Classes
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines | Live Online Wine Certification
Take the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines online with The Cool Somm! This live, instructor-led wine certification course is designed for wine enthusiasts and hospitality professionals who want to deepen their wine knowledge, build professional confidence, and earn an internationally recognized qualification—all from the comfort of home.
Ready to go beyond the basics and actually understand why wine tastes the way it does?
Whether you're working in hospitality, building a career in wine, or simply want to feel genuinely confident choosing, tasting, and talking about wine, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect next step.
Over four interactive Monday afternoon sessions, we'll explore the world's major grape varieties and wine regions, how climate, grape growing, and winemaking influence what ends up in your glass, and how to confidently describe and assess wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT).
Unlike a self-paced online course, you'll learn live with a WSET Diploma-qualified educator, participate in guided discussions and tasting exercises, and have opportunities to ask questions and connect with fellow wine lovers.
You'll leave with a deeper understanding of the wines you already love—and the knowledge to discover a whole lot more.
Some prior wine knowledge is helpful, but you do not need to have completed WSET Level 1 to enroll.
And, as always: no snobbery required.
This WSET qualification is offered through Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue (WSET Approved Programme Provider 1368), with live online instruction delivered by The Cool Somm on its behalf.
WSET Level 2 Online Course Details
Class Dates: November 23 & 30 and December 7 & 14, 2026
Class Time: Mondays | 2–6 PM Pacific Time
Exam Date: Monday, December 21, 2026
Format: Live, interactive online classroom via zoom
Location: Online — participate from home
Standard Tuition: $599
Hospitality Industry Tuition: $529
Groups of 4+: $549 per person
Registration Deadline: November 11, 2026
Wine Samples: Can be purchased separately through an outside supplier
What's Included in Your Tuition?
Official WSET Level 2 Award in Wines study materials
16 hours of live, instructor-led wine education
Interactive lessons covering the world's major grape varieties and wine-producing regions
Guided wine tasting instruction using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®
Exam preparation and practice questions
Official WSET digital certificate upon successfully passing the examination
Shipping fees for physical study materials, if applicable, and wine tasting samples are not included.
Wine Tasting Samples
Because wine education is better with wine in your glass!
Students will participate in guided tasting exercises throughout the course to understand how grape variety, climate, and winemaking influence wine style and quality.
A curated wine tasting kit will be available for purchase separately through an independent wine sample supplier. If you choose not to purchase a wine kit, a list of suggested wine samples will be provided. There is no tasting component in the level 2 exam.
The tasting kit is not included in tuition.
What Will You Learn?
Throughout the course, you'll develop a deeper understanding of:
Grape Growing & Winemaking: How environmental factors, vineyard decisions, and winemaking techniques affect wine style and quality.
Major Grape Varieties: The characteristics of internationally important white and red grapes, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and more.
Wine Regions Around the World: How climate, geography, and regional traditions shape the wines we drink.
Wine Labels & Terminology: How to interpret regional names, labeling terms, and indicators of wine style and quality.
Sparkling & Fortified Wines: The key production methods and styles you should know.
Food & Wine Pairing: The principles behind successful pairings and how food can influence the way wine tastes.
Professional Wine Tasting: How to systematically evaluate and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®.
Online Learning & Study Requirements
This course includes 16 hours of live virtual instruction, supported by independent study and exam preparation.
The WSET Level 2 qualification requires a minimum of 28 total qualification hours, including guided learning, independent study, and assessment.
Students should expect to complete assigned readings, review study materials, and prepare for the examination outside of scheduled class hours.
To participate, you'll need a computer or tablet, a reliable internet connection, access to the designated virtual classroom platform, and your WSET study materials.
Attendance at all four live sessions is strongly encouraged, but sessions will be recorded and can be sent out if needed.
Examination & Certification
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is assessed through a 60-minute, closed-book examination consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.
The examination is planned for Monday, December 21, 2026.
Students who successfully pass the examination will receive the internationally recognized WSET Level 2 Award in Wines certificate and lapel pin.
Special Tuition for Hospitality Professionals
Working in wine or hospitality? This one's for you.
We believe great wine education should be accessible to the people who share their passion for wine every day.
That's why The Cool Somm offers special hospitality industry tuition of $529, a $70 savings off standard registration.
This rate is intended for eligible professionals working in restaurants, hotels, wineries, tasting rooms, wine retail, distribution, and related beverage industry roles.
Bringing your team? Groups of four or more can register together for $549 per person.
Ready to Take Your Wine Knowledge to the Next Level?
Whether you're pursuing a career in wine, looking to advance in hospitality, or simply ready to become the most knowledgeable wine lover at the dinner table, this course is for you.
Join The Cool Somm for an engaging, approachable, and genuinely fun way to earn your WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
Come curious. Leave knowing your wine.
In partnership with Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue – WSET Approved Programme Provider 1368.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines | Live Online Wine Certification
Take the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines online with The Cool Somm! This live, instructor-led wine certification course is designed for wine beginners, enthusiasts, and hospitality professionals who want to build a strong foundation in wine—all from the comfort of home.
Love wine but wish you actually understood what you're drinking?
Whether you're just starting your wine journey, working in hospitality, or simply want to feel more confident choosing, tasting, and talking about wine, the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is the perfect place to start.
Over two fun, interactive Sunday afternoon sessions, we'll explore the major styles of wine, discover the characteristics of important grape varieties, learn how to taste wine like a professional, and uncover the secrets behind successful food and wine pairings.
Unlike a self-paced online course, you'll learn live with a WSET Diploma-qualified educator, participate in guided tasting exercises, ask questions in real time, and connect with fellow wine lovers.
You'll leave with the knowledge to navigate a wine list, shop for wine with confidence, and understand what's actually happening in your glass.
No previous wine knowledge or qualifications are required.
And, as always: no snobbery required.
This WSET qualification is offered through Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue (WSET Approved Programme Provider 1368), with live online instruction delivered by The Cool Somm on its behalf.
WSET Level 1 Online Course Details
Class Dates: Sunday, December 6 & 13, 2026
Class Time: 2-5PM
Exam Date: December 13th
Format: Live, interactive virtual classroom
Location: Online — learn from home
Standard Tuition: $349
Hospitality Industry Tuition: $299
Groups of 4+: $319 per person
Wine Samples: Purchased separately through a third-party supplier
What's Included in Your Tuition?
Official WSET Level 1 Award in Wines study materials
Two live, instructor-led wine education sessions
Interactive lessons covering essential wine knowledge
Guided tasting instruction using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®
Food and wine pairing education
Exam preparation and practice questions
WSET Level 1 Exam
Official WSET digital certificate upon successfully passing the examination
Wine tasting samples and any applicable study-material shipping charges are not included.
What Will You Learn?
Throughout the course, you'll discover:
The Basics of Wine: How wine is made and the main types and styles of wine.
Major Grape Varieties: The characteristics of important grapes, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and more.
How to Taste Wine: Learn to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting®.
Wine Service & Storage: How to store and serve wine to get the most out of every bottle.
Food & Wine Pairing: Understand how sweetness, acidity, salt, and other elements in food influence how wine tastes.
Wine Confidence: Build the vocabulary and foundational knowledge to make more informed wine choices.
Wine Tasting Samples
Because learning about wine is even better when there's wine in your glass!
Students will participate in guided tasting exercises to explore the characteristics of different grape varieties and wine styles.
A curated wine tasting kit will be available for purchase separately through an independent supplier.
Wine samples are not included in tuition. Pricing, ordering instructions, shipping availability, and any required tasting selections will be provided before the course begins.
Online Learning Requirements
This course combines live virtual instruction with any required independent study and examination preparation.
To participate, students will need a computer or tablet, reliable internet access, access to the virtual classroom platform, and their official WSET study materials.
Attendance at both sessions is strongly encouraged.
Examination & Certification
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is assessed through a 45-minute, closed-book examination consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions.
The examination date, time, location, and availability of an approved remote examination option will be confirmed by Atlanta Wine School before enrollment is finalized.
Students who successfully pass the examination will receive the internationally recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines certificate and lapel pin.
Special Tuition for Hospitality Professionals
Working in hospitality? This one's for you!
We believe the people serving, selling, and sharing wine every day deserve access to approachable, high-quality wine education.
That's why The Cool Somm offers special hospitality industry tuition of $299, a $50 savings off standard registration.
This rate is intended for eligible professionals working in restaurants, hotels, wineries, tasting rooms, wine retail, distribution, and related beverage industry roles.
Bringing your team? Groups of four or more can register together for $319 per person.
Special tuition rates are subject to approval by Atlanta Wine School. Discounts cannot be combined.
Enrollment, Policies & Important Information
This qualification is offered through Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue, WSET Approved Programme Provider 1368.
Before registering, students should review the official course information and the Approved Programme Provider's applicable terms and conditions, including cancellation, transfer, examination, reasonable adjustments, and special consideration policies.
Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue WSET Terms & Conditions:
https://vinovenue.com/pages/wset-terms-1
Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue:
https://vinovenue.com
Enrollment is subject to the registration deadlines, eligibility requirements, and examination arrangements established by the Approved Programme Provider.
Ready to Start Your Wine Journey?
Whether you're looking to advance your hospitality career, discover a new passion, or simply become the person who confidently orders the wine at dinner, this course is for you.
Join The Cool Somm for an engaging, approachable, and genuinely fun introduction to the world of wine.
Come curious. Leave knowing your wine.
In partnership with Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue – WSET Approved Programme Provider 1368.
Wine is better when you understand it — and even better when you’re having fun while you learn.
Whether you’re brand-new to wine or already deep down the Burgundy rabbit hole, I design experiences that make wine feel approachable, interactive, and genuinely exciting.
WSET-Certified Education
I’m trained to teach WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3, which means you’re learning from a globally recognized wine education program — just delivered in a way that doesn’t feel like school.
These classes are perfect if you want to:
• Build real wine knowledge
• Improve your tasting skills
• Work in hospitality
• Or finally understand what all those labels mean
Offered as:
• Private group courses
• Corporate trainings
• Or scheduled public classes - Next offering level two award in wines in October at Fox Point Farms, Encinitas
In partnership with Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue - APP 1368
Let’s Start Learning
Tell me what you’re dreaming of — I’ll make it happen.
FAQ
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Emily Kennett, a WSET Diploma Holder, and certified WSET educator. Emily has over a decade of experience in the wine industry, from distribution, to service, and education.
Emily is teaching in San Diego, CA as a satellite educator for ATLANTA WINE SCHOOL / VINO VENUE - APP 1368.
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All materials such as textbooks, workbooks, and in class powerpoints. Wines for tasting, and the final exam are also included.
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Additional Terms and conditions can be viewed here
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Candidates who successfully complete the certification course and pass the examination will have gained:
WSET Award in Wines digital certificate
Training in the broad range of wine, spirits and liqueur and the knowledge to help you in sales, hospitality and wholesale areas of the industry
Tutored blind tasting experience using the WSET methodology
Ability to access a wine's quality and price