WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines – Year 1

Develop your expertise through a rich combination of in-depth study of wine regions from around the world and hands-on training that refines your tasting skills to an expert level. Successful graduates leave with exceptional analytical ability, advanced evaluative tasting skills, and the confidence to stand out internationally as recognised wine specialists.

In year 1 you will study D1 Wine Production, D2 Wine Business, D4 Sparkling Wine and D5 Fortified Wine. 

Upon completion of each unit, students will be able to take their exams either at Plumpton College or at the WSET London School and progress to study the second year which includes D3 Wines of the World theory and tasting and D6 the individual research assignment.

This is an extensive expert level course which builds on the knowledge students have acquired from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. The Diploma allows students to study in greater depth the wine production process and understand how production and business factors influence the style, quality and price point of wines globally. 

This course caters for very keen wine enthusiasts, students who are looking to progress to the Master of Wine exams and those who wish to be employed in positions of responsibility in the wine trade.

Studying at Plumpton College gives students the unique opportunity to experience practical sessions at our commercial winery and vineyards, including a newly established vineyard, as part of their studies. 

Students are invited to sit the WSET® Diploma examinations in person at the end of the course. There is the option to progress to the second year of the Diploma.

D1 Wine production

Students will develop a strong understanding of vine requirements, the anatomy of the vine and grape, and the wide range of grape-growing approaches, while exploring how natural vineyard factors and cultivation choices influence yield, quality, style and the character of the final wine. Students will develop a strong understanding of the production process for wine, from manual and machine harvest, and the wide range of fermentation and maturation options, as well as considering the impact of key winery operations on the style, quality, and price of the wine. 

D2 Wine Business 

Students will explore the full commercial journey of wine, from the different types of businesses involved in production and routes to market, to the factors that shape pricing and the key principles behind successful wine marketing.

D4 & D5 Sparkling and Fortified Wine

Students apply the knowledge gained in D1 and D2 around grape-growing, winemaking, maturation, wine regulations and wine business to understand and explain the style, quality, and price of Sparkling and Fortified Wines respectively. Using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine ® (SAT) students will build confidence in their tasting and evaluation skills as well as learning deductive tasting. 

There will be continuous assessment to support learning throughout the course. 

At the end of the course, students can sit the WSET ® Level 4 Diploma in Wines examinations for D1, D2, D4 & D5

At the end of the course, students can sit the WSET ® Level 4 Diploma in Wines examinations for D1, D2, D4 & D5. D1 and D2 are theory exams, whilst D4 and D5 have both a theory and a practical (tasting) element.

A pass at the WSET® Level 3 Awards in Wine.

Course Cost

The full Diploma course is a two-year programme costing £3,870 each year, including study materials, Diploma registration fee and exam fees.