#WSET Level 1 course in India

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Wine Tasting Techniques You’ll Learn in Wine Courses in India

Wine tasting is more than just sipping and savouring — it’s an art, a science, and a journey that opens your senses to a world of aromas, flavours, and stories hidden in every glass. For many Indians, wine has evolved from being an occasional indulgence to an exciting subject of study. Whether you’re a curious enthusiast or dreaming of a career in the wine industry, enrolling in a wine course in India is a great first step.

What sets these courses apart is the blend of global wine education with a local touch. Institutes offering wine programs, including the highly respected WSET Level 1 course in India, focus not just on wine theory but also on practical, hands-on training. One of the most fascinating parts of these courses is learning the techniques of wine tasting — a skill that stays with you for life. Let’s explore some key techniques you’ll pick up along the way.

1. The Five S’s of Wine Tasting

In any good wine course in India, you’ll begin with the basics: the five S’s – See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savour.

See: You’ll learn to observe the wine's colour, clarity, and viscosity. Is it deep ruby or pale straw? This can hint at the grape variety, age, and even the climate where it was grown.

Swirl: Swirling oxygenates the wine and releases aromas. You’ll be taught the right technique so you don’t spill the wine while still getting a good swirl.

Sniff: Aroma is a huge part of wine tasting. In courses like the WSET Level 1 course in India, students are trained to identify primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas – think fruits, spices, oak, and ageing notes.

Sip: You’ll learn how to properly take a sip, allowing the wine to touch all areas of your tongue and palate. This reveals its sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and body.

Savour: The finish of a wine, or how long the flavours linger, tells a lot about its quality. You’ll be taught how to describe and evaluate this part, too.

2. Identifying Aroma and Flavour Profiles

One of the most enjoyable aspects of wine education is learning to identify different aromas and flavours. At first, it might feel a bit intimidating — is that an apple or a pear? Is it vanilla or toast?

But over time, with regular practice, you’ll start recognising common scent notes in wines from around the world. You’ll also use a flavour wheel, a visual guide used by professionals to classify and name aromas and flavours in wine. A good wine course in India will encourage sensory training exercises that help sharpen your sense of smell and taste.

3. Understanding Structure and Balance

Great wines are often described as "well-balanced," but what does that mean?

During your training, you’ll learn to evaluate a wine’s structure, which includes acidity, tannins, alcohol, sweetness, and body. Understanding how these components interact is key to assessing wine quality.

For example, high-acidity white wines feel crisp and refreshing, while full-bodied red wines often have higher tannin levels. You’ll gain hands-on experience in judging whether a wine’s elements are harmonious or if something feels “off.”

4. Food and Wine Pairing Basics

Another technique covered in most wine programs — including the WSET Level 1 course in India — is pairing wine with food. Wine doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and its flavours can be enhanced or diminished depending on what it’s consumed with.

You’ll explore pairings like Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, or bold reds like Shiraz with grilled meats. Through tasting sessions, you’ll understand how acidity, sweetness, and tannin levels interact with salty, sweet, or spicy foods. You’ll be surprised how a simple pairing can transform the way you experience a dish!

5. Spitting and Note-Taking

Yes, spitting is a part of professional wine tasting! It might feel odd at first, but it’s essential when tasting multiple wines, especially during exams or industry tastings.

You’ll also be trained to take concise, objective notes using the globally recognised WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. This structured format helps you record a wine’s characteristics and score its quality based on aroma, flavour, and balance.

These habits not only help you remember what you tasted but also improve your critical tasting skills over time.

6. Tasting Blind – Trusting Your Senses

Once you're comfortable with the basics, many advanced wine courses challenge students to taste wines blind, meaning without knowing the label or origin. While most entry-level classes won’t dive too deep into blind tastings, you’ll begin training your palate to recognize grape varieties and regions just by taste and smell.

This builds your confidence and sharpens your instincts, two key skills if you're planning to enter the wine or hospitality industry.

Final Thoughts

Enrolling in a wine course in India is more than just about learning to drink wine — it’s about discovering a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass. From decoding aromas to understanding structure and mastering the art of food pairing, these techniques make wine tasting an enjoyable, enlightening experience.

Whether you pursue the WSET Level 1 course in India or a more advanced certification down the line, you’ll come away with a new set of skills, a refined palate, and a lifelong passion for wine.

Cheers to learning, exploring, and enjoying wine the right way!

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Priyanka French Is Changing Napas Wine Industry for BIPOC Women

Priyanka French is known for her role as the lead winemaker at Signorello Estate in Napa Valley, Calif. However, not as many are aware that she is passionate about social change and mentorship, specifically of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and women in the wine industry.

French decided to pursue a career in winemaking while still living in her native home of Mumbai, India, during her undergraduate studies at the Institute of Chemical Technology at the University of Mumbai. After a field visit to a winery (Sula Vineyards, India’s industry-leading winery) sparked her curiosity, she planted and began to cultivate the seeds that would grow into her career. She completed her undergraduate studies in Food Science and Technology in 2009.

By 2011, French had become the first Indian national to complete her master’s degree in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis (U.C. Davis). While studying there, she decided to boost her education even further with internships, working harvests in Napa, New Zealand, and France.

Stepping into her role at Signorello Estate in 2019, it’s safe to say French had a lot on her plate. It was during a transitional period of rebuilding — the winery was destroyed by wildfire in 2017 — that preceded more challenges to come. But her plans to elevate the estate by upgrading the facilities and streamlining operations are only part of what’s fueling her today.

French has an overall vision for herself and her contribution to the world that goes beyond winemaking. She operates as if viewing the world in wide screen: Not content with merely hoisting the winery from ashes to splendor, a project already well underway, she also has ambitions to open doors for other wine industry hopefuls so they may one day do the same.

Today, French is creating the change she wished for herself as a BIPOC woman coming into the “old boy” wine industry in Napa Valley. By partnering with Bâtonnage and Wine Unify’s mentoring programs, she is a driving force of positive change.

Here, the trailblazing mentor shares her story and shows the blueprints for paving the way for more Indian, women, and BIPOC winemakers to come.

1.  You seem like someone who is very ambitious. Now that you have achieved your first goal of becoming a winemaker, have you decided upon a new goal?

I definitely have a lot of ambition when it comes to Signorello Estates and where the winery is right now, and post-fire on the continuation of the rebuild of the estate.The short-term goal is simply to rebuild the property and really produce wines that are expressive at the site.My long-term goal is to go back to my roots and have something to do with bringing the Indian wine industry to a more global level. How that will happen, I have yet to figure out — but it’s definitely something in the back of my mind.

2.  As you mentioned previously, India is not really well known for winemaking globally. What was the wine culture like growing up in India for you?

I would say growing up, there was no wine culture for me. I did not grow up with my parents drinking wine; there was no wine at the dinner table. My dad was a beer and whiskey drinker which are still the primary alcohols of choice in India.

It’s definitely a growing culture, but I think in order to really establish it as a beverage of choice in India, there needs to be more focused education for the Indian consumer in general.

3.  Did anyone question your choice to pursue your career as a winemaker?

Oh, yes, definitely. When I told my parents, they laughed. It took them a few weeks to realize that I was serious about it. It’s not that they weren’t supportive, they were just very apprehensive. Wine really wasn’t a big industry in India at that time.

I remember the first serious question my dad asked me was, “Do women even do this?” I was really upset when he asked me that question, but I think, in retrospect, by asking me that question, I started my career by looking for women winemakers. One of the ways I convinced my parents of my decision was to make a presentation about women winemakers in the world — coincidentally, one of them was Sylvia Welch, who is now my consulting winemaker.

Ultimately, when they [my parents] saw me getting accepted to all these universities, and when I got a scholarship to come to Davis, they understood that I was trying to pursue this as a career in a very educational fashion. Since then, they have never questioned my decision; and I think their wine knowledge has grown. They went from rolling their eyes at my profession to now having a deeper appreciation for the beverage.

4.  Is there anything about your cultural background that influences your winemaking choices?

Actually, yes. I would honestly say: integration of flavors and textures and the balance between them. When I entered this industry, a huge part of my effort toward educating myself was put toward gaining a Eurocentric vocabulary in wine. That was probably one of my biggest challenges — accurately and confidently describing wine in a “traditional” way. I held back on using descriptive language that was more familiar in my cultural upbringing, despite having clearly noticed it in wine. I was young, and feeling less confident; today I say, “I grew up eating foods with cumin and I know what cumin smells like.”

If you think about it, even the most basic Indian cuisine — it’s usually a balance between five specific spices. There are many layers, textures, colors, and spice profiles. I think that growing up with that spectrum of flavors and textures in general has been the most exciting discovery about myself in the way I taste wine.

5.  Did you have a mentor in the wine space?

Initially, it was my uncle; he was really the one who helped motivate me to pursue my education in wine. I tasted my first wine with him.

When I came to Davis, professor Linda Bisson, Ph.D, my thesis master’s advisor, quickly became my mentor. I could walk into her office and talk to her about anything — not just my thesis project but any class that I took or wine that I tasted. She was instrumental in helping me to actually get field experiences.

Most recently, Naoko Dalla Valle has been someone I really looked up to. I worked with her for five and a half years and she’s just incredible. She is a woman of color who has been owning and operating Dalla Valle Vineyards for so many years and continuing the legacy of the brand with such passion.

6.  Did you ever experience any type of difficulties in the wine industry because of your cultural identity, or discrimination based on the color of your skin?

Yes. I think I had to work a lot harder than others to be taken seriously, whether in the cellar or in a tasting room.

Having said that, I like to focus on the people who have supported me; the ones that have opened doors or extra bottles for me and let me taste with them. For the people that didn’t support me, that was also a motivator because in the back of my head I was thinking, “Your loss, I’ll show you.”

When I started in my master’s program at Davis, I was the only Indian person there doing it at that time. My grandma always said that, “When you are the first to walk down the path, your job is also to clear it for people that are yet to come.” I believe in that, and I hope that more will follow. There are more Indians in the industry already, and I believe that there are more to come. I have been very fortunate.

[It’s] not just luck, Priyanka! Certainly, your educational background brings you a lot of power. There is authority in your credentials.

I agree with that. My mom always said, “Nobody can take your education away.” I grew up with a very strong focus on academics and being thoughtful about my choices in pursuing a new industry. Anytime I did anything new, my parents would say, “You have to give it your best.” “Go big, or go home!” basically, but the Indian version of it.

With Wine Unify, my contribution is toward making sure that people who can’t afford the education, or maybe don’t have the life choices to take two years off to go study or work a harvest abroad, can apply for scholarships to get started on their educational path. Through these programs, my hope is that those wanting to can still meet the right people who are willing to support them in their journey.

7.  What is your advice to new winemakers aspiring to learn through experiences similar to yours, at prestigious vineyards and in world-renowned locations, but who may have limited access due to their circumstances or other limiting factors?

That is a question that I have been ruminating over for a few years, and what pushed me towards partnering with the Bâtonnage and Wine Unify mentorship programs. Once I had a platform and opportunity to help establish something like that, I didn’t waste any time doing it. I think that networking is a huge part of this industry, and you never know what opportunities you will end up with through talking to someone; so, I want to open those doors for people.

8.  Can you describe how the Wine Unify and Bâtonnage programs work?

Sure. The Wine Unify program focuses on granting access through scholarships toward WSET [Wine and Spirits Education Trust] courses. The intention behind it is essentially to create a system for our first POC master of wine, or whichever direction they choose to go with. As you mentioned, sometimes your education is what helps propel you toward pursuing your passion. All of our mentors are also POC. I think this helps to foster confidence in the mentees, especially when starting out; it’s important for them to feel that they are welcomed to speak and feel comfortable to do so. Big shout out to: Mary Margaret, Martin Reyes, and Dlynn Proctor; they did a great job with the mission statement as the original founders of the program.

The Bâtonnage program is really about mentorship, networking, and experience. The way I define mentorship, there are a couple of different ways: First there’s vertical mentorship, where a mentee is looking up to a mentor, asking them questions, and wanting to know their path. Next there is horizontal mentorship, where sometimes both mentor and mentee are in the same spot, and just talking to each other gives them both the confidence and excitement to keep moving.

I work with the original founders, Stevie Stacionis and Sarah Bray, and the current managers Katie [Canfield] and Rebecca [Johnson] to put forward a plan for a more curated mentorship structure.

First, we established five different areas within the industry to focus on: There are sales and marketing; cellar production; viticulture; retail; and hospitality. Each category has their program head and within those areas of focus there are three different levels of mentorship.

Next, we structured the program into three levels:

Level one is like a networking opportunity. At this level, the candidate does not have to have a specific demonstrated interest in any field, but may be that person who thinks, “I want to enter this field, but I don’t know what to do or how to do it.” The mentors usually have experience in more than one area, so that they can talk about their own path and what led them in one direction over another. The initial program was very well received. We had 135 mentees paired with 15 mentors across the country.

Level two is currently underway. We have five individual mentor-mentee pairings across five industry areas of focus. At this level, the candidate spends an extended amount of time one-on-one; there’s a lot of focus on résumé building and writing skills.

Level three will convert into an actual work experience. We are pretty excited about which experiences level three end up providing.

9.  Your background is incredibly diverse. Is there anything that you would have done differently looking back at your journey — anything that you would’ve spent less or more time on?

I don’t think so. Looking back, every experience that I had was so helpful. Each experience helped me build from one philosophy to the other.

If anything, I always thought that I would be working with Pinot Noir. That was the variety that I wanted to pursue. But ultimately, looking back now, I realize that all my skills and experiences point me down the path of creating high-end Napa Valley Cabernet. Maybe one day, I will go back to Pinot at some point.

The article Priyanka French Is Changing Napa’s Wine Industry for BIPOC Women appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/priyanka-french-signorello-estate-wines/

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Exam Structure for WSET Wine Courses: What to Know

If you're passionate about wine and considering formal education to sharpen your knowledge, the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) courses are a fantastic place to start. Whether you're a beginner or someone with a bit of tasting experience, these courses are structured to suit all levels. Understanding the exam format is key to passing successfully and enjoying the process. Based on my own experience of going through both Level 1 and Level 2, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the exam structure for WSET wine courses.

Starting with the Basics: WSET Level 1 Wine Course in India

The WSET Level 1 wine course in India is designed for beginners. It’s ideal if you're just starting your wine journey, either out of curiosity or for professional reasons. I enrolled in the course through an approved provider in Mumbai, and the experience was very approachable and enjoyable.

The exam structure is simple and stress-free. It consists of:

30 multiple-choice questions

45 minutes to complete the test

Passing score: 70%

There are no written essays or practical tasting exams at this level. All questions are straightforward, covering basic grape varieties, food and wine pairing principles, storage, and service of wine.

One tip from my experience: don’t underestimate the course just because it’s Level 1. Read the textbook thoroughly, especially the chapters on wine types and key grape varieties. Flashcards helped me retain the information effectively.

Moving a Step Ahead: WSET Level 2 Wine Course in India

After passing Level 1, I was eager to dive deeper, so I enrolled in the WSET Level 2 wine course in India. This level significantly expands your wine knowledge and introduces more technical terminology. The course also builds a more detailed understanding of winemaking, grape-growing conditions, and tasting techniques.

The exam format for WSET Level 2 is:

50 multiple-choice questions

60 minutes to complete the test

Passing score: 55%

This exam also doesn’t involve tasting assessments or essays, but the questions require more analytical thinking than Level 1. You’ll need to understand how climate, soil, and winemaking methods affect the flavor and structure of wine.

In my case, regular revision sessions and participating in guided tastings were crucial. I also recommend practicing with mock tests that simulate the real exam – they help you get used to the question style and time constraints.

Common Features of Both Levels

Despite the difference in depth, both WSET Level 1 and 2 share some common features in exam structure:

Closed-book format – You cannot refer to your notes or books.

Conducted under strict exam conditions – No mobile phones or talking allowed.

Digital or paper-based exams depending on provider – Some centers now offer digital testing.

Certification and lapel pin upon passing.

I found the atmosphere to be supportive and encouraging. The exam supervisors ensured that everything ran smoothly, and that reduced my anxiety a great deal.

What to Expect on the Exam Day

Having appeared for both exams, I can tell you that preparation is key. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, carry a valid ID, and bring along the stationery you’re allowed to use. The exam starts promptly, and there’s usually a short briefing before you begin.

During my WSET Level 1 wine course in India, the exam was conducted on paper, and we had an answer sheet to fill in with a pencil. For the WSET Level 2 wine course in India, my provider offered a digital version of the exam, which made things quicker but required basic computer literacy.

If you’ve studied well, the questions are manageable. They’re rarely designed to trick you; instead, they assess your comprehension of the material.

Study Tips That Worked for Me

Follow the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting – Even though tasting isn’t part of the Level 1 or 2 exams, using the approach helped me understand wine styles better.

Join group tastings – Sharing tasting notes and discussing concepts with fellow learners improved my memory and confidence.

Use diagrams and maps – Especially for Level 2, where regional differences matter. I created wall maps of wine regions at home to visualize concepts.

Flashcards and apps – For grape varieties, climates, and regions – they made repetitive learning much easier.

Mock exams – Take at least 2 to 3 before your test. It gives you the edge you need to manage time effectively.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a wine education journey is deeply rewarding. The exam structures for both the WSET Level 1 wine course in India and the WSET Level 2 wine course in India are thoughtfully designed to test your grasp of the subject without overwhelming you. They challenge you to apply what you’ve learned, but fairly and systematically.

From my own experience, I can confidently say that the WSET Level 1 wine course in India gave me a strong foundation, and the WSET Level 2 wine course in India took my knowledge to the next level. If you’re serious about wine—whether for hospitality, retail, or personal interest—these exams are a great step forward.

And don’t forget, once you pass, the sense of accomplishment (and the certificate!) makes it all worthwhile.

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What is WSET? A Complete Guide to Wine & Spirit Education in India

The world of wines and spirits is fascinating yet complex, requiring in-depth knowledge to truly appreciate its nuances. For those looking to build a career in this industry or simply enhance their understanding, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) offers structured learning programs. If you're considering a wset course in India, this guide will help you understand what WSET is, its benefits, and how you can enroll in a program tailored to your needs.

Understanding WSET

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a globally recognized institution offering comprehensive training in wines and spirits. Established in 1969, it has grown to become a gold standard for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. WSET courses are designed to cater to various levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced connoisseurs, ensuring a structured approach to wine and spirit education.

Why Choose a WSET Course?

Whether you're a budding sommelier, a hospitality professional, or a wine enthusiast, enrolling in a wset course in India can be a game-changer. Here are some key reasons why you should consider it:

Globally Recognized Certification – WSET qualifications are respected worldwide, opening doors to numerous career opportunities.

Comprehensive Knowledge – The curriculum covers viticulture, winemaking, tasting techniques, and industry trends.

Career Advancement – From hospitality to retail, holding a WSET certification boosts employability and credibility.

Structured Learning – Unlike self-learning, WSET courses provide a well-defined learning path.

Networking Opportunities – You get to connect with industry experts and fellow wine lovers.

Levels of WSET Courses

WSET offers a progressive structure with four levels, each catering to different expertise levels:

1. WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

Ideal for beginners, this course provides fundamental knowledge about different wine types, their characteristics, and basic food pairings. It's an excellent introduction for those with little to no prior experience.

2. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

This intermediate course delves deeper into wine styles, grape varieties, and production techniques. It is suited for those working in hospitality, retail, or simply wishing to gain a more detailed understanding of wines.

3. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

Aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts, this course offers advanced knowledge, including vineyard management, winemaking practices, and detailed tasting analysis.

4. WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines

This expert-level course is a pathway to becoming a Master of Wine (MW). It is rigorous and best suited for those looking to establish themselves at the highest level in the wine industry.

WSET Courses in India

The growing demand for wine education has led to the establishment of several WSET-certified institutions in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. If you are searching for a wset course in India, here are some aspects to consider:

Accredited Institutions – Ensure the institution is an approved program provider by WSET.

Course Format – Choose between in-person and online learning options based on your preference.

Cost and Duration – Fees vary depending on the level, course format, and location.

Examination – Most courses conclude with an exam that assesses theoretical and practical knowledge.

Career Opportunities After WSET Certification

Completing a wset course in India can unlock numerous career paths, such as:

Sommelier – Work in fine dining establishments, hotels, or wine bars, helping customers with wine selections.

Wine Retail & Distribution – Join the business side of the industry, managing sales and inventory.

Wine Import & Export – With India's growing wine market, professionals in trade and logistics are in demand.

Wine Educator – Teach budding enthusiasts and professionals about wines.

Winemaking & Vineyard Management – Get involved in the production process, from grape growing to bottling.

How to Enroll in a WSET Course

If you're ready to take the next step in wine education, follow these steps:

Research Institutions – Look for WSET-certified centers in your city.

Choose the Right Level – Depending on your knowledge and career goals, select an appropriate course.

Check Availability – Some courses have limited slots, so early registration is recommended.

Prepare for the Exam – Take advantage of online resources, sample questions, and practice tastings.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a wset course in India is a rewarding experience that can elevate your knowledge and career prospects in the wine industry. With structured learning, global recognition, and ample networking opportunities, WSET provides an excellent foundation for anyone passionate about wines and spirits. For those looking to explore a wine course in India, WSET remains the most credible and beneficial option available today. Whether you're an amateur wine lover or an aspiring industry expert, investing in this education is a step toward mastering the art of wines and spirits.