The Measurable impact of Wine & Spirits Education
At Sesto Senso Academy, we believe that structured, unbiased education creates lasting impact—on teams, on service, and on the guest experience. In this section, you’ll find real-world case studies from some of our partner venues who have completed WSET courses.
Each case study showcases how knowledge transforms performance—from increased sales to deeper guest engagement and more confident, curious professionals.
These stories are told with the full support of the teams involved. We’re proud to highlight their achievements, and grateful for their trust in our academy.
Explore the results. Learn what’s possible. And imagine what this training could do for your team and yourself.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
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An 8 hours introduction to the world of wines, usually delivered over 1 day. This course is an ideal starting point for wine enthusiasts wanting to get to grips with the basics, or those embarking on a career in wine or hospitality.
In a short space of time, you’ll find yourself feeling much more confident tasting wine, navigating a wine list, buying bottles and pairing wine with food.
This course is suitable for students with little to no wine knowledge who wish to explore, with confidence, the main styles of wine.
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The main types and styles of wine
Common wine grapes and their characteristics
How to make food and wine pairings
Tutored tasting of nine wines (except online courses)
How to store and serve wine
How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
By the end of the course you’ll be able to taste wine using a globally recognised approach, identify key styles of wine and characteristics of important grape varieties. You’ll also learn the key principles of food and wine pairing and how to apply these to your own food and wine choices.
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The Level 1 Award in Wines exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
To pass you must correctly answer 70% of the questions.
Successful students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
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5 000 NOK
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
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16 hours of tutor supervised learning, usually delivered over 3 classroom days, as well as 11 hours private study.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles. You’ll gain enviable knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time, including:
16 hours of guided learning (in the classroom or online)
11 hours of personal study and revision
A one-hour exam
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How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio/Gris
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Syrah/Shiraz
The style and quality of wines:
made from 22 regionally important grape varieties (e.g. Nebbiolo, Malbec and Viognier)
produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
Sparkling wines
Fortified wines
Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
Principles of food and wine pairing
Tutored tastings of 43 wines (except online courses)
On successful completion you will be a more confident wine taster, able to describe and compare the styles of wines produced from internationally and regionally important grape varieties. You'll know how to interpret wine labels from the main wine producing regions of the world, and how to store, serve, taste and pair wines to get the best out of every glass.
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The Level 2 Award in Wines examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes/one hour.
Pass marks
Pass: 55% - 69%
Pass with Merit: 70% - 84%
Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
All students who pass the examination will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
This qualification is Ofqual regulated.
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10 000 NOK
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
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An 8 hours introduction to the world of spirits, usually delivered over 1 day. This confidence-boosting spirits course for beginners is the perfect way to gain knowledge of the key styles of distilled beverages found around the world. By the end of the course you’ll be able to taste and describe spirits using a globally recognised approach, identify important styles of spirits and know the raw materials and production methods that define them. There is no need to prepare anything before starting your Level 1 Award in Spirits course. However anyone embarking on a WSET qualification should familiarise themselves with the qualification specification.
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- The basic principles of spirit production.
- The main types and styles of spirits.
- Factors affecting the aroma and flavors of spirits.
- Tutored tasting of benchmark spirits and liqueurs.
- How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT).
-An introduction to the world of Cocktails.
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Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
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4000 NOK
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
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15 hours of tutor supervised learning, usually delivered over 3 classroom days, as well as 11 hours private study. Throughout the course you’ll become a more confident spirits taster under the guidance of our expert educators, learning how to use a globally-recognised approach to tasting. To analyse the appearance, nose, palate and quality level of a range of styles. By the end of the course you’ll be able to identify how key raw ingredients and production methods influence the style and quality of the key spirits and liqueurs of the world. If you work with spirits, you'll be able to confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements. Here is the full qualification specification.
This course requires you to undertake a recommended total of 11 hours of private study time. The only necessary study material for this course is the Level 2 Award in Spirits study pack, which will be sent to you on booking.
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- Spirits production methods and how they affect their style and quality.
- The characteristics of the main styles of spirits, and labels.
- Tutored tastings of benchmark spirits and liqueurs.
- How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT).
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Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
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8 500 NOK
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
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9 full classroom days , as well as 52 hours of private study. By the end of the course attendees will:
Acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of the raw materials to post-distillation operations.
Through a combination of tasting and application of theoretical knowledge you will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from each other.
Check out the qualification specification.
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-A detailed understanding of the techniques used in spirit production:
Processing of raw materials.
Alcoholic fermentation.
Distillation.
Post-distillation practices.
-Factors affecting the style and quality of spirits, studying eleven core spirit categories in detail: Scotch Whisky, Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, Cognac, Armagnac, Caribbean rum, Tequila, Mezcal, Vodka, Gin
-An overview of additional spirit categories, focusing on:
Principal production methods
Key styles
Key labelling terms
-How to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits®(SAT)
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The 2½ hour closed-book examination is made up of:
-Unit 1: a two-part theory examination:
Part 1 is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Part 2 is made up of short answer questions.
-Unit 2: a tasting examination of two spirit samples tasted blind
You will need to pass both parts of the theory examination (Unit 1), and the tasting examination (Unit 2), to achieve the qualification.
On successful completion of the examination you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated certified logo.
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20 000 NOK
Wine & Spirits Education
Our ability to learn is what makes us human, and the knowledge we attain, while enriching our lives, is what makes us stand out among our peers - from rivaling businesses to your next-door-neighbor.
The world of wine and spirits is by many a largely unexplored territory. However, in recent years interest has increased, and more people are looking to develop their sense for these liquids. Sesto Senso´s courses offer a chance to build upon your knowledge and skill set, whether you are an enthusiast exploring a new hobby, or a veteran in the industry looking to polish your craft.
TESTIMONIALS
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Adrián Michalčík
The agave spirits course was full of interesting and very detailed information about the whole production process; from harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, ageing and labelling terms, to tasting and use in cocktails.
The whole experience was very interactive, and both me and the team marked it as an outstanding one! Gaining knowledge is beneficial for the future of the industry.
Felice is a true professional and we are looking forward to more sessions.
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Carl Wiman
The WSET level 2 course with Sesto Senso taught me many new things and confirmed a lot I wasn't completely sure about, but most importantly it helped me organize old and new knowledge.
Felice's style of teaching makes the course easy to understand with organized, step-by-step presentations, about every subject, and of course with a touch of style.
I can't wait for the WSET level 3 to be available in Norway!
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Paul Voza
Definitely one of the best courses I have ever been to, something me in primis and all people should do at the beginning of their bartending career.
Clear, easy to understand for everyone but very well structured at the same time.
Felice has been very good during the course to clear all my doubts out and to make me understand in the best way. Highly recommended to both bartenders and consumers.
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Simone Santini
So, the actual question is “why didn’t I do this course before?!''.
This course should be recommended to everyone who steps behind the bar for the first time. You should do it for yourself first, and then for your guests, to make sure they will have the best experience.
Therefore I want to thank Felice, for being an excellent teacher, being able to express concepts in the easiest and best way possible. Highly recommended!
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Giuseppe Cardenia
This is the type of course all the professionals working behind a bar or in Ho.Re.Ca. should take.
It gives a clear structure and tools to understand the spirits we use everyday, and it donates the knowledge to explain it to our customers.
Outstanding!
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Maricka Debnarova
Passion and professionalism came in handy in this course.
I thought, since I worked in this industry for many years, I knew at least all the basics. Not at all! Very well structured, fun and on point.
Highly recommended to everyone who is in love with distilled spirits, professionals or consumers.
Just outstanding!!
