“I like this wine… but I couldn’t tell you why.”
It’s a phrase we hear all the time, and one that Eleasha Pritchard, Editor of Bar Magazine, found herself saying before she stepped into the world of wine education with our Level 1 Award in Wines.
During the one-day course, Eleasha discovered essentials of wine - from how it’s made to how it pairs with food. Whether you're looking to boost your wine confidence or simply want to understand what makes your favourite bottle so enjoyable, this course is the perfect place to start.
Ready to explore the world of wine? Find a course provider near you and take your first step today.
I’ve always liked wine. But, if I’m honest, I’ve never really understood why I liked certain wines more than others – or how to explain it beyond, “this one tastes nice.”
So, when the opportunity came up to take the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, I jumped at it. The course is designed for people who are new to formal wine study, and it promised to give a solid foundation: understanding the main styles of wine, learning how to taste and describe them properly, and even mastering the basics of food and wine pairing.
As the Editor of Bar Magazine, I realised it was also the perfect way to get a clearer view of what WSET can offer our industry – particularly for bartenders, bar managers and owners who want to boost both staff confidence and take their venues to that next step.
First impressions
The course ran over a single day, a quick walk away from London Bridge Station, with a small group of fellow wine-curious people – some from hospitality, others just passionate drinkers. Leading the day was Shane Jones, who, within minutes of starting, proved himself the ideal educator: passionate, energetic and in tune with how to make wine education engaging and fun.
Right at the start, Shane gave us a gentle warning: “As we go on, you’ll want to ask Level 2 or Level 3 questions—resist the urge and focus on the foundations.” He was right; the more I learnt, the more I wanted to learn.
Tasting wine with a new lens
One of the most useful parts of the course was learning to taste wine using WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT) – essentially, a method used to describe wine in a structured, consistent or ‘proper’ way. No more vague “fruity” guesses or calling every red “full-bodied.” We talked about colour, nose, palate, sweetness, acidity, tannin and more. It was a bit like learning a new language – but one that makes a lot of sense once you get into it. I felt myself thinking almost ‘manually’, focusing on each component Shane suggested, one at a time.
Over the day, we tasted around ten wines. Some were instantly familiar, others completely new. Wines I’d usually pass over suddenly stood out when I understood why they tasted the way they did – climate, grape variety, production techniques and more. The framework enabled me to join the dots and make my own, informed opinions.
What I really appreciated was how this kind of tasting training translates directly to the bar. Being able to describe a wine clearly, confidently, and without jargon is such a valuable skill, whether you’re helping a guest choose a glass or training a junior member of your team.
One of the most useful parts of the course was learning to taste wine using WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT) – essentially, a method used to describe wine in a structured, consistent or ‘proper’ way.
Food and wine pairing at WSET School London.
Food and wine pairing
The food and wine pairing section in the afternoon was another eye-opener. We looked at classic pairings, of course, but also explored the logic behind them – how acidity, sweetness, tannin, and flavour intensity all play a role. Shane introduced us to a brilliant little acronym – SAFE – which stands for Salty, Acidity, Fatty, Enjoyable. Essentially, these are the food traits that make pairing with wine simpler and more forgiving.
For those running venues where food is even a small part of the offering, food and wine knowledge is gold. It helps when creating pairings, of course, but also when coaching staff to upsell with confidence.
The exam
At the end of the day, we sat a 30-question multiple-choice test – 45 minutes in total. It wasn’t as intimidating as I initially assumed, more like a straightforward recap of what we’d covered throughout the day, thanks to Shane’s great teaching.
Passing earns you the WSET Level 1 certificate and a chance to continue your wine education journey to Level 2. More importantly, it gives you a real sense of understanding and confidence. I left not just knowing what I liked in a wine, but why – as well as, a heightened connection to the wine I drink, the bars I visit and the brands I work with.
Final thoughts
If you work behind a bar or simply want to expand your knowledge and confidence in wine, the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a brilliant place to start. It’s not stuffy or intimidating, and thanks to educators like Shane Jones, it’s delivered in a way that’s practical, engaging and fun. It doesn’t try to turn you into a sommelier overnight, but it gives you the solid building blocks to start that journey if you want to.
For me, the best part is that it sparked my curiosity. I went in wanting to understand why I liked certain wines, and left not only knowing that, but wanting to learn so much more. Level 2? You’ll probably see me there soon.
