WINE TRAINING
WSET WINE COURSES
For yacht crew
Yacht Wine Courses & WSET Training for Crew
Onshore Cellars is a leading supplier of fine wine and spirits to the superyacht industry and a specialist provider of WSET wine courses for yacht crew.
Since 2016, we have delivered Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) wine training on board yachts and in private villas, helping crew develop the wine knowledge and service skills required at the highest level of yachting.
These internationally recognised WSET wine courses provide structured, practical education in wines and wine service, making them ideal for interior teams, stewards, and hospitality staff who want to deliver exceptional service on board.
WSET Wine Courses for Yacht Crew
Onshore Cellars offers WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3, tailored specifically for the superyacht environment:
- WSET Level 1An introduction to wine styles, basic service, and food pairing, ideal for crew new to wine.
- WSET Level 2Covers key grape varieties and major wine regions, wine production, storage, and professional food and wine pairing.
- WSET Level 3An advanced qualification exploring wine styles and quality, advanced wine service, global regions, and the impact of climate and winemaking decisions.
These courses are designed to fit around yacht schedules and can be delivered on board, shoreside, or in private villas.
- Robert Parker (RP) points
- Vinous points
WSET
WSET LEVEL 2
Course dates
Nov 16-19
Course details
| Level | WSET Level 2 Award in Wines |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5 days |
| Wines tasted | around 40 |
| Includes | vineyard visit and tasting at Château de Bellet |
| Exam | morning of the fourth day |
| Preparation | study pack sent in advance; prior reading recommended |
A perfect course if you are looking to improve your CV, or a must if you are stepping up to chief steward(ess).
The WSET Level 2 qualification is the industry standard wine course for yachting and is recognised globally across all other hospitality industries.
Over 3.5 days you will be given a detailed introduction to the world's most well-known wines, grape varieties and regions, tasting around 40 different wines, including a vineyard visit and tasting at Château de Bellet to experience the world of wine hands-on. The exam takes place on the morning of the fourth day, giving you more time to study.
Study packs will be distributed in advance and prior reading is recommended.
Your study pack and shipping: every WSET candidate must receive the official course book and study pack before the course, so we post it to you by tracked courier. That is why shipping is added at checkout, it is the postage for your study pack, calculated for your address. If you would rather collect it, choose Pickup from Onshore Cellars at checkout and there is no shipping charge.
Nice
Our courses are held at an amazing location in the heart of Nice in partnership with Vinolove Club!
Free Wine Academy for yacht crew
The Onshore Cellars Wine Academy is our free training platform for yacht crew, from core grape knowledge to confident guest-facing wine service. Create a free account to start.
Interactive quizzes
Timed drills across foundation to advanced topics.
Study courses
Structured modules with checkpoints and section quizzes.
Flashcards
Spaced repetition for faster recall under service pressure.
Mock exams
Full exam simulations to benchmark your progress.
Grape profiles
Producer, style, tasting and service notes in one view.
Yacht service playbooks
Operational guides for wine service on charter.
Bespoke Yacht Wine Training
For a more tailored approach, Onshore Cellars also offers private bespoke wine courses for yacht crew.
These customised training programmes allow you to focus on specific areas such as: Owner or guest wine preferences, cellar management and wine list development, Champagne, fine wine, or specific regions or advanced wine service and guest interaction. Our team works closely with captains, pursers, and chief stews to design training that fits the yacht’s operational needs.
Why Invest in Wine Training for Yacht Crew?
Investing in professional wine training for yacht crew delivers immediate and long-term benefits:
Improved confidence and professionalism in wine service
Enhanced guest experience and dining standards
Better wine recommendations and food pairings
Stronger interior team skill sets and career development
With expert training, your crew are better equipped to deliver a world-class wine and dining experience on board.
FAQs
Do I have to take the WSET level 1 before I can take the Level 2?
No, you can start your wine journey straight away with Level 2.
What can I expect from the WSET Level II exam?
The WSET Level II exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, which you'll have one hour to complete. The exam covers the key grape varieties and wine regions around the world, as well as wine production and service.
To pass the exam, you'll need to achieve a score of at least 55%. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you'll have the opportunity to retake the exam at a later date with paying just the exam fee.
Can you train my crew on board the yacht?
We certainly can! We offer private WSET 1 and 2 courses on board your yacht or for your company at at time that suits your schedule.
*Subject to trainers availability
Are the courses in English or French?
All courses are taught in English, but the instructors also speak French.
If you book a private course, you can choose either French or English.
