WSET Level Two Award in Wines with Mike Knowlden, Perennial Wine at Vining Street Wine Club, Brixton

What you’ll learn:

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

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

Who’s it for?

This course is perfect for anyone interested in learning about wine, either for personal interest or for those embarking on a career in wine or hospitality. No previous qualifications are required, but if you are a complete novice you may wish to complete the WSET Level One Award in Wine before embarking on this qualification. If you’d like to talk through which qualification would be best suited to you please get in touch.

Where is the course held?

Vining Street Wine Club in Brixton brings the Wine Club vibes to a new area of South London. Starting as a WhatsApp group for wine enthusiasts, Wine Club has since grown into a company comprising two bars (Crystal Palace Wine Club and Brixton's Vining Street Wine Club), a tasting events business, the annual South London Wine Fair, and an import and wholesale operation. Our slogan - wine without the bullsh*t - represents our ethos of making wine fun, approachable and of course delicious. The space also features a secret wine garden, with regular tastings and other events.

About Mike Knowlden

Mike is a wine educator who shares Wild Wine School's fervour for sustainability in wine. He holds wine events under the banner Perennial Wine, for both the industry and consumers. Mike has the Diploma in Wine from WSET, alongside a varied background front and back of house as co-founder of Blanch & Shock.

2026 Course dates

Students are required to attend all four days 

February - Sunday 22nd; March - Sunday 1st, Monday 2nd, Monday 9th (Exam only 9-11am)

Course days: 9.30-5.30pm , except the final day which will be exam only 9-11am

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

In addition to classroom study this qualification requires a minimum of 11 hours of personal study and is assessed by a one-hour multiple choice examination.

For more detailed information on what is covered in the courses please see the specification here. 

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