WSET Level One in Wine Course at Carmen Street, Bristol

Learn how to tell a shiraz from a merlot and a Chablis from a Sancerre with this one day beginner level introduction to wine, held at our new premises ar Lanteague Studios, Zelah. Together we’ll use our senses to explore the main types and styles of wine, and if the weather permits, we’ll step outside to learn in the inspiring setting of outdoor classroom.  

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)

Who’s it for?

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to start learning about wine, either for personal interest or for those embarking on a career in wine or hospitality. No prior knowledge is required.

Where is the course held?

Carmen Street Wine can be found in the new Carriageworks development, just behind Caper and Cure, on Carmen Beckford Street. It’s only small, yet boasts a big wine list, featuring mainly low intervention wines, which customers can take away, drink in, or enjoy under the awnings.

Course dates 

26th January 2026

Tea, coffee and a light lunch each day is included.

Course days run 9.30-5pm

For more detailed information on what the course covers please see the specification here.

*Please note a booking form must be completed two weeks prior to course start date.  

About your educator

Holly's love of wine and good food led her straight into a career in hospitality, at 18 she moved to France to work in a restaurant in the french alps. After a few seasons in France she moved to Cornwall, whilst managing various hotels and restaurants she gained her level 1-3 WSET. Level 3 was achieved with Debbie at Wild Wine School and her love for low intervention and sustainabile wines was sparked. Recently relocating to Bristol she began working at Carmen Street Wine and Caper & Cure curating their wine lists and is currently studying for a WSET Diploma. At Carmen Street Wine and The Pony, Chew Valley Holly will be teaching our Level One and Two WSET Wine Course, along with delivering our specialist courses and bespoke training.

What our students say about this course...

"...your teaching has been outstanding - balanced between getting through all the syllabus but also offering enough interesting extras and anecdotes to make the facts memorable.

Definite highlights have been getting to smell all the wet grass, forest floor & mushroom smells on the first morning walk, the smell of Gevery-Chambertain, and a serious bout of reminiscing/wanderlust induced by the Chianti this afternoon." 

Ben Piper, Newquay

"Thank you for a great 4 days of teaching, organising and sharing your enthusiasm and great knowledge with us. I feel like I learned a lot about grapes, and wine, and geography. And of course how to keep warm in a barn...!"

Lucy Howdle, Falmouth

"Thank you very much for putting on a really enjoyable, informative and well-executed course. I learnt loads, and found the whole experience excellent. It was a great group, really nice to get to know everyone."

Jim Michell, St Wenn