Looking to take your wine expertise to the next level?
The WSET Level 3 in Wine is the ultimate advanced qualification for those who want to master the detailed analysis of wines from around the world.
At Weeno, this course is offered in Paris, Marseille, or online — in a learning environment designed to support rigorous study and personal growth.
Here’s everything you need to know before taking the leap into WSET Level 3.
1. What is the WSET Level 3 in Wine?
The WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is a globally recognized institution offering in-depth training in wine, spirits, sake, and beer.
WSET Level 3 in Wine is an advanced certification designed to help students describe wines with precision and support their assessments through a deep understanding of the factors that influence wine style, quality, and price.
This course is recommended for wine professionals and serious enthusiasts who already have a solid theoretical and practical foundation — especially those who have completed WSET Level 2.
It’s an official, internationally recognized qualification.
2. Why Take the WSET Level 3 in Wine?
Here are the key benefits of this course:
- Master the detailed analysis of wines from around the world
- Understand the natural and human factors that influence wine production
- Learn how to professionally evaluate wines
- Use your knowledge to explain wine quality and style
- Strengthen your ability to justify your assessments with evidence
- Deepen your expertise in food and wine pairing, labelling, and production
- Earn a valuable certification recognized in over 70 countries
The WSET Level 3 in Wine is often considered a prerequisite for senior roles in the wine industry.
It’s also a key stepping stone if you’re planning to pursue the WSET Diploma (Level 4).
3. Who Is the WSET Level 3 in Wine For?
The WSET Level 3 is designed for:
- Wine professionals: sommeliers, wine merchants, salespeople, buyers, importers, agents, restaurant managers, trainers…
- Individuals transitioning into a wine career
- Passionate wine enthusiasts with a strong foundation and a high level of motivation
For professionals, this qualification will help you:
- Enhance your CV with an internationally recognized certification
- Advise clients more effectively through deep knowledge of food and wine pairings and global wine styles
- Progress within the industry by accessing higher-level positions
- Stay competitive in a constantly evolving market
In an industry as competitive as wine, a WSET qualification can set you apart.
It is strongly recommended that you have completed WSET Level 2 or have significant industry experience before enrolling.
4. A Comprehensive and Demanding Curriculum
The WSET Level 3 in Wine offers in-depth coverage of:
- Natural factors in wine production: vine, grape, climate, weather, soil, and topography
- Human factors in wine production: viticulture (training, pruning, planting density, risk management…), winemaking (oxygen management, adjustments, fermentation, sweet wine production…), maturation, blending, and bottling (clarification, stabilization, packaging, closures)
- The impact of these key factors on the style, quality, and price of wines
- Application of these principles to still, sparkling, and fortified wines from around the world
- Major wine-producing regions: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Greece, USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand
- Advanced tasting techniques using the WSET SAT (Systematic Approach to Tasting) to describe wine characteristics
- Evaluating wine quality and ageing potential based on structure, balance, and complexity
- Analysis of styles, labelling, and wine markets, enabling you to give informed advice to clients or teams
You can find the full WSET Level 3 wine course specifications on the WSET website.
This course also integrates the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) to help you develop a structured tasting method and a professional wine vocabulary.
You will taste up to 75 wines during the course, carefully selected to reflect a wide range of styles — including many organic and biodynamic wines.
5. How Does the WSET Level 3 in Wine Work at Weeno?
The in-person course runs over 5 days (30 hours of instruction), with a recommended 54 hours of personal study.
It is structured into two sessions:
- A first 3-day session
- Followed by a study break to focus on practice and exam preparation
- Then a final 2-day session, including the final exam
For the online version, the course is spread over 9 weeks.
Students who choose this format will have access to:
- Video lessons
- Interactive quizzes
- Flashcards
- Summary sheets
- A dedicated WSET online educator
- A global student community forum
- English-only learning platform
- Final exam held in person in Paris or Marseille
- No tasting kit provided
- Asynchronous learning over 9 weeks
- Access to all materials for 1 full year
This means you can earn a globally recognized qualification in just a few days (or weeks), without the need to go back to school for months.
It’s the ideal format for professionals aiming to upgrade their skills quickly…
And for passionate enthusiasts looking to gain in-depth knowledge without committing to a long-term program.
What Does the Final Exam Include?
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 4 short written-answer questions
- A blind tasting of 2 wines using the WSET SAT method
To pass, you need to score at least 55% in each part of the exam.
You’ll receive a “Pass with Merit” from 70%, and a “Pass with Distinction” from 85%.
🔗 For our top tips on how to pass your WSET exams, check out this dedicated blog post!
6. Why Choose Weeno for Your WSET Level 3 in Wine?
Weeno is a certified WSET Approved Program Provider, known for:
- A high success rate at Level 3 (78% for theory, 98% for tasting in 2024)
- Personalized support and a warm learning environment: Small groups of max. 14 students for better interaction with the trainer.
- Certified and experienced educators: Learn from wine professionals who are passionate and respected in the field.
- Exclusive learning resources: Tasting sheets, quizzes, revision guides, and case studies.
- A dynamic, structured, and hands-on teaching method: Theory is combined with practice and real-life scenarios to make knowledge stick.
- Ideal learning locations in the heart of Paris (9th), Marseille (7th), or online
- CPF Funding eligibility (for French learners through the CLOE English certification)
With Weeno, you’ll join a community of passionate learners and professionals committed to excellence, curiosity, and support.
To conclude
The WSET Level 3 in Wine is the gold-standard advanced course for anyone who wants to reach a professional level in wine expertise.
It’s the perfect certification if you want to:
- Deepen your knowledge of the wines of the world
- Prepare for a career change or a professional promotion
- Gain credibility and confidence in wine tasting
Ready to level up?
👉 Enroll now in the WSET Level 3 in Wine with Weeno at https://weenodrinksacademy.com
