Wines and Spirits

Level 1

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

We are offering a range of courses available as either recreational (see Food and Drink courses) or qualification based (WSET Level 1 or 2) accredited by the Wines and Spirit Education Trust.

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (formerly known as the Foundation Certificate) is intended to establish the basic skills and product knowledge required in the service and retail of wine; it is ideal for preparing a person for their first job in hospitality or retail. This course is also a good introductory first course for the wine enthusiast who wishes to study in a structured way: the qualification will cover skills such as identifying wine styles, practice of storing and serving wine, and food and wine matching.

No previous experience of Wine Tasting is necessary to register on this course.

The course includes

a study book for each participant
the tasting of at least 10 wines
food & wine matching activities
professional WSET tuition by a WSET-Certified Tutor
all registration and examination fees
an internationally-recognised WSET qualification certificate and pin for those who pass

Level 1 Award Synopsis:

Wine Tasting: Taste and describe wines using the WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting

Food and Wine Matching: A practical guide to the key considerations when matching food and wine

Wine Service and Storage: Learn the correct way to store and serve wine and recognise common faults found in wine

Social Responsibility: A guide to sensible drinking

Types and Styles of Wine: Learn about what makes wines taste different

Grape Varieties: Learn about the characteristics and styles of wines produced from the main grape varieties (white): Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling; (black) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz

Named Wines: White: Pinot Grigio, Muscadet, Sancerre, Chablis, Sauternes. Red: Claret, Beaujolais, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rioja, Chianti

Number of Wines Tasted: 10 wines will be tasted as part of the course

Study Materials: Students will receive the Level 1 Study Guide

Duration of course: 1 day inclusive of examination

Examination: 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes. A mark of 70% is required to pass

Certification: All students who pass will be issued with a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin.

There is no specific entry criteria for any of the wine and spirit courses; see individual descriptions for recommendations on suitability for each course.
Once you have achieved your Level 1 Award, you could progress on to do the Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits.

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Please select the specific course you would like to apply for.

What You Will Pay

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Catering and hospitality is a thriving industry in Gloucestershire, across the UK and around the globe, offering a range of exciting opportunities. From hotels, restaurants and cruise ships to holiday parks, contract catering and more, the opportunities are endless and include roles such as chefs, sommeliers, hotel managers and front-of-house staff through to event managers, marketing and public relations.

GC has fantastic links with local and regional employers, which allows students to attend masterclasses with some of the best professionals in the industry. You will gain relevant industry experience by working at GC’s commercial restaurants, which include The View Restaurant at our Forest of Dean Campus, and Number One Restaurant at our Cheltenham Campus.

You’ll also get plenty of real-world experience attending and running events around the county, which may include large functions and corporate events.

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Student Stories

I like cooking and getting the freedom to make things. I like finding new dishes, learning new techniques and discovering new flavours. The people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made here have definitely helped me become more outgoing. We work as a team and this course gives you a taste of the cooking industry.

Imogen Adlam

Level 2 - Catering and Hospitality - Cheltenham Campus

“I went to Dene Magna, then decided to study catering at GC as that’s what I’d like to do in my career. I have gained knife skills and lots of experience so far; working in new kitchens with large ovens and blast chillers. "

Clay Palmer

Level 2 – Professional Cookery – Forest of Dean Campus

“I chose GC as I wanted to learn new skills from lecturers who have lots of experience in industry. I have developed great knife skills and become more familiar with different types of meat and fish; training in modern, well-equipped kitchens. I have built my confidence and made new friends, and learnt how to deal with pressure and time constraints in the kitchen during work experience at a local pub. I hope to bake cakes and desserts in my future career.”

Gemma Parry

Level 3 – Catering and Hospitality – Forest of Dean Campus

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