- Duration
This course is delivered at Plumpton College one half day per week.
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
This module enables students to critically evaluate the production, style, quality and trading methods of many of the world’s principal wine styles. Students will learn the theory underpinning many of the most successful wine regions of the world and this will be supported by in-depth practical tasting exercises.
This module will include:
- Wines of France; including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Beaujolais, the Loire and Alsace.
- Wines of Europe; including Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal.
- Wines from the rest of the world; including Australia, California, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and New Zealand.
- Speciality wines; including rosé, ethical, skin-ferment and modified wines.
- Wine production factors: location, climate, soil, grape variety, production, and maturation.
- Trade and legal structures: trade bodies, relevant legislation and pricing.
- Principal organoleptic characteristics: appearance, nose, taste, degree of maturity, style and quality.
The outcomes of this module:
- Evaluate the key factors affecting the production, style, quality and commercial value of the principal European wines of the world.
- Describe and analyse the organoleptic characteristics of the principal examples of European wines of the world.
- Evaluate the key factors affecting the production, style, quality and commercial value of the principal wines from the rest of the world beyond Europe.
- Describe and analyse the organoleptic characteristics of the principal examples of wines from the rest of the world beyond Europe.
Entry Requirements
Applicable to each module
- GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)
- GCSE English at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)
The following qualifications are recommended prior to applying:
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Pass)
- Level 3 qualification such as A Level (two subjects)
- BTEC Extended Diploma (MPP)
- Access to HE in a related subject
- We also consider applicants with relevant industry experience if over 21 years of age.
- Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
Applicants wishing to progress onto an undergraduate course would need to meet the minimum entry criteria for that specific course which typically includes a Level 3 qualification with UCAS Tariff points (56 points and above).
Course Cost
£3,110.00
Course Dates
- Start Date
- 16 September 2025
- End Date
- 19 May 2026
Other courses that may interest you
- Advanced Principles of Sparkling Winemaking - Bottling & Tirage Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Crop Protection Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Spring Operations Certificate of Achievement in Spring Vineyard Management
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Summer Operations Certificate of Achievement in Summer Vineyard Management
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Vineyard Winter Operations Certificate of Achievement in Winter Vineyard Management
- Advanced Principles of Winemaking - Harvest Operations Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Winemaking - Pre-Fermentation Must Amelioration and Fermentation Operations Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Winemaking - Wine Quality Control Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Winemaking - Wine Stabilisation for Cool Climate Production Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Winemaking Techniques Plumpton College Certificate