Wine Tasting with Emily O'Hare WSET Level 2 Course (May 2024)
At Castello di Potentino the WSET Level 2 course is a five-day (six-night) residential course during which you will study and sit the WSET level 2 examination while enjoying everything Tuscany has to offer. The course follows on from WSET level 1 (which is not essential).
The WSET course will be led by Decanter Italian wine writer and VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, Emily O’Hare - previously Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at The River Café.
For WSET Level 2 we look at where the principal grapes and other important varieties grow best in the world and what factors contribute to making those grapes grow so beautifully... and why those wines might have a higher price-tag. Wine labels will never be a problem again!
We also take an in-depth look at the methods used to make sparkling, sweet and fortified wines.
Level 1 is not obligatory - a willingness to know more about wine (and to taste a lot of it) is all that is required of the level 2 student. Each class is very interactive-we taste at least 10 wines per day-the practical element is crucial. We will try Chablis, Chateauneuf du Pape, Barolo, Rioja and many more to understand what makes these wines great and whether they are to our personal liking-so that you will finish the course confident about what wines you like and why that is so. It will be quite a week!
We will also explore the best of the local region, tasting olive oil, watching sheep's milk being transformed into cheese right before your eyes, and visiting a best-in-class Montalcino winery.
Drink responsibly. People under the age of 18 will not be allowed to participate in the tastings.
Emily O’Hare is a WSET instructor, wine writer and VIA Italian Wine Ambassador. Based in Tuscany she contributes to publications Decanter, Club Oenologique and Quench on Tuscan Wines.
Day 1 – Saturday
Evening
6pm ish
Welcome aperitivo and Wine Tasting with Charlotte Horton, Castello di Potentino’s owner and winemaker who will guide you through the castle’s award-winning wines.
8pm Dinner prepared in the kitchens at Potentino using local meats and vegetables from our vegetable garden.
Day 2 – Sunday
Morning
8am Yoga (Location dependant on weather)
Breakfast
9:30am WSET course begins with The Factors Influencing Wine Styles, Quality and Price.
1pm Lunch under the loggia in the courtyard or in the grand dining room at Potentino
Cheese making display with the team at Caseifico Murceti using raw milk from their flock of sheep. You will learn about the different types of cheese made locally from sheep's-milk including pecorino and ricotta as well as learn about the local traditions. Tuscan wines matched to each cheese.
8pm A light dinner in the grand dining room.
Day 3 – Monday
Morning
8am Yoga (please take a mat and towel with you)
WSET course continues in
the classroom: Workshop on Tasting Technique and Food and Wine pairing. And The Principal Grape Varieties.
1pm Lunch
Relax at the castle etc.
8pm Dinner at the castle
Day 4 – Tuesday
Morning
Breakfast
9:30am WSET course continues in the classroom: The Principal Grape Varieties
1pm Lunch at the Castle
under the loggia or in the grand dining room at Potentino followed by free time to relax or take a walk to nearby town of Seggiano.
8pm Evening meal at Potentino.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Morning
8am Yoga (Location
dependant on weather)
9:30am WSET course: Regionally Important Grape Varieties - Style and Quality
1pm Lunch at the Castle
4pm Depart to Montalcino to visit a Brunello wine estate and see their vineyards and taste their wine followed by time to explore Montalcino.
8pm Dinner in Montalcino
Day 6 - Thursday 29th September
Morning
Breakfast
9:30am WSET Course - Production and Style: Sparkling, Sweet and Fortified wines
Lunch at the Castle and free time to relax by the pool, or in the castle libraries or take a walk to nearby Seggiano.
TBC Exam followed by cocktails - Aperitivo using Potentino’s own distilled Gin and Vermouth.
8pm Dinner at the castle.
Day 7 Friday
Morning
8am Yoga (Location
dependant on weather)
Breakfast
Farewells
If you would like to pay a deposit
The payment system asks for payment in full. If you would rather pay a non-refundable 30% deposit at the time of booking, please enter the code DEPOSIT30 at checkout. The final payment will be due two months before the start of the course. If you need to rebook for a later date, you can do so before the two-month point, however there may be a penalty to pay for the lost examination etc.
If you have any issues booking
Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to clear the cart if you need to make any changes to your room selection etc. if you remove everything, it usually clears any issues.
If you have any issues at all, please contact Alexander Greene alexander.greene@potentino.com
What's included
- Full board and lodging at Castello di Potentino
- A trip to a top Brunello wine estate for a wine taste and tour
- Cheese-making demonstration to make pecorino a traditional sheep's milk cheese.
- Pasta-making
- Yoga sessions every other morning.
- All course material and the WSET 2 examination.
- Lunch or dinner out during your stay.
- Transport during your stay.
What's not included
- Transfers or flights.
- Printed course materials for the WSET 2
Room Prices vary depending on the room chosen and the number of guests.
Single occupancy prices start at: €2825
Double occupancy prices start at: €2525
Triple room prices start at: €2425
