Level 1 Award in Spirits

The Level 1 Award in Spirits is the WSET introductory certification to spirits, accessible without prerequisites. At AIVA, the International Wine Academy in Landersheim, Alsace, this one-day course introduces you to the main styles and types of spirits, as well as tasting techniques — an internationally recognized first step into the world of spirits.

Presentation

Presentation of the WSET 1 Spirits training

This training, recognized nationally and internationally, is aimed at beginners who are starting out in the spirits sector or who are simply passionate about it.

You will discover the major styles and types of spirits through sight, smell and taste, in order to fully understand the key factors that determine aromas and flavors.

With this level, give yourself a first approach to the magnificent world of spirits!

Topics covered

AIVA logodes Vins en AlsaceAcadémie Internationale

Funding

WSET courses are listed in the inventory of certifications of the National Commission for Professional Certification (CNCP). The International Wine Academy in Alsace is one of the few French centers to be an approved WSET program provider. If you wish to finance your WSET training through France Travail, the Region, or your company's OPCO (Skills Operator), please contact us.

Target Audience & Prerequisites

Who is it aimed at? This training?

There are no specific prerequisites to join this training program.
This training is for everyone, without needing specific knowledge in the field of spirits, for those who wish to acquire basic knowledge in spirits and learn tasting methods, or for those in professional retraining who want to work in spirits.

Organization

How is it organized? The training?

1 day of training (i.e., 7 hours)

The training takes place over a 7-hour day at AIVA's site in Landersheim, Alsace. An intensive and friendly format, ideal for discovering wine without having to commit your schedule for several weeks.

A dozen spirits were tasted.

Around ten spirits, specially selected for the training, are tasted throughout the day. Each tasting concretely illustrates the styles, grape varieties and analytical methods covered in class.

A WSET booklet for each

Each participant receives a WSET booklet: full details of the course, explanatory photos, vineyard maps, vocabulary and methodology, as well as blank pages for your tasting notes.

Studying with a disability

AIVA school premises are fully equipped to accommodate a person with a disability. Depending on the type of disability, we will implement the necessary measures and adapt our teaching conditions.

Contact: Sophie de Boisivillers – serviceadministratif@aiva-eu.com

Details

Practical information

The exam consists of a 30-question multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). To pass, the candidate must answer all 701 questions correctly within 45 minutes.

This course is accredited by the British regulatory body Ofqual.
Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded a certificate and a WSET badge.

If you fail the exam, it is possible to retake it later.

Here is an example of questions that may be asked on the exam:

1)   Which of these processes is used to produce alcohol?

a) Distillation

b) Fermentation

c) Conversion

d) Aging in oak barrels

2)   What is the minimum age for a cognac?

a) 2 years

b) 4 years

c) 6 years

d) 8 years

Answers to the questions: 1) b – 2) a

The fee for the WSET® Level 1 Diploma in Spirits is 320 €, payable on the site upon registration.

Apart from possible meal costs, no additional price increases are to be expected.

  • The training is guaranteed with a minimum of 7 registrations. Otherwise, you will be notified by email approximately 2 weeks before the start of the session. You will then have the option to choose another date or receive a refund. 
  • If none of the proposed dates suit you and you are a group of at least 10 people, please contact us via our form.
Calendar

Our next sessions

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Registration

Sign up at one of the next sessions

WSET 1 SPIRITS

320,00

Select a session from the menu below to register:

SKU: WSET1SPIRITUEUX Category:

Additional information

Session

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Photo library

A few photos from our latest WSET courses!

Contact us

Ready to train you to the wine, beer and spirits industries?

Download the brochure, apply or come and meet us during an open day.

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The AIVA spirit, in pictures

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