D1 Wine production

The D1 Wine Production Unit of WSET Diploma explores how wine is grown and made, from vineyard conditions and viticulture to winemaking, maturation, and packaging.

As the foundation of the program, it builds essential knowledge of how natural factors and production decisions shape a wine’s style, quality, and price—developing the critical thinking skills needed for advanced study and careers in the wine industry.

WSET Diploma - D1: Wine Production
$1,390.00

  • We offer the D1 Course two times per year.

    FALL COHORT
    Duration: August 1 – September 26, 2026
    In-the-Field Workshop: Sunday, September 13, 9:30am to 5:30pm (Willamette Valley)
    Exam date: Saturday, October 25, 2026; 11am
    Registration deadline: July 15, 2026

    WINTER COHORT
    Duration: January 1 – February 26, 2026
    In-the-Field Workshop: Monday, February 1, 9:30am to 5:30pm (Willamette Valley)
    Add on - optional - experience: Oregon Wine Symposium, February 2/3
    Exam date: Sunday, March 14; 11am
    Registration deadline: December 15, 2026

  • Before registering for D1 Wine Production, you must first:

    • Pass the WSET Level 3 in Wine exam

    • Complete your WSET Diploma Registration.

  • Our D1 Wine Production course is designed around how students actually learn and is focused on exam success.

    We combine multiple delivery methods to reinforce deep, lasting understanding. A dedicated in-person workshop day places you directly in vineyards and wineries, connecting theory to real-world production decisions. Alongside this, structured online materials—including recorded lectures, guided critical thinking activities, and targeted practice exams—allow you to build knowledge at your own pace while sharpening exam technique.

    Crucially, our practice exams include detailed, examiner-level feedback so you understand not just what to improve, but how to think and write at Diploma standard. The result is a more engaging learning experience, stronger retention, and consistently higher exam success.

  • The D1 Wine Production exam is a rigorous theory assessment focused on how wine is produced. The exam is 1.5 hours in length and comprised of open-response questions. 

    Success depends on more than recall—you’ll need to demonstrate understanding of how and why production choices impact a wine’s style, quality, and price. Strong exam technique, precise terminology, and the ability to apply knowledge across different scenarios are key to performing well.