In-person WSET Level 1 in Wines, September 26, 2026

A beginner-level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine.

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

What you'll learn:

• The main types and styles of wine
• Common wine grapes and their characteristics
• How to store and serve wine
• The principles of food and wine pairing
• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
• *Exam-30 multiple choice questions

Find out if this course is right for you. Take the Level 1 Award in Wines quiz here.

Please view our policies here and let us know about any special consideration or reasonable adjustments needs at checkout. 

 

Ashley Hausman MW, came into the wine industry in 2008 while completing her Masters in English and American Literature at New York University. She moved back to Colorado in 2009, earned her CSW through the Society of Wine Educators, gained certification as a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and then attained her Diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust before completing her Master of Wine through the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Currently, Ashley spends most of her time working remotely as Director of Operations and Education for Old World Wine Imports out of Vail, Colorado. Over the years, however, she has worked just about every facet in the trade, from retail and academia to consulting through Mistral Wine Co., which she formed in 2014. She has even gotten her hands dirty the past couple vintages, working harvest at the prestigious Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, Screaming Eagle in Napa, and collaborating with friends on her own wine project in Willamette Valley. Ashley is also currently co-writing a book on Pacific Northwest wines with a fellow MW.

Midwestern at heart, she just returned to the north country in Stillwater, MN where she can enjoy being closer to family. When she is not teaching, selling, judging, or drinking wine, she can be found reading, writing, running, rock climbing, cooking or obsessing over her dog.

Primary area(s) of work: Trade

Industry sector(s): Winemaking, Marketing, Sales, Distribution, Business owner, Agency/Importer, Off trade, On trade, Buying, Journalism, Author, Educator, Consultant, Wine judge, Import/Export, Academic, Marketing research, Wine business strategy, Wine buying

Wine styles: Fine and rare wines, Natural, Sparkling wine, Champagne, Cremant, Still white, Still red, Still wines, Dry wines

Wine region expertise: Austria, USA, France, Burgundy, Loire, Champagne, Spain, Italy, California, Washington, Oregon

Market expertise: North America, France, Italy, Spain

Specialisms: Marketing wine, Supplier/customer relationships, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Importation, Distribution, Independent retail, Food and wine pairing, Restaurant wines, Wine and health, Wine labels, Wine tourism, Branding, History of wine, Wine judging

Owner: So What Wine, a specialty wine shop in Stillwater, MN, open Thursday -Saturday, 11:00-7p