About this Class
The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is for members of the trade or devout enthusiasts serious about taking their wine knowledge to the next level. The course of study is widely recognized internationally, and fulfills one of the prerequisites for entry into the Master of Wine program.
What you’ll learn
The Diploma program aims to give students specialist knowledge and understanding of the core principles of production and business of wine. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the product knowledge and the analytical tasting skills to explain and evaluate wines.
Program Outline
The Diploma program is divided into six mandatory units:
- D1 Wine Production Exam
- D2 Wine Business Exam
- D3 Wines of the World
- D4 Sparkling Wines
- D5 Fortified Wines
- D6 Research Assignment
Additionally, there is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $450 which is included in the registration of Diploma Unit 1: Wine Production.
The D1 exam must be sat first, followed by or concurrent with D2. The remaining four units can be sat in any order. It is estimated that the total study time needed for a student to be successful in the program is 500 hours, which consists of 128 hours in class (including the exams), and 372 hours of private study.
Registration Requirements
- Proficient in English
- At least 21 years of age AND
- A passing grade in the WSET® Level 3 Advanced Course in Wines & Spirits or WSET® Level 3 Advanced Course in Wines
The Diploma is only offered in English. The Texas Wine School is not equipped to provide support for students who do not speak English fluently.
Students with special educational needs or disabilities should reach out to information@thetexaswineschool.com with requests for accommodations.
For more details and specific learning objectives for the course, review the .
Cancellation / Refund Policy
Registration fees are non-refundable. Cancellations of a class prior to receiving course materials and at least 48-hours prior to the first class are eligible for a full refund. If a student has received course-specific materials, but cancels more than one week before the first class, the student is eligible for a partial refund. Cancellations within one week of the first class are eligible for course credit only.
Re-Scheduling Exams
The exams and assessments for WSET Level 4 courses have fixed exam dates, registration deadlines and re-sit fees. Exam fees are included in the cost of the course.
When you register for a WSET course, you are booked to take your exam on a specific date. This date is indicated in your course schedule.
If you know in advance that you are unable to take the exam on the scheduled date, you must notify The Texas Wine School (information@thetexaswineschool.com at least 75 days before the exam date, in writing. Students can move to another scheduled exam date for a $40 fee. We are NOT able to be flexible with exam times, and can only offer exams in accordance with WSET approved dates.
Postponing an exam date made within 75 days of the originally scheduled exam date will result in a full exam fee, as follows:
- D1 Wine Production Exam – $200
- D2 Wine Business Exam – $200
- D3 Wines of the World Exam – $850
- D4 Sparkling Wines Exam – $300
- D5 Fortified Wines Exam – $300
- D6 Research Assignment – $200
In the event of a personal or family emergency, fees may be waived, subject to verification and approval from WSET.
Schedule
WSET requires that the D1 & D2 exams be sat before attempting other exams, however after D1 & D2 the program may be taken in any order. While specific dates are posted on a rolling basis, a sample two-year schedule is as follows:
1st Fall: Student completes D1 and D2 classes and sits both exams by January
1st Spring: Student completes D5 class and sits exam in June
1st Summer / 2nd Fall: Student completes D4 class and sits exam in October
2nd Fall: Student begins D3 course, finishing in April and sitting the exam in May
Resit exams are scheduled throughout the year, generally in March, June and October. D6 may be completed at any time after completing D1 & D2, with yearly due dates in January and July.
Transfers
WSET expects students to complete all units of the Diploma with the course provider they originally enrolled with. Of course we recognize that candidates may occasionally wish to transfer to another APP part way through their Diploma. The Texas Wine School is able to accommodate students transferring both to and from another provider. The specifics of what is involved will depend on where the student is in their course studies. If you are a student looking to transfer, please contact information@thetexaswineschool.com for more information regarding your specific situation.