D5 Fortified Wines
In the D5 Fortified Wine Unit, students study the major fortified wines of the world— Sherry, Port, Madeira, and Fortified Muscats—examining how factors like grape growing, winemaking, fortification, maturation, and business practices influence a wine’s style, quality, and price. The unit also emphasizes analytical tasting, training students to evaluate fortified wines using the WSET’s systematic approach.
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Before studying D5, you must first study and test for D1 and D2.
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The D5 Fortified Wines unit is a multifaceted course built around how students learn best.
It combines in-person Diploma Days sessions focused on guided tastings and interactive learning complimented by online support that includes lectures, critical thinking activities, and practice exams with detailed examiner-level feedback.
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The exam is 90 minutes in length
Includes blind tasting of 3 fortified wines
Includes multiple open response questions
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The D5 Course is offered once per year.
April 1 – May 20, 2027
In-person Diploma Days: TBA
Exam date: Wednesday, June 9, 2027; 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Registration deadline: March 15, 2027