WSET 2 Buonconvento, Siena course description

To take the WSET Level 2 course a willingness to learn about wine and taste a LOT of it is all that is required. Level 1 is incorporated into the body of the Level 2 course so it is not obligatory to have sat Level 1. At Level 2 'Place' takes precedence: the student will look at where the “Noble Grapes” grow best - we will talk about this term in class - and we will taste the wines those grapes make, from the famous regions that produce them - such as Champagne, Chablis, Barolo, Rioja and many more. We will look at what factors contribute to making these grapes grow so beautifully... and why the wines those grapes make might have a higher price tag. We will be tasting some truly excellent and exciting wines from the best producers.

The course includes 16 hours course time, with a suggested minimum 11 hours personal study time in advance of the intensive course, and a one-hour exam.

The course will be held Thursday evening 17:00-19:30 (commencing with a wine and food workshop), Friday 10:30am to 6pm with 1.5 hours for lunch, Saturday 10:30am to 6pm, and Sunday 10:30am to 5pm + 1 hour exam.

What you will learn:

• A review of how wine is made

• What factors influence wine style

• The key white and black grape varieties and their characteristics

• The important wine-producing regions of the world in which these grapes are grown

• The production of sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines

• Label terminology

• Food and wine pairing principles

• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

This course is for anyone committed to learning more about wines around the world, for any reason. The resulting certificate is recognized worldwide, making it more and more the choice of wine professionals working in wine marketing, wine sales and wine service.

The wines you will taste

The WSET level 2 requires you to taste over 50 wines during the course. It is so important to taste the best - the most expressive, most beautiful wines for each zone. And indeed you will, it is such fun for me to organise these wines for the course (Equally you need to and will taste good and acceptable wines to understand the parameters of quality). Working with a specialist provider and sparing no expense, we have sourced fabulous wines - see below for previous examples or top wines tasted, and we are sure that you’ll meet your next favourite wine here. Please do get in touch if you would like to know the wines to be tasted during your course.

Examples of some the wine tasted during Emily’s WSET 2 November 2019:

• Domaine Rene Rostaing, Cote Rotie

• Clos des Papes , Chateauneuf du Pape

• Chateau Pibran, Pauillac

• Grosset Polish Hill, Clare Valley Riesling

• Domaine de Montille ‘Les Sizies’ , Beaune

• Susana Balbo, Malbec, ‘El Peral’, Mendoza

• Prophet’s Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir

• Domaine Schlumberger Gewurztraminer

• Chateau Rayne Vigneau, Sauternes

• Trimbach Pinot Gris, Alsace

Buonconvento, Siena, course location: Casali di Buonconvento

This WSET course is taught in Buonconvento, within the province of Siena on the 100 acre estate ‘Casali di Bibbiano’. This 18th Century country estate with 15 ensuite bedrooms perches on the rolling hills between the Arbia and Orcia valleys. it is home to Alberto Guadagnini and his daughter, Gabriella who runs the property.

This course is thus aimed both at residents of Tuscany looking for a non-residential occasion to take the exam, and at visitors from beyond Tuscany interested in making this course a destination.

The property consists of 2 luxury villas, swimming pool and winery, producing award winning wines. This is a great bonus for students coming to study at Casali di Bibbiano as they will have the opportunity to tour the vineyards and winery after reading the chapters in the textbook on Vitification - Vine growing, and Vinification - Winemaking.

About your instructor, Emily O’Hare

Emily feels very strongly that wine study should be pleasurable, and that learning about wine - even in the context of a “serious” exam like the WSET - should spark pleasure and creativity. Wine knowledge is wonderful, and the wine world a magical, mystical place to enter in to courtesy of an intelligent glass of wine. And in just a few days, thanks to the excellent WSET programme it is possible to feel really empowered regarding the wines of the world. As you will see with the WSET courses, It is not just about identifying primary and secondary scents, but about finding creative ways to think about, describe, record, remember and ultimately, enjoy wine even more. Emily has extensive experience in the wine world and teaching the WSET - learn more about her here.

Course cost and How to sign up for our WSET 2 course at Casali di Bibbiano, Italy

The cost of the course with a 4 night stay in an ensuite double room, including breakfast and lunch at Casali di Bibbiano, arriving Thursday 18th February from 14:00 and departing Monday 21st February at 11:00.

Double Room Ensuite, single occupancy including breakfast and lunch: €1200

WSET Level 2 non residential, course including lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday: €700 per person

WSET Level 2 non residential, course excluding lunch: €650 per person

*For those who would like to join on Thursday 18th February there will be a four course meal served in the villa with wine and coffee after the workshop finishes - around 19:30/20:00. The price for the meal with wine is €45.

Maximum of 10 participants

If you would like to sign up for this course, please fill out the form below - or feel free to email with any questions you might have at emily@emilyoh.wine

We will contact you to confirm your subscription and at that time ask for a non-refundable down-payment of €200 or 1/3 of total cost should you be taking accommodation which covers your official registration with WSET and room deposit. As soon as payment is made, WSET Level 2 study packs will be sent to guests at their home address.

The balance will be requested for payment 12 weeks before the course date. Payments can be by bank transfer (in the EU) or Paypal, which accepts Visa and Mastercard (as well as bank-transfer or account balance).

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