to take the LTE test?

If you accessed the course through your CPF: yes, the test is compulsory.

Do I have to take the LTE test for each course?

• Individual courses funded through the CPF: yes, an LTE test is required for each course application.
• Course pack: no, a single test covers both levels.

Is the LTE test included in the course price?

If you accessed the course through your CPF: yes. Otherwise, the LTE test and preparation are available as an extra (€200).

Is there a deadline to complete the LTE test?

Yes. All papers (written and oral) must be completed within 2 months of receiving the email containing the access links. After this deadline, the account is automatically deactivated. Reactivating a new test costs €200, at your own expense (not eligible for CPF funding).

9 – CLOE or LTE: What Is the Difference?

Both are language certifications following the six CEFR levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). They differ mainly in the skills assessed and their recognition.

For Level 2 and 3 courses with LTE, we add access to the international WSET platform alongside the in-person course, for a deeper command of English and of wine, spirits, beer and sake vocabulary.