For general information about the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, click here.

The Foundation Certificate Course is an entry level qualification providing a straightforward introduction to wine styles, sale and service, and tasting technique. It is ideal for enhancing confidence and knowledge for entry level retail and restaurant employees, as well as the beginning wine enthusiast.

Successful completion of a tasting note portfolio, a food and wine matching exercise, and a 30-question multiple choice exam given at end of day earns the student the internationally-recognized Foundation Certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London.

Please take our online quiz to find out if this level is right for you.

Foundation Certificate Curriculum
~major wine styles and characteristics
~basic tasting technique
~sale and service of wine
~introduction to food and wine pairing

For a detailed description of the syllabus, please download the Foundation Specification.

Students will be mailed a course workbook prior to the class, although study time outside of class may not be necessary. Registration is required 10 business days prior to the exam date.

New York Wine & Culinary Center is an Approved Program Provider of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.  WSET qualifications are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits.  WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside the UK.