WSET Level 2 Certificate in Wines and Spirits: Study Guide

by Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Genres: Wine

72 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tricia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned about so many grapes and where they grow best around the world and wine making process and geography. Took level two exam on 8/31 and will find out in two months if I pass the level two sommelier exam.

[Terry Quire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple companion book to the WSET 2 that manages to condense a lot of information in a coherent way. It’s well-organized and easy to return to if you need to pull something for studying. It would be nice if maps were included rather than in the separate “workbook”.

[Aiyana PZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good text book. As I’m studying for my exam, I’m finding more details, and appreciate the graphics. I wish the maps were more consistent, but in combination with the work book, there’s enough. Certainly not as detailed as some compendiums but a pretty good look at the major grapes and regions.

[Heikki Raappana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wine exam text book, no more no less. I learned a lot though but I cannot call this book interesting as such.

[Cammie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I count this toward my reading goals?! It’s the reason I’m behind lol

[Ricardo Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent study companion—clear, well-structured, and surprisingly easy to read for a technical subject like wine. It breaks down regions, grapes, and styles in a way that’s approachable, and the visuals really help make the information more engaging.

I gave it 4 stars because, while it’s thorough, it sometimes gives too much information for someone preparing specifically for the Level 2 exam. The detail can feel overwhelming, making it harder to focus on the key facts you truly need to memorize. That said, it’s a solid foundation for anyone who wants to build not just exam knowledge, but a deeper appreciation of wine.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The WSET Level 2 (Intermediate) text is a great resource for people looking to learn more about wine, without getting too bogged down in the minutia. In complicated appellations like Burgundy and Bordeaux, it provides details on some of the key villages and producers, but for people wanting to get down and dirty with all the details, break out Jancis' Robinson's Wine Atlas or a more advanced text. I would have given it 5 stars if there were better maps for the new world producers with more widespread geographic dispersion like Australia and New Zealand. Great textbook!

[Nicky Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work funded this course and I couldn't be happier about it! What a fascinating look into the world of tasting wines. It was a great way to really drill down on the specific varieties and their characteristics depending on the regions in which their grown. Can't wait for my exam on Saturday!

[Cyna Bosworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't just read, pretty much memorised it!! Fingers crossed for a good score!!

[Les Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly laid out textbook

[Katie]

Extremely simplistic but more clearly written than the exams and other prep materials. Clearly, it got the job done because I passed with the highest level of distinction. :)