The Wine Centre

The Wine Centre is the trading name of the International Wine Education Centre, a private wine and spirits education provider based in Cape Town in the Western Cape. It was established in 2011 and describes itself as the first Approved Programme Provider in Africa for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), a London-based awarding organisation. Its website does not state registration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, SAQA or a SETA, so the qualifications it teaches are WSET qualifications rather than South African national qualifications. All WSET examinations are set and marked in London, and successful candidates receive a digital certificate.

Teaching happens in two ways. Classroom courses run mainly in Stellenbosch, with other venues in South Africa, with a stated focus on the Western Cape and Gauteng. Online distance learning is offered for the wine awards at Levels 1 to 3 and the spirits awards at Levels 1 and 2, using the same course books and leading to the same qualification as the classroom versions. Online study is self-paced over several weeks, with an educator on hand for questions. The Level 3 online route includes an in-person tasting session, and online exams may be written under remote invigilation or in person. Beer (Levels 1 and 2) and sake (Level 1) courses are offered online only.

The programmes are short, professional-style awards in wine, spirits, beer and sake, plus the Level 4 Diploma in Wines, which is a two-year classroom qualification. They are aimed at both people working in the wine and drinks industry and enthusiastic amateurs. There is no fixed entry requirement for the Level 1 to 3 awards: learners can begin at the level that suits their experience. Entry to the Level 4 Diploma requires a pass in the Level 3 Award in Wines.

Intakes are fixed course sessions, each with its own lesson dates, exam date and payment deadline, published on each course page. There is no single yearly application window. Bookings for Levels 1 to 3 are made through the website, and a place is confirmed only once full payment is received. Course fees are published per course on the site, and instalments may be possible by arrangement. Bursaries are occasionally available, and a bursary for Level 3 and Level 4 students is administered by the International Wine Challenge in London rather than by the institution.