WSET Level 4
International certification
The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is an expert-level qualification that covers every aspect of wine, providing a globally recognized credential for wine professionals. Over the course of two academic years, students progress through six distinct units, each with its own assessment. Serving as a critical step for those aiming to achieve the Master of Wine title, this Diploma equips candidates with the essential knowledge and skills to excel at the highest level in the wine industry.
Building on the foundation of the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, the Diploma provides a thorough understanding of how viticulture, winemaking, and commercial factors influence the style, quality, and value of wines. The program combines theoretical learning, through detailed study of the world’s key wine regions, with practical development of expert-level tasting and evaluative skills. Graduates emerge with exceptional analytical capabilities, globally recognized competence, and the preparation needed for progression to the Master of Wine program.
Acquired WSET Diploma skills
The program is academic in nature, with a heavy emphasis on personal study and revision, including the preparation of an individual research assignment (D6). Successful graduates acquire exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in evaluative wine tasting, skills that are suitable for a leading role with responsibility as a buyer or in product development in the global wine business.
For your guidance there will be approximately 24 seminars spread out over two academic years. Most of the seminars are held by Masters of Wine with a heavy emphasis on wine tasting.
What you will study
The Diploma is structured across six compulsory units, covering a comprehensive range of topics from wine production to business, and still, sparkling, and fortified wines.
D1 – Wine Production
– Vine growth requirements and grape anatomy
– Viticultural techniques and their impact on yield, quality, and wine style
– Natural influences on grape production and the resulting wine characteristics
– Winemaking and post-fermentation practices and their effect on style, quality, and price
D2 – Wine Business
– Key business models in wine production and distribution
– Factors affecting wine pricing
– Essential concepts in wine marketing
D3 – Wines of the World | D4 – Sparkling Wines | D5 – Fortified Wines
– Each of these units explores:
– How viticulture, winemaking, maturation, wine legislation, and commercial factors shape the style, quality, and value of wines
– Expert tasting and evaluation of still, sparkling, and fortified wines using the WSET Level 4 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
D6 – Independent Research assignment
– Conduct research on a specified wine-related topic and produce a detailed 3,000-word report
The Diploma requires a minimum of 500 hours of study, including:
– 116 hours of guided learning with a WSET-accredited provider (classroom or online)
– Approximately 370 hours of personal study and exam preparation, including the research assignment
– 11 hours and 50 minutes of assessment across the six units
Completion of all six units is required to achieve the Diploma:
D1 – Wine Production: 1½ hour closed-book exam with open-response questions
D2 – Wine Business: 1-hour closed-book exam with open-response questions
D3 – Wines of the World: Two-day assessment including a theory exam (3 hours 20 minutes) and a blind tasting of 12 wines (3 hours)
D4 – Sparkling Wines: 1½ hour closed-book exam plus blind tasting of 3 sparkling wines
D5 – Fortified Wines: 1½ hour closed-book exam plus blind tasting of 3 fortified wines
D6 – Independent Research Assignment: 3,000-word research project
Successful candidates are awarded the WSET Level 4 Diploma certificate, a lapel pin, and may use the post-nominal DipWSET. Graduates also gain membership in the WSET Alumni Body, with access to exclusive reports and events.
Qualification for becoming a Level 4 sommelier
To be able to enrol in the WSET Diploma in Wines program you must already hold the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits.
After completing the WSET Level 3, you are certified for work within the wine industry. You have full knowledge and an understanding of viticulture/winegrowing (the cultivation and harvesting of grapes) along with the making of wine that you need to fully prepare you for becoming a Level 4 sommelier.
Non-native English speakers are advised to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (that means you have a good command of English, can understand the overall meaning in most situations, and cope with complex language, although you may make some mistakes).
Course information, Diploma in Wines:
Date: The course is scheduled to start 17:th of August 2026. Diploma in Wines runs over two years. Following is the dates for fall 2026 and spring 2027:
Fall 2026: 17/8, 24/8, 25/8, 28/9, 12/10, 2/11, 3/11
Spring 2027: 20/1, 15/2, 8/3, 12/4, 17/5, 9/6
Time: 09.00-17.00
Lecturer: During our lessons you will meet a variety of knowledgeable lectures, get to know them better here.
Course fee: 89.000 SEK ex. VAT.The price is based on the current trade agreements with the UK and might be subject to change. Any differences in the final cost will be refunded or invoiced at a later stage. In the case of spare seats, it is possible to attend some single seminars without attending the full program. Each seminar is 2950 SEK + VAT. A WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or Wines and Spirits is required.
Payment: You can choose to split your payment into two installments. This must be done upon you register. To do so, simply check the box when you register. Please note that by choosing this option, you commit to paying the full amount even if you decide to withdraw from the program before both payments have been made. Both invoices will be sent at the same time but with different due dates one when the course start and one in januari 2027.
